Transnational America: Politics, Culture and Society

The Master's Programme in Transnational America: Politics, Culture and Society at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex political, cultural, and social dynamics that shape the Americas in the contemporary era. This programme is designed for students who are interested in understanding the multifaceted processes of globalization, transnationalism, and regional integration that influence the United States, Latin America, and the broader American continent. Throughout the programme, students examine a wide range of topics, including political institutions, cultural identities, social movements, economic development, and international relations within the transnational context. Emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills, the programme combines theoretical frameworks with empirical case studies, enabling students to develop nuanced perspectives on American societies and their global interactions. The curriculum includes diverse modules such as American political systems, cultural representations, migration and diaspora studies, indigenous movements, and transnational justice, among others. Students also have opportunities to engage in research projects, internships, and fieldwork to apply their knowledge in practical settings. The programme is suitable for those interested in careers in academia, government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, and cultural institutions. With a strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary approaches, the Master's in Transnational America prepares graduates to contribute thoughtfully to debates on U.S. and Latin American issues, fostering a deep understanding of the interconnectedness and diversity of the societies across the American continent. The programme is offered in English and provides students with excellent opportunities for academic growth and professional development in a multicultural environment.

The Master’s specialisation in Urban and Cultural Geography is taught the Nijmegen School of Management. It has a course load of 60 EC* (one-year). All the courses are 6 EC and the Master’s thesis is 24 EC. The structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Urban and Cultural Geography (6 EC)
• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (6 EC)
• Preparing Master’s thesis (6 EC)
• Elective course(s) (12 EC)

Semester 2

• Economy, Space and Culture in Nijmegen (6 EC)
• Master’s thesis and Internship (24 EC)

Elective courses

You’re free to choose courses that add up to at least 12 EC and meet your interests as long as they, in some way, can be linked to this specialisation and are taught at Master’s level. You can choose courses within Human Geography that are compulsory for other specialisations or from other related Master’s programmes. You could for example take one of the following courses:

• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (Geography)
• Globalising Cities and Hinterland (specialisation: Globalisation, Migration and Development)
• Tourism (Creative Industries)
• Space, Place and Society (Wageningen UR)
• Metropolitan Governance and Spatial Planning (University of Amsterdam)
• Social Challenges for the City in a Globalising World (University of Amsterdam)
• Culturele Diversiteit (Utrecht University)
• Social challenges for the city in a globalizing world (University of Amsterdam)
• Leisure and Space in the Information Society (Tilburg University)
• Thema: Cultuur, maatschappij en geschiedenis (Tilburg University)
• Cities and Neighbourhoods (Utrecht University)
• Representeren van plaatsen; beelden en teksten (University of Groningen)
• Making Places (University of Groningen)
• Culture, Conflict and the City (Manchester)
• Popular Urban Cultures (Manchester)
• Urban Interventions (Helsinki)
• Urban Social Geography (Brussels)

1. A completed Bachelor's degree from a geography-related discipline
   In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a geography-related discipline, such as Urban/Spatial Planning, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Religion Studies, European Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Language Studies, Architecture, (Urban) Design Studies, Leisure and Tourism, Conflict Studies and Management Sciences. Your prior education needs to be approved by the Examination Board.
2. Proficiency in English
   In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
   • A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
   • An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Transnational America: Politics, Culture and Society master's programme at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary course designed to explore the complex and diverse nature of American society in a transnational context. The programme aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, cultural, and economic dynamics that shape America both within its borders and in its interactions with the world. Throughout this program, students examine key issues such as race, ethnicity, migration, democracy, civil rights, popular culture, and foreign policy, placing them within broader global and transnational frameworks.

The curriculum includes a variety of courses that focus on different aspects of American studies, including history, political science, cultural studies, and international relations. Students are encouraged to critically analyze historical developments, current events, and cultural phenomena, fostering a nuanced perspective on American society's diversity and complexity. The programme also emphasizes research skills, employing a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to enable students to conduct independent research projects.

Radboud University’s campus provides a stimulating environment with access to extensive academic resources, including libraries, archives, and research centers specialized in American studies. Faculty members are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance tailored to students' interests and career goals. The programme often encourages active participation through seminars, workshops, and guest lectures from renowned scholars and practitioners.

Graduates of the Transnational America programme are equipped with critical thinking skills, a broad understanding of American social and cultural trends, and the ability to analyze transnational phenomena affecting the United States today. They are well-prepared for careers in academia, journalism, government, international organizations, NGOs, or cultural institutions. Furthermore, the programme supports international mobility, offering opportunities for exchange programs and internships that enhance students' practical experience and global networks.

In summary, this master's programme at Radboud University provides an in-depth exploration of America’s societal and cultural landscapes within a transnational framework, preparing students for professional roles that require sophisticated knowledge of American affairs within a global context. The curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with research opportunities and practical experiences, makes it an excellent choice for students interested in understanding and engaging with the multifaceted nature of America today.