university of copenhagen phd international relations

PhD programmes

PhD in Copenhagen?

Learn more about the opportunities at the University's six PhD schools.

The PhD Process at UCPH

Answers about funding, admission, supervision, courses and completing a PhD programme.

Tips for studying abroad

What to think about when planning a study tour abroad in connection with a PhD.

Contact PhD Programmes

The University of Copenhagen has six PhD programmes - one for each Faculty.

Regulations

Check the legislation and regulations that apply to PhD's at the University of Copenhagen.

Career opportunities

PhD graduates from UCPH find employment in a wide variety of public and private sector organisations.

Available PhD-positions

See available PhD-positions at the University of Copenhagen.

• PhD-positions

As a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen you have the opportunity to advance your international career as part of a world class research team. Every year, UCPH enrols more than 700 new PhD students. The University of Copenhagen offers cutting edge research in an international atmosphere. In 2013 Monocle Magazine heralded Copenhagen as "the most liveable city in the world".

Read about the job structure and the recruitment process for faculty and academic staff.

• Department of Communication

Sorry, the connection to the employee database has been disrupted. We are working on getting it back online.

International Relations and Conflict Resolution

Introduction.

This core subject takes its point of departure in the strong International Relations (IR) tradition of the department – and it adds a particular focus on conflict resolution, including mediation, diplomacy and non-violence, as well as theoretical approaches to how conflicts are managed, mediated and resolved.

The core subject  provides candidates with deep knowledge and key competences to analyze international conflicts, understood broadly as anything from separatism, civil wars, terrorism, international controversies, status rivalry to diplomatic tensions. While the object of analysis is conflict, the core subject  is not limited to the specific tradition of ‘conflict studies’, but has a strong component of other conflict-focused theories within IR. This unique approach to studying conflicts makes the core subject the place to go for graduate students who want to work with international conflicts and their resolution in an in-depth and theoretically advanced manner. It offers an ambitious program, which challenges students to work systematically by effectively linking theory, methods and empirics. 

This particular profile is internationally quite unique as other Nordic peace research communities do not have a similar theory dimension. In turn our many brilliant IR students will be challenged in a productive way by confronting work that does not spin out of the standard repertoire of IR-theories. By seeing how different evolving conversations have produced different overlapping intellectual universes, they gain an increased reflexivity in relation to using theories. In turn the core subject  will emphasize methods and strategies of analysis, training students in developing and applying their own analytical skills, knowledgeable of but not hostage to one particular set of theories. 

Below follows an introduction to the proposed core subject  explaining: 1) the organization of the core subject, 2) why you should take the core subject, and 3) which competencies you can gain.

Structure of the core subject

The core subject in International Relations and Conflict Resolution consists of two compulsory courses which students have to take during the same Autumn semester:

• Approaches to International Conflicts - From Theory to Methods (15 ECTS)  
• Concepts and Methods in International Relations (7,5 ECTS)

A specific course description and learning outcome for each of the courses will be available after the 1 st of May at www.kurser.ku.dk . 

Why should I take the core subject  in International Relations and Conflict Resolution?

Because you are interested in international relations, conflicts and diplomacy Have you ever followed a media debate on whether to intervene militarily or “do nothing” in an international conflict – and thought to yourself: “What’s the alternative?” Or followed a brutal war from the distance, thinking: “Why didn't foreign policy makers and diplomats do anything to mediate or solve the conflict? Could it have been prevented?” This core subject  in International Relations and Conflict Resolution is designed for students interested in such challenging questions, looking for ways of addressing complex issues of violence, conflict dynamics and international diplomacy. The core subject  will provide students with strong theoretical and analytical skills when it comes to addressing international problems. Moreover, it will give students a deeper knowledge of a range of international institutions, regions and conflicts. 

Because you would like to be part of a community of students and researchers with similar interests The core subject  is grounded in the Department’s internationally recognized IR research community. The core subject  offers students a unique opportunity to take advantage of this research environment and take part in relevant seminars organized by the Centre for Resolution of International Conflicts and the Center for Advanced Security Theory. You will be able to meet and engage with scholars who present and discuss their work. Being part of a group of students and researchers with similar interests enables you to network, develop new ideas and discuss current developments in international conflicts. Apart from the specialized courses and workshops, study groups, student labs and social activities will be arranged to ensure the cohesion of the group. 

Because you aim for an internationally oriented career Today’s interconnected conflicts and changing international system leave policy makers, diplomats and practitioners with a great challenge of embracing complexity when responding to contemporary conflicts in an effective and sustainable manner. The core subject  provides important tools for kick-starting an internationally oriented career, particularly in the areas of foreign policy, trade, diplomacy, global affairs, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, whether as a researcher, civil servant or in an NGO, in Denmark or in an international organization.   

Competences  

The core subject  provides students an in depth understanding of and ability to apply theories of international relations, conflict and diplomacy. We strive to attract the best students and offer steep individual learning-curves, based on continuous feedback, evaluation and group discussions. The core subject  is open for exploration of various aspects related to international conflicts such as gender and peace, trade wars, new media, mediation, strategy, negotiation techniques, diplomacy, peace-building, activism, non-violence or human rights. The specific competencies of the graduate student will depend on the topic of the elective courses and their individual choice of focus in their Master’s thesis. 

Overall the core subject will help you improve your:

• Ability to critically reflect on different approaches to understanding and handling international conflicts             
• Empirical knowledge of current conflicts, conflict patterns and conflict resolution practices          
• Knowledge of theoretical trends and key debates within International Relations and Conflict Resolution             
• Ability to apply key theories to analyze historical and contemporary conflicts             
• Ability to identify and analyze the causes, dynamics and positions in a conflict             
• Ability to compare and synthesize diverse approaches to diplomacy, conflict analysis, prevention and resolution            
• Ability to critically discuss and evaluate current research on international conflicts  
• Ability to analyze and access different conflict and diplomatic tensions and their possible resolution              

Teaching team

International Relations and Conflict Resolution is taught by a team of lecturers including Rebecca Adler-Nissen, Isabel Bramsen, Lise Philipsen and Ole Wæver. 

Registration for the core subject

You can read more about the registration process at your study information page at KUnet.

If you have any practical questions regarding registration for courses, exams or how to plan your study, please contact the Student Advisory Service .

Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies

• PhD courses and seminars at ToRS
• Popular Geopolitics: T...

Popular Geopolitics: The Role of Film, TV, and Other Media in Contemporary International Relations

20 november, 13:15-17:00:, phd master class with professor robert a. saunders, farmingdale state college, department of history and political science .

This master class will address the relatively new field of popular geopolitics, highlighting the groundbreaking work of key scholars within the discipline (Ó Tuathail, Dodds, Dittmer, Debrix, Sharp, et al.).

After discussing the marriage of critical geopolitics with media studies, our programme will examine how geographies are constructed and maintained in a mass-mediated world where television programs, video games, comic books, motion pictures, and web sites have emerged as important sources of everyday geopolitical “knowledge.”

In an effort to provide a comparative component, we will discuss the complex interplay between cultural stereotypes, geopolitical imaginaries, and international relations vis-à-vis the mediation of Russia/Eastern Europe, the Arab-Muslim world, East Asia, and Latin America.

We will also interrogate the unique role played by the Soviet Union’s geopolitical space during the Cold War, and how this cultural baggage influences current reception of post-Soviet Eurasia and the Russian Federation in the popular (Western) mind.

21 November 2014, 15:15-17:00 :

Borat: satire, politics, and national image in the post-soviet "east".

Public lecture by professor Robert A. Saunders, Farmingdale State College, Department of History and Political Science

This lecture stems from my long-running investigation of the British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen’s antics as Borat, the (fictitious) bumbling, sex-crazed reporter from Kazakhstan.

After exploring Western mass media’s tendency to treat the post-Soviet republics as an undifferentiated and ridiculous morass, which can be used as handy geopolitical setting for corruption, poverty, backwardness, intolerance, and—most importantly—self-righteous laughter, I will delve into the history of Borat, from the character’s humble beginnings as an unnamed Moldovan to his worldwide fame and well-documented feud with the government of Kazakhstan.

I will discuss the major findings of my book The Many Faces of Sacha Baron Cohen: Politics, Parody, and the Battle over Borat and the longer-term impact of the “Boratistan” parody on the post-Soviet realm.

Time: 20 Nov. - 21 Nov. 2014

Place: To be announced

Organizer: Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies

6 Best universities for International Relations and Diplomacy in Denmark

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Denmark ranked based on their research performance in International Relations and Diplomacy. A graph of 11.1K citations received by 625 academic papers made by 6 universities in Denmark was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Copenhagen

For International Relations and Diplomacy

2. Aarhus University

3. Copenhagen Business School

4. University of Southern Denmark

5. Roskilde University

6. Aalborg University

The best cities to study International Relations and Diplomacy in Denmark based on the number of universities and their ranks are Copenhagen , Aarhus , Frederiksberg , and Odense .

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in Denmark

Study at UCPH

Application and admission

Apply for a master's programme, captivating podcasts, dissecting love.

Closing the gap between teaching and research

Ethics4Medics

The Global Health Adventures of Professor Ib

Join the doctor in a corona intensive care unit

Din internetbrowser understøtter ikke iframes. Det betyder, at videoen Impact: Follow the doctor in a corona intensive care unit ikke kan afspilles.

Ulf Gøttrup Pedersen is chief medical officer in the intensive care unit at Zealand University Hospital in Køge and has been on the front line in the treatment of the critically ill corona patients.

The Science of Ice Cream

Din internetbrowser understøtter ikke iframes. Det betyder, at videoen The Science of Ice Cream ikke kan afspilles.

Cathrine Østerberg is the owner of Østerberg Ice Cream. She has studied food science, and her education provides the framework for the knowledge she uses every day when trying to make the perfect ice cream.

VR game improves motor skills in cerebral palsy

Din internetbrowser understøtter ikke iframes. Det betyder, at videoen VR game improves motor skills in cerebral palsy ikke kan afspilles.

Psychologists train parents in helping their children with anxiety

Din internetbrowser understøtter ikke iframes. Det betyder, at videoen Psychologists train parents in helping their children with anxiety ikke kan afspilles.

At the University of Copenhagen, psychologists have developed a programme to help parents of children with anxiety. The programme aims to help parents help their children before the anxiety reaches a stage where it requires treatment.

#kbhuni on Instagram

New insights

No association between COVID-19 vaccination or infection during pregnancy and congenital anomalies

Large Nordic registry-based study concludes that neither COVID-19 vaccination nor infection with the virus during the first trimester is associated with increased risk of congenital anomalies.

The plague may have caused the downfall of the Stone Age farmers

Ancient DNA from bones and teeth hints at a role of the plague in Stone Age population collapse. Contrary to previous beliefs, the plague may have diminished Europe's populations long before the major plague outbreaks of the Middle Ages, new research shows.

Organic material from Mars reveals the likely origin of life’s building blocks

Two samples from Mars together deliver the "smoking gun" in a new study showing the origin of Martian organic material. The study presents solid evidence for a prediction made over a decade ago by University of Copenhagen researchers that could be key to understanding how organic molecules, the foundation of life, were first formed here on Earth.

A world-class research university

Driven by intellectual creativity and critical thinking since 1479, researchers and students at the University of Copenhagen have expanded horizons and contributed to moving the world forward. With its 5,000 researchers and 37,500 students, the University boasts an international research and study environment and is highly ranked among the world's best universities.

Facts and figures

The PhD programme

PhD courses

Frequently asked questions

Evaluation seminar for phd-student wendy meng, phd course: the basics of teaching and learning in higher education for phd students.

Show all events

Roundtable Seminars for PhD students

Visiting researcher at cme to explore corporate governance in germany and the nordics.

Show all news

PhD-positions at UCPH

OdontSchool

• OdontSchool English

International Relations

The Department of Odontology and the School of Oral Health Sciences collaborate with a number of leading universities in the world to facilitate exchange of students and teachers. You can read more about the opportunities to participate in the exchange programme here .

The School of Oral Health Care collaborates with the Greenland Home Rule (Grønlands Hjemmestyre) concerning the training of Greenlandic dental assistants and Greenlandic dental hygienists (KIG).

The Greenlandic training programmes are specifically adapted to the Greenlandic context. The education consists of blended learning as some part is distance learning, some part is taken place at the Peqqissaanermik Ilinniarfik - The Nuuk Health School (Sundhedsskolen i Nuuk), and the rest is training periods at the dental clinics in Greenland. The School of Oral Health Sciences has staff stationed in Nuuk, Greenland, for a considerable part of the year.

Experts from the Department of Odontology and the School of Oral Health Sciences contribute to relevant training activities nationally as well as internationally.

Feel free to contact us if you would like to get in contact with any of our staff for educational purposes . 

Finally, the Department of Odontology and the School of Oral Health Care take part in various cooperative projects involving international companies and organisations.

The core of such cooperative projects may, for instance, be how education should evolve to match the trends observed in public health internationally, for instance. Specifically, efforts may focus on dental hygienists' role in the preventive efforts targeting elderly citizens in the Nordic countries, or the celebration of summer schools on dental health in developing countries.

• International Education
• The value of strong in...

The value of strong international collaboration

• Collaboration

International collaboration is at the heart of what I work with every day. It comes in many shapes and forms through projects, bilateral relations and alliances. For me, the students and their education are my centre of attention. How can we create a positive impact for our students, increase their academic opportunities and contribute to their personal development through international collaboration?

Our European university alliance, 4EU+, is founded on the notion that we can do more – create more opportunities and enhance the quality of our educational offering – by working together than what we can each do separately. With 61 educational projects, 721 shared courses, 3592 student mobilities and 1176 staff mobilities recorded in the first project period, 4EU+ is well under way.

In UCPH Rector Henrik C. Wegener’s leader  following the 4EU+ Annual Meeting held in Copenhagen in October, he shares his vision as the new president for building a sustainable alliance, working toward seamless mobility and boosting academic and administrative collaboration. I share his vision and cherish that we have a university leadership that truly believes in the importance of being part of strong international collaborations on education. It opens new opportunities for our students and offers them new personal and academic perspectives.

UCPH enjoys many strong bilateral international relations, and we have joined forces with some of our long-term partners in the Erasmus KA2 Evaluate project (2019-2022) to develop a framework for evaluating international strategic partnerships. Being part of the project was a valuable learning experience that led to reflections on our internal processes and stakeholder engagement at UCPH. We look forward to using the evaluation framework in the future to improve our partnerships to the benefit of our students and researchers, and hope that you will find it useful at your institution too.

Finally, I just want to use this opportunity to share with you the great news of UCPH Professor Morten Meldal winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his ground-breaking work with what is known as click chemistry. Meldal shares the award with Barry Sharpless from Scripps Research and Carolyn Bertozzi from Stanford University. Hence, this proves ‘the value of strong international collaboration’.

On this happy note, I wish all my colleagues at our partner institutions and the many students we have exchanged over the past year a very happy holiday season and all the best for the new year.

By Anne Bruun

Anne Bruun is Director International at UCPH

Photo by Kim Vadsk.

Skip to content. Skip to navigation Go to page content Go to navigation of subsection Go to section "Why Denmark" Go to subsection "Study in Denmark" Go to subsection "Live in Denmark" See "Guides" Go to "News"

• Guides to go!
• The Danish lifestyle
• Denmark - an innovation leader
• Study in English
• High academic standards
• Guarantee for a quality experience
• Money-Saving Tips
• International students’ survival guide to life in Denmark
• Watch more videos from Study in Denmark
• Video testimonials
• Article testimonials
• “Don’t be afraid of challenges”
• Academy Profession (AP) degree programme
• Bachelor's degree programmes
• Master's degree programmes
• PhD programmes
• Exchange programmes
• Summer schools
• Higher Education Institutions

Language requirements

• Regulations of Admission (Quota 1 and Quota 2)
• Stand-by list
• Tuition Fees
• Scholarships
• Do I need a visa?
• Registration certificates (EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
• Residence permits (non-EU/EEA citizens)
• How do I register my residence in Denmark?
• How do I get a Danish ID-number? (CPR)
• Emergency (112) and police (114)
• Finding housing
• Housing links
• Learn Danish
• Bank & Budget
• Student jobs
• Travel & Transport
• The practicalities
• Starting up your own business
• Paying taxes
• Work life balance
• “My best decision ever!”
• “In Denmark you always have something to do”
• “I am on the right track.”
• “The safe option is not always the best option”
• “Hard, but I gained a lot of valuable knowledge”
• Study in Denmark
• Studyindenmark Youtube Channel
• See more videos from Study in Denmark

University of Copenhagen (UCPH)

University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Campus

University of Copenhagen, Maersk Tower

University of Copenhagen, South Campus

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) has four campus areas located in Denmark’s capital city. The University is the largest educational institution in Denmark and consists of eight faculties that combined offer over 200 academic programmes for study in health sciences, humanities, law, life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and theology. Student life Students often live in student residences or share apartments in Copenhagen. They are expected to take a critical and independent approach to their studies. A tradition at the University is the 'Friday bar', which is a social event organised by students at each department. It gives students (and staff) an opportunity to socialise. A capital university The University is a central part of Copenhagen – the capital of Denmark. The city was founded in 1167 and has maintained its original charm even today with a population of 1.7 million.The safe atmosphere, the low level of pollution and the many cultural events all contribute to make Copenhagen one of the most liveable cities in the world. An international atmosphere Annually the University of Copenhagen welcomes more than 1,700 international students from all over the world. The international students add a cosmopolitan flavour to campus life. The University helps international students with admission, housing, student counselling etc., and offers orientation programmes including various social events. Visit the homepage of UCPH: https://studies.ku.dk/

Nørregade 10 1165 Copenhagen K Website:  https://studies.ku.dk/ Open in google maps

Keep updated

What you can study here.

• Bachelor's (3 yrs)
• Master's (2 yrs)
• PhD (3 yrs)
• Danish courses
• Guest students
• Summer University

Click and browse through the list of study programmes offered at the institution.

Actuarial Mathematics | Master 2 years

Actuarial mathematics, master (2 years) of science in actuarial mathematics , 120 ects.

Description

Career opportunities.

• insurance companies 
• other types of financial institutions
• consultancy firms. 

About the Degree

Further information, non eu/eea citizens, application date, eu/eea/swiss citizens, north campus, advanced migration studies | master 2 years, advanced migration studies, master (2 years) of arts in advanced migration studies, 120 ects.

Career Opportunities  

• political institutions concerned with immigration and integration policies (e.g. at the national level and in local government)
• private companies facing the challenges of diversity management and recruitment of international talent
• unions and organisations concerned with migrants in the labour market and various aspects of immigration and integration
• NGOs making policy recommendations and assisting public institutions to cater for migrants
• private companies providing analyses of issues related to migration to national and local governmentcultural institutions committed to representing the history, culture and artistic expressions of migrants
• universities and other research institutions

Admission Requirements  

How to apply, for further information, south campus.

The South campus is located just south of the city centre and has a vibrant student community. The campus is home to the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Theology.

African studies | Master 2 years

African studies, master (2 years) of arts in african studies, 120 ects.

What is Africa? What is Africa’s place in the world? How might emerging trends within the continent be analysed and appreciated?

The MA in African Studies provides an advanced understanding of the diversity of the African continent and its relationship to the world, in historical, social, political, economic and cultural dimensions. Grounded in this interdisciplinary approach, students acquire strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and the possibility for gaining practical experience in relevant professional fields.

As a student of African Studies you will:

• Join one of the few distinct African Studies centres in continental Europe offering a comprehensive two-year Masters in African Studies.
• Take part in a dynamic international study environment at a centre which has a strong sense of community and a close and committed interaction among staff and students.
• Obtain an interdisciplinary degree in African Studies grounded in a combination of social sciences and humanities, incorporating a variety of core and elective courses and teaching methods which together facilitate both flexibility and focus.
• Benefit from a strong theoretical and research-based teaching environment with opportunities for also gaining practical experience and skills through internships and/or fieldwork studies.

The aim of the Masters programme in African Studies is three-fold. Firstly, it is to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of Africa and its relationship to the world in relation to the continent’s diverse historical, social, political, economic and cultural dimensions. Secondly, it is to equip students with critical analytical capacities relevant to a range of social, political, economic and cultural challenges,that can be applied both to Africa-specific conditions and to other global, national and local contexts. Thirdly, armed with such knowledge and skills, it is to produce graduates with competences that allow them to enter a range of professional environments in both the public and private sectors, both internationally and nationally.

Having gained the knowledge, skills and competences noted above, graduates in African Studies may pursue – and have pursued – careers in a fairly wide range of professional fields.These include careers in: international development and/or humanitarian organisations, be these bilateral, multilateral or non-governmental; various kinds of national government agencies such as those concerned with foreign affairs, the environment, migration and refugees, security, social development and so on; different arenas within the private sector such as business investment, consultancy, entrepreneurship or corporate social responsibility; the media or other spheres of information and communication; or continuing in academia as a researcher and/or teacher.

Admission  

For further information, eu/eea/swiss citizens, non-eu/eaa/swiss citizens, city campus.

Studying at City Campus means being downtown Copenhagen. Everything the city has to offer is right outside the door. Nevertheless, it is easy to escape city noise in order to study or relax in one of the many beautiful, surrounding parks.The campus area accommodates the Faculty of Social Sciences and a part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Centre for Health and Society is located between the city lakes and the transport hub Nørreport. This is a place brimming with history as the buildings are the former district general hospital with high ceilings and a stylish architectural look. Teaching facilities are modern, and in 2013, the University opened a new building with three auditoriums.

Agricultural Development | Master 2 years

Agricultural development, master (2 years) of science in agricultural development, 120 ects.

• forestry systems
• food processing and quality
• economic development
• rural livelihoods
• environmental and natural ressource management.
• Become a consultant in a Danish or international organisation specialising in development and/or food, (e.g. Danida, UNEP, FAO, EU).
• Work within research in Denmark or at an international research institution, e.g. at universities and government research institutions.
• Find employment with one of the many organisations focusing on developing countries. Recent graduates from the programme are working with the Red Cross, CARE, DanChurchAid, the Child Fund Alliance (Denmark) and Save the Children (Denmark)
• Find employment with companies engaging in fair trade, ecology and global trade, e.g. certification, labelling, purchasing and sales.

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants

Eu/eea/swiss applicants, frederiksberg campus.

The Frederiksberg Campus houses part of the Faculty of Science with areas of studies including natural and biosciences as well as part of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, including the University Hospital for Companion Animals. It is located a few kilometres west of the city centre in beautiful green surroundings. Frederiksberg is a popular residential area. The Frederiksberg Campus area includes beautful gardens with many facilities for students, including a student-run café in an old greenhouse.

Agricultural Economics | Master 2 years

Agricultural economics, master (2 years) of science in agricultural economics, 120 ects.

• Banks and financial institutions or international organisations such as the EU and OECD
• Ministries (e.g. the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries) and government agencies (e.g. the Danish Environmental Protection Agency), where you can contribute to establishing the basis for the policy in the food and environmental area
• Central agricultural organisations and companies
• Economic consultancies and advisory services
• Universities as a researcher or a lecturer in economics and social conditions
• Microeconomics (at least 22.5 ECTS)
• Macroeocnomics (at least 15 ECTS)
• International Economics (at least 7.5 ECTS)
• Statistics (at least 7.5 ECTS)
• Econometrics (at least 7.5 ECTS)
• Mathematics (at least 7.5 ECTS)

Further information

Eu/eea and swiss citizens, non eu/eea/swiss citizens, agriculture | master 2 years, agriculture, master (2 years) of science in agriculture, 120 ects, career opportunities   .

• National and international advice and consultancy service in crop production, nature and environment, in the horticultural and agricultural sector
• Research, innovation and product development of plants, plant protection and environmental technologies in public institutions, private businesses or in own enterprise
• Policy development, implementation and administration related to plant production, nature conservation, environment and related technologies in the public sector, e.g. in ministries and municipalities and in private stakeholder organisations, including international NGOs
• Teaching and communication in universities or agricultural schools or to the broader public

Admission   

• BSc in Natural Resources (naturressourcer) (all core modules).
• 7,5 ECTS credits within biology or ecology
• 7,5 ECTS credits within natural resources (soil, water, etc.)
• 7.5 ECTS credits within economy or regulation

Animal Science | Master 2 years

Animal science, master (2 years) of science in animal science, 120 ects.

• The Agricultural Advisory Service, consulting engineering firms, the financial sector or international development organisations
• Development or sales jobs in the industry and production sector
• Industry associations or professional organisations with relations to domestic animals or production
• Strategic advising and/or management of experimental animal businesses
• Public management (municipalities, regions, ministries and governmental bodies in Denmark, the EU and internationally)
• Research and education in private companies, governmental research institutions and universities
• Teaching at agricultural colleges, technical colleges or in another kind of course activities
• Starting your own business

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

Anthropology | master 2 years, anthropology, master (2 years) of of science in anthropology, 120 ects.

• Consulting work and project work, including qualitative studies, analysis, project leadership, planning and evaluation in both the private and public sectors
• Integration-related work for municipalities and for NGO’s
• Product and market development and management
• User-driven innovation for private firms and municipalities
• Teaching and outreach at universities, municipal primary and lower secondary school, museums or at newspapers
• Intercultural communication in international companies and organisations
• Development work in Denmark and abroad

Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Anthropology of health | master 2 years, anthropology of health, master (2 years) of , 120 ects.

•     Medical Anthropology, Introductory Course
•     Medical Anthropology, Advanced Course: Violence and Global Health:  Anthropological Perspectives

Career Opportunities 

Admission , spring 2015 - eu/eea/swiss citizens, spring 2015 - non-eu/eea/swiss citizens, applied cultural analysis | master 2 years, applied cultural analysis, master (2 years) of arts in applied cultural analysis,.

• How are culture and economy intertwined in the analysis of new market and consumer preferences?
• How can cultural analysis contribute to processes of innovation? 
• How do processes of globalization and local lifestyles intersect in regional contexts?
• How do the predicaments of cultural diversity challenge established concepts of ethnicity and class, gender and age?

Admission Requirements   

Biochemistry | master 2 years.

• Biochemistry

Master (2 years) of of Science in Biochemistry, 120 ECTS

• work with living organisms (bacteria, archaea, yeasts, cell cultures, plants);
• define, delimit, formulate and analyse biochemical or biological problems;
• independently plan and perform scientific experiments as well as interpret their reliability;
• interpret the results of experiments and communicate them in a larger context;
• express yourself clearly using the correct scientific terminology and to achieve a significant understanding of your field of research;

Bioinformatics | Master 2 years

Bioinformatics, master (2 years) of science in bioinformatics, 120 ects.

• control situations at work and in developments that are complex, unpredictable and require new solutions
• individually initiate and complete collaborations and take professional responsibility
• find, extract, interpret and evaluate large dataset in complex biological processes
• individually take responsibility for your own scientific evolution and specialization

Biology | Master 2 years

Master (2 years) of science in biology, 120 ects, description .

• pharmaceutical companies
• government ministries
• municipalities
• universities
• upper secondary schools
• intellectual property consultancies
• environmental organisations
• biotech start-ups

Biology-Biotechnology | Master 2 years

• Biology-Biotechnology

Master (2 years) of Science in Biology-Biotechnology, 120 ECTS

• You can work within research and development in public and private companies such as Novo Nordisk, Chr. Hansen and Novozymes.
• You can work in companies producing foods, enzymes, drugs, textiles, new energy resources or environmentally beneficial processes.
• You can also work with management, risk analysis, teaching and communication in either public or private companies.
• There are also good opportunities for continuing your research at the Faculty of Science as the faculty’s biotechnological research is at a high, internationally recognised level, particularly in the molecular field involving foods, plants and animals.

Business and Organisational Anthropology | Master 2 years

Business and organisational anthropology.

• Economic Anthropology,
• Anthropology of Evaluation,
• International Consultancy,
• Organizational Anthropology
• Anthropology of Marketing; Performance & Tricksters
• The bachelor degree must consist of a minimum of one and a half years (90 ECTS) of anthropological subjects.
• The bachelor degree must include introductory courses in anthropology, including introduction to history of anthropological theory and methodology
• Language requirements:
• Scandinavian applicants (including Danish applicants) are required to document proficiency in English corresponding to at least English B level; cf. Section 11 of the Danish Ministerial Order on Admission at Universities.
• Applicants from outside of Scandinavia who speak or write English as a second language must pass the IELTS test with a score minimum of 6.5, or the TOEFL IBT Test with a minimum score of 83 or a minimum of 560 in the paper based test; cf. Section 11(2) of the Danish Ministerial Order on Admission at Universities

Chemistry | Master 2 years

Master (2 years) of science in chemistry, 120 ects.

• Process and analyse data
• Read and understand literature in the field of chemistry
• Utilize chemistry databases
• Account for work orally and in writing
• Perform advanced organic preparative work, including work with reactive, toxic and air-sensitive reagents
• Organize, describe, execute and optimize multistep syntheses on large and small scales
• Make use of synthetic chemistry literature, databases, reference works in conjunction with the knowledge of chemical reactions' detailed processes to develop and improve preparative methods
• Describe the chemistry and physics at boundary surfaces
• Describe and optimize the sustainability of a chemical proces

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Climate change | master 2 years, climate change, master (2 years) of science in climate change, 120 ects.

• In governmental agencies and municipalities which develop plans for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• In consultancy companies carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment, develop, implement or monitor climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.
• In climate change research, teaching and information dissemination.
• In industry, developing environmental and energy technologies.
• In NGOs and international organisations (incl. the UN) involved in climate change impacts assessment, mitigation and adaptation.

Cognition and Communication | Master 2 years

Cognition and communication, master (2 years) of arts in cognition and communication, 120 ects, computer science | master 2 years, computer science, master (2 years) of of science in computer science, 120 ects.

• Computational and Mathematical Modelling 
• Programming Languages and Systems 
• Software Development 
• Digital Interactive Entertainment 
• Computer Science Innovation 
• Algorithms and Data Structures    

Economics | Master 2 years

Master (2 years) of science in economics, 120 ects.

• Consultant - Work in a private company and find solutions to problems like: “Should we invest in public transport or in highways?” or “How do we get consumers to buy more iPhones?”
• Government Official - Work within a ministry and work with problems like: “How do we increase trade with China?” or “What can we do to increase the level of investment in green technology?”
• Politician - Many politicians are economists. The role of a politician is to decide which laws should be implemented to accommodate the proposals from government officials, the public or others.
• Financial sector - Work in insurance or banking with problems like: “Which asset should we invest in?” or “How do we measure the risk?”
• Teaching and research - Become a teacher and/or a researcher - teach young prospective economists and contribute to modern Economic Theory.

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics | Master 2 years

Environmental and natural resource economics, master (2 years) of science in environmental and natural resource economics, 120 ects, environmental science (formerly environmental chemistry and health) | master 2 years, environmental science (formerly environmental chemistry and health), master (2 years) of science in environmental science, 120 ects, http://studies.ku.dk/masters/environmental-chemistry-and-health/ description.

• In R&D departments in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry or in consulting firms, where they, for instance, develop products which are not harmful to the environment.
• Within ‘cleantech’, with developing air filters, for example, and purifying water.
• Assessing chemicals allowed in, for example, food and toys, in ministries and government agencies such as the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.
• Handling natural disasters caused by chemical pollution, e.g. oil spills.
• Within legislation and regulation in, for example, ministries or in new municipalities and regions in Denmark.

Film and Media Studies | Master 2 years

Film and media studies, master (2 years) of arts in film and media studies, 120 ects.

Career Opportunities   

Food innovation and health | master 2 years, food innovation and health, master (2 years) of science in food innovation and health, 120 ects, food science and technology | master 2 years, food science and technology, master (2 years) of science in food science and technology, 120 ects, career opportunities  .

• You can, for example, work with product development, quality management and company management in food companies.
• You can become involved in developing new and healthy foods or working to prevent undesirable bacteria from entering the products.
• As the programme is taught in English and the food industry is globally oriented, the programme gives you a solid foundation for an international career.

Admission  

Non-eu/eea citizen, forest and nature management | master 2 years, forest and nature management, master (2 years) of science in forest and nature management, 120 ects.

• As a head of section or head of division in a ministry, e.g. the Danish Ministry of the Environment
• As a nature and environmental manager in the municipalities
• As a manager of nature restoration projects
• With sustainable management and project management in private companies, e.g. within corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• As a project manager in consultancy firms
• As a forest supervisor or master of forestry in a private forest or state forest district
• As a forestry consultant on private forest properties in Denmark and abroad
• Within research and education at universities and other institutions of higher education

Geography and Geoinformatics | Master 2 years

Geography and geoinformatics, master (2 years) of science in geography and geoinformatics, 120 ects.

• In the private sector, e.g. consulting engineering firms
• In public administration, e.g. as urban planners, project coordinators, environmental workers, business development consultants, student and career counsellors or as academic workers in international organisations
• As consultants for special interest groups
• As researchers and upper secondary school teachers

Non EU/EEA Citizens

Geology-geoscience | master 2 years, geology-geoscience, master (2 years) of science in geology-geoscience, 120 ects, global development | master 2 years, global development, master (2 years) of of science in global development, 120 ects.

• identify and critically analyse key factors and forces shaping the livelihoods and well-being of individuals, populations and societies at global, regional, national and local levels
• independently analyse and evaluate policies and strategies for development and economic growth in low and middle-income societies
• discuss cultures and social norms in the contextualisation of theories
• critically evaluate, discuss and prioritise among key methodologies with regard to validity, reliability and applicability
• communicate and discuss research-based knowledge, advice and decisions across cultures and on different levels to researchers, policy-makers, media, organisations and laypersons.
• A bachelor degree from a recognised university equivalent to a BSc degree in either anthropology, economics, geography, geoinformatics, natural resources, political science or sociology
• The bachelor degree must contain a minimum of 15 ECTS of qualitative and/or quantitative methodsFurthermore, there are language requirements for all applicants.

Global Health | Master 2 years

Global health, master (2 years) of of science in global health, 120 ects.

• Development agencies with national and international scope where graduates are involved in implementing, managing and monitoring development activities, such as WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, The World Bank, European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, International Red Cross, Save the Children, etc.
• Private companies, consultancies and industries dealing with health such as pharmaceutical and medical companies, the food industry, patent organisations and private consultancy firms
• Government bodies and public authorities where graduates are involved in policy related activities, such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Board of Health and Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs.
• Universities and research institutions where graduates are involved in research. 
• Public Health Science 
• Sociology 
• Geography and Geoinformatics 
• Political Science 
• Anthropology 
• Health Informatics 
• Psychology 
• Dental Surgery 
• Veterinary Medicine 
• Food and Nutrition 
• Development Studies 
• Biology 
• BSc in Nursing 
• BSc in Global Nutrition and Health

Human Biology | Master 2 years

Human biology, master (2 years) of science in human biology, 120 ects, about the degree.

• Sports Science
• Pharmaceutics

Human Nutrition | Master 2 years

Human nutrition, master (2 years) of science in human nutrition, 120 ects.

• Health coordinator, for example, planning dietary information campaigns.
• Management and teaching within higher health education.
• Management of projects and development work, including nutrition-related assessment of food products, for example,  at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration or the National Board of Health, Denmark.
• Gathering, processing and assessing nutrition scientific knowledge about, for example, the development of new dietary supplements or functional food, at companies like Nestlé or Unilever.
• Nutrition consultant in patients’ associations and special interest groups, for example, the Danish Cancer Society and the Danish Heart Foundation.
• Consultancy  in countries with undernourishment and malnutrition problems.
• Teamwork in respect to designing, conducting and assessing nutrition-related studies and clinical tests, for example,  at Novo Nordisk and Pharma Nord.
• Admission to a three-year PhD programme at the university or another research environment. 

Immunology and Inflammation | Master 2 years

Immunology and inflammation, master (2 years) of science in immunology and inflammation, 120 ects.

Admission Requirements

• Molecular Biomedicine/Molecular Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• A total of at least 30 ECTS credits within 3 of 4 areas: Cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and/or molecular biology.
• Language requirements: You are required to document proficiency in English according to your background; see the language requirements .
• Graduation year requirement: You must have earned your Bachelor’s degree within a maximum of 5 years prior to the start of the first semester of the Master’s programme. (In exceptional circumstances the admissions committee may waive the graduation year requirements).

Information Science and Cultural Communication | Master 2 years

Information science and cultural communication, master (2 years) of science in information science and cultural communication, 120 ects, admission  requirements, integrated food studies | master 2 years, integrated food studies, master (2 years) of integrated food studies, 120 ects.

• Design and Gastronomy
• Food Policy, Innovation and Networks
• Public Health Nutrition
• The Food Industry, Industry Organizations and Retail: Innovative Design, Management and Strategic Planning and Technology Development
• Foodservice and Meal Production: Planning and Development, Management of Health Promotion and Nutritional Planning
• Authorities and Administrations: Strategic Development and Implementation, Policy Development, Advisory Work
• Research, Consultants, Teachers: Scientific Work and Advisory Work.
• Bachelor in Food Science
• Bachelor in Nutrition & Health, or
• Bachelor in Global Nutrition and Health
• Scientific, technical and engineerical qualifications relating to food studies
• Qualifications within design and visualisation relating to food studies
• Qualifications within the socio-technical field or policy governance field relating to food studies

IT and Cognition | Master 2 years

It and cognition, master (2 years) of science in it and cognition, 120 ects, landscape architecture | master 2 years, landscape architecture, master (2 years) of science in landscape architecture, 120 ects, mathematics | master 2 years, mathematics, master (2 years) of science in mathematics, 120 ects.

• Conduct independent, stringent argumentation
• Structure a study of open mathematical issues
• Define mathematical disciplines in relation to each other, but also to take advantage of interdisciplinary skills.
• Independently take responsibility for his or her own professional development and specialisation.
• Read and understand original mathematical literature
• Convey and communicate mathematical issues and problems on a scientific basis
• Explain, orally and in writing, mathematical studies of open issues.

Mathematics - Economics | Master 2 years

Mathematics - economics, master (2 years) of science in mathematics - economics, 120 ects, medicinal chemistry | master 2 years, medicinal chemistry, master (2 years) of science in medicinal chemistry, 120 ects.

• The degree qualifies the holder for admission to PhD programmes in medicinal chemistry including biostructural chemistry, biopharmaceuticals as well as structural and computational drug design.
• Patenting – positions in pharmaceutical companies and private- or public-sector patent agencies securing and defending intellectual property rights.
• Upscaling – process chemistry. Developing effective, safe, robust environmentally friendly synthesis procedures for use in high-volume production of the active drug substance. Production is performed according to GMP (good manufacturing practice). The work also includes producing reference substances for analytical use and patenting.
• Chemistry and manufacturing control (CMC) as an employee of a parent company or a CRO (Contract Research Organisation), that is, small, specialised research enterprises.
• Regulatory affairs and QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control). Among other things, pharmaceutical companies are required to document that they develop and produce drugs in accordance with GMP. The skills of the medicinal chemist are needed for this and many similar functions.

Molecular Biomedicine | Master 2 years

• Molecular Biomedicine

Master (2 years) of Science in Molecular Biomedicine, 120 ECTS

Nanoscience | master 2 years, nanoscience, master (2 years) of science in nanoscience, 120 ects, nanoscience and technology | master 2 years, nanoscience and technology, master (2 years) of science in nanoscience and technology, 120 ects.

• High-tech companies
• Chemical plants
• Biotechnology
• Materials Research
• Food industry
• Research Institutions
• Nano-Science
• Materials Science

Spring 2015

Sino-danish center, beijing, china.

The Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC) is a joint project on education and research between the eight Danish universities, the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).  Sino-Danish Center is located at UCAS' Zhongguancun Campus, centrally located in Beijing.

Nature Management | Master 2 years

Nature management, master (2 years) of science in nature management, 120 ects, neuroscience | master 2 years, neuroscience, master (2 years) of science in neuroscience, 120 ects, career opportunities, admission requirements.

• Biomedicine
• Medicinal Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Medicine with Industrial Specialisation

Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Cell biology
• Molecular biology

Pharmaceutical Sciences | Master 2 years

Master (2 years) of science in pharmaceutical sciences, 120 ects, physics | master 2 years, master (2 years) of science in physics, 120 ects, quantum information science | master 2 years, quantum information science.

• in the IT industry, developing new quantum algorithms to optimize complex calculations
• in tech companies, developing systems and components for quantum information processing
• as a consultant in companies and industries, for instance in connection with the development and implementation of quantum simulations
• within the pharmaceutical industry e.g., to simulate experiments when developing medicines
• in telecommunications and banking where you can contribute to secure encryption and communications
• establishing start-up companies within quantum information technology
• as a researcher within quantum information science at universities or companies.

Religious Roots of Europe | Master 2 years

Religious roots of europe, master (2 years) of arts in the religious roots of europe, 120 ects.

Security Risk Management | Master 2 years

Security risk management, master (2 years) of security risk management, 120 ects.

• Market and risk analyst in private companies
• CSR consultant
• Executive secretary
• Security manager
• Public affairs manager or manager of government relations
• Stakeholder management consultant
• Global public affairs manager
• Advisor in an insurance company (both regular insurance and re-insurance)
• Advisor in an investment company
• Risk analyst in consultancies that provide political risk analyses, intelligence and monitoring of political risks
• Intelligence advisor
• Crisis management employee (in both private companies and public institutions)
• Strategic consultant (in both private companies and public institutions)
• Consultant in industrial or trade organisations
• Civil advisor in the Danish Defence (at home or abroad and regarding both military and humanitarian peacekeeping missions)
• Political officer in relation to UN missions
• Risk analyst in relation to major public investments and projects
• Event risk manager
• Emergency planning (in both private companies and public institutions)
• Development and analysis worker in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service or the Danish Security and Intelligence Service
• Analysis and project worker in the police or the Danish Emergency Management Agency
• Project manager in the Danish Emergency Management Agency
• Employee in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (within the areas of security, service for citizens, development and export)
• Analysis worker in the Ministry of Defence, the Health and Medicine Authorities or the Ministry of the Environment

Spring 2015 - Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Spring 2015 - eu/eea/swiss citizens, statistics | master 2 years, master (2 years) of of science in statistics, 120 ects.

• Probability theory, which is the field of mathematics that describes uncertainty.
• Theoretical statistics, which comprises philosophical considerations about how best to translate between mathematics and reality.
• Practical data processing, which is an area of applied computer science.
• The pharmaceutical industry
• The public health insurance sector
• The financial sector
• Agricultural research

Sustainable Development in Agriculture (Agris Mundus) | Master 2 years

Sustainable development in agriculture (agris mundus), master (2 years) of of science in sustainable development in agriculture (agris mundus), 120 ects.

Please note: University of Copenhagen does not admit students to this programme in 2018

• Bachelor of Sciences (180 ECTS) or equivalent in Agricultural sciences or a BA in Social Sciences if the candidate can demonstrate a particular interest for agriculture;
• Verified excellent quality of the institution where this last degree was obtained;
• Excellent academic background with marks identifying the candidate among the 20% best students of his former studies (1st class or 2nd class with honours);
• Strongly convincing letter of motivation and 2 letters of support from referees.

Agris mundus scholarships

Round 1 - all nationalities, possible scholarship funding, round 2 - all nationalities, no scholarship funding, ucph international summer programme | summer school, ucph international summer programme, summer school of , 10 ects.

University of Copenhagen

Water and environment | master 2 years, water and environment, master (2 years) of science in water and environment, 120 ects.

• Engineering consultancy companies
• Manufacturing companies, including companies that manufacture environmental technology products
• Ministries and public administration institutions that set the political framework for the regulation of water and environment and carry out supervisory tasks
• Educational institutions
• Research institutions and companies
• International organisations
• Food and pharmaceutical companies
• Professional agricultural organisations, including consultancy firms
• A successfully completed Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or higher in a natural science field such as Agricultural Science, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering or Natural Resources. The Bachelor’s degree must as a minimum include basic courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology and statistics.
• High-level English language proficiency.
• BSc in Natural Resources, specialisation in Environmental Science
• BSc in Biology
• BSc in Biotechnology
• BSc in Agriculture, Food and the Environment, specialisation in Agriculture and the Environment
• BSc in Geology
• BSc in Environmental Technology

Non-EU/EEA students

How to apply

Read about the application process and the steps you need to take to study at a Danish Institution of Higher Education

Tuition fees & Scholarships

Here's the quick guide to all you need to know about tuition fees and scholarships

News from Study in Denmark About Danish research and higher education

Useful websites when preparing to study in Denmark

Before deciding to move to a new country to study, it can provide some reassurance to prepare as best as possible

Application deadline for 2024 is approaching

If you want to be enrolled in a higher education study programme in Denmark, the application deadline is less than a month away.

Time to Mind

Are you planning to study abroad in the future? Then be prepared for a possible "culture shock".

Do you have questions about applying for a study programme in Denmark?

If you want to apply for a higher education study programme in Denmark, then you can participate in a live chat and ask your questions about the application process to a guidance counsellor.

Are you going to apply for an education in Denmark?

If you plan on applying for a higher education in Denmark then you can participate in the live chat.

PhD School in the Humanities

• How to obtain a PhD scholarship
• Application process an...

Application process and timeline

Application procedures and timeline for the processing of applications differ depending on the kind of call, scholarship and/or affiliation to the PhD School in the Humanities.

There are three ways to approach the application process:

• T he open calls  for PhD scholarships are only announced once a year.
• Specific calls, with a predefined research objective – usually part of a collective research project – are announced throughout the year.
• If you bring your own funding through an external grant or personal means, you can apply for admission at any time.

Read about  financing and types of PhD scholarships .

1. The yearly open calls for PhD scholarships

We invite all qualified candidates to apply for the yearly PhD scholarships with a proposal for a PhD project that fits the relevant department’s research profile.

Open calls require you to draw up an individual project proposal before applying. Your application will undergo a competitive evaluation process. Usually, there are many applicants from both Denmark and abroad. From previous years’ experience, the chances of obtaining a scholarship range from 5-10%.

2.  PhD scholarships advertised through specific calls with a predefined topic and research objective

Applications for advertised PhD scholarships must be submitted via the link in the advertisement and comply with the instructions in the advertisement.

3.  PhD applicants with external funding or enrolment as a self-financed PhD student

Prospective PhD students who have external funding, an international grant or want to be self-financed can apply for enrolment as a PhD student at any time. Submit your application via email to the PhD Administration ( [email protected] ).

Read about  admission and application requirements .   

If you have any questions regarding the requirements and the application process, contact the Phd Administration . 

Department of English, Germanic and Romance Studies

• Engerom-English

PhD at Engerom

Phd dissertations.

See list of PhD dissertations from Engerom . Many of the dissertations are available for download.

The PhD programme

Read about how to become a PhD student and see current scholarship advertisements, and much more on the  PhD School home page .

PhD students  

PhD Coordinator

Christian Benne  Phone: +45 35 33 00 85 Office: 24.3.55 Email: [email protected]   Office hours: by appointment

Introductory course for new PhD students

Show all events

U.S. Foreign Policy & International Relations

• Students selecting this field must complete (IS 724) as their required field course.
• MA students must select TWO more courses within the field.
• PhD. students must choose FOUR courses for primary or TWO for secondary concentration.
• Students are advised to take courses other than those listed below only in consultation with the field coordinator.
• Students are also advised that they could enrich their classroom experience through Independent Study/Directed Research projects with the agreement and under the supervision of the field coordinator.

Related Courses  

• IS 701/801 Global Change and American Foreign Policy Seminar, 3 hours. 3 credits. This research seminar examines the transformation of the U.S. role in the world in the global context of the 20th Century and since September 2001.  
• IS 702/802   Approaches to Collective Security This seminar explores the origins of the idea of collective security, examines the attempts to organize international security collectively and assesses possibilities and opportunities for collective security arrangements after the Cold War.  
• IS 703/803 Ethics and Foreign Policy Lecture, 3 hours; 3 credits. The focus of this research seminar will be on the role of normative ideas in international relations. Students will be introduced to the growing literature on normative approaches to international relations as well as the traditional literature on the practical and philosophical problems of ethical action in the relations of states. Although several policy applications will be considered, the primary focus will be on the theoretical incorporation of normative ideas into our understanding of state action in the anarchic international environment.  
• IS 714/814   Law in the International System PhD Required Common Core Course MA Course Elective An introduction to the principles of international law and to the political and institutional role of law in the relations of states.  
• IS 720/820 Research Seminar in Global Security PhD Required Common Core Course MA Course Elective Seminar, 3 hours; 3 credits. The research seminar investigates the profound changes in international security brought about by the end of the Cold War with a specific focus on the role of nuclear weapons. The primary purpose of the seminar is to promote research into the global aspects of the nuclear issue and to enhance understanding of the relationship between nuclear control and the New World Order.  
• IS 721/821   New World Order: Chaos and Coherence This course explores ideas of order and how they apply to international politics over space and time. Using theories of international relations, students look at how states and other international actors shape the principles and practices on which order is built and how these actors navigate among the many challenges and disruptions that arise. Specifically, students study the international liberal order, power shifts, and technological innovations, including cyber, and the rise and demise of norms in the international system.  
• IS 724/824 International & Comparative Political Economy PhD Required Common Core Course MA Course Elective This class focuses on core theories of international political economy, including international trade, international finance, foreign direct investment, the role of multinational corporations, and the subfield of comparative political economy. Students are introduced to the two main paradigms of contemporary economics, Keynesianism and Hayekian monetarism. Students study labor markets and industrial relations, welfare states, the domestic regulation of finance, the politics of debt, inequality, and the role of the state.  
• IS 734/834   U.S. Grand Strategy* This course offers a thorough exploration into the subject of U.S. grand strategy. It confronts debates over the definition and usefulness of grand strategy, examines variations across the history of U.S. grand strategy and among current visions for U.S. grand strategy, and analyzes subjects of core concern to U.S. grand strategy.  
• IS 740/840   Political Economy of Development This seminar examines alternate theoretical perspectives on development. These perspectives are then employed to understand contemporary political and economic changes in the developing world, including the consolidation of democratic governance and the liberalization of domestic economics.  
• IS 741/841   Globalization and Social Change in the World System This course is intended to first identify the distinguishing characteristics of globalization. It then attempts to examine its implications on a number of critical issues, including the future of democracy, income distribution and ethnic, class, and gender relations.  
• IS 795/895   Topics in International Studies The advanced study and discussion of selected (titled) topics not offered on a regular basis.

  *Core Seminar

Graduate Program in International Studies (GPIS)

• Future Students
• Careers & Alumni
• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• International Students
• The Graduate School

Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.

Picture yourself in the classroom, speak with professors in your major, and meet current students.

From sports games to concerts and lectures, join the ODU community at a variety of campus events. 

Department of Political Science

• Academic staff

Sorry, the connection to the employee database has been disrupted. We are working on getting it back online.

Find a researcher

• The Shapiro Initiative on Environment and Society
• Department Accolades
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Alumni Updates
• Job Opportunities
• Faculty Committees

Each year, a distinguished expert in a social-scientific research field related to climate and environment issues is invited to campus to give a public lecture and participate in other academic enterprises. 

The first annual lecture, "The Administration of Land, Water, and Atmosphere in the Longue Duree -- and How to Study it," was delivered by Jo Guldi on Thursday, May 2nd at 5pm in the John Hope Franklin Room. 

She also hosted a masterclass based on her new book,  The Dangerous Art of Text Mining , for graduate students on Tuesday, April 30th from 9-12 in the Tea Room.

Jo Guldi  is Professor of Quantitative Methods at Emory University and a historian of capitalism. Her books include  The Dangerous Art of Text Mining: A Methodology for Digital History, The Long Land war: The Global Struggle for Occupancy Rights, The History Manifesto , and  The Road to Power . She completed her PhD in History at the University of California, Berkeley and later held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Chicago and the Harvard Society of Fellows. Prof. Guldi was also previously Hans Rothfels Assistant Professor of History at Brown, and Full Professor of History at Southern Methodist University.

The Shapiro Initiative for Environment and Society is happy to offer fellowship support for pre-ABD students in the Social Science Division working on topics with a strong connection to environmental history. We can offer funds for travel between $500 and $2,500. To be considered for funding, please submit a 500-word proposal with a provisional budget along with a recent CV. Proposals are due May 20 2024 at 5pm. Upon completion of the trip, recipients will be asked to provide a short report about their findings. Please submit your application using the linked form.

On April 5, 2024, the Shapiro Initiative on Environment and Society (SIES), along with several partners, hosted a conference featuring panels of junior scholars, graduate students, and PhD candidates. The event was held in the Swift Hall Commons and was a great success. 

For decades, global consensus has been growing regarding the need for a transition toward fossil-fuel free energy production. The demands to halt new leases, pipelines, and drilling projects are clear, as are the demands by activists and impacted communities to redirect financing, prioritize the investment in clean renewables, and mitigate environmental impact.

What can be said of the consensus about the labor and land use which has formed the basis of global capitalist modernity? How might an energy transition challenge or entrench the histories of extraction and exploitation that has given rise to American empire? How do we imagine equitable and sustainable futures in the era of climate crisis? What forms of energy will humans consume and where will resources be developed? Where will agricultural products be grown and how will the non-human be treated? What forms of territorial governance will be just? And who will control the land and the labor which works it?

Organized by:

Leila K. Blackbird ( [email protected] ) Nahomi Esquivel ( [email protected] ) & Andrew Seber ( [email protected] ) 

This Website Uses Cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.