Program Information
The International Relations Master's Program aims to equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and analyze the changing dynamics of both domestic and global politics through theoretical and empirical courses at universal standards. The offered courses examine the evolution of the international system from past to present, various theoretical approaches to the functioning of the international system, actors of global politics, and the causes and effects of globalization. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are also taught as part of the curriculum.
Graduates who enhance their ability to analyze the interaction dynamics and related processes of political actors at national and global levels can:
1. Utilize their acquired skills and knowledge in their careers in both the public and private sectors;
2. Pursue an academic career, particularly by continuing with doctoral studies;
3. Take on researcher, practitioner and administrative roles in national and international non-governmental organizations, as well as in international and supranational institutions.
Students who successfully complete this program are awarded a Master's Degree in International Relations.
The International Relations program is a Master's degree program, classified as Level 7 in the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ).
The “TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations” and the “TOBB ETÜ Scholarship Directive for Graduate Students” define the rules to which students are subject. For graduation, a minimum of 131 ECTS credits is required for the Master’s program with thesis, and a minimum of 90 ECTS credits is required for the Master’s program without thesis.
Holding an undergraduate degree is a fundamental requirement. The “TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations” and the “TOBB ETÜ Scholarship Directive for Graduate Students” describe the general rules and procedures regarding student admissions. In addition, the TOBB ETÜ Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE) has established specific examination and undergraduate GPA requirements, in accordance with the framework and recommendations from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), relevant TOBB ETÜ bodies, and the department. These requirements are regularly re-evaluated and publicly announced on the SBE’s relevant webpage for each application period.
Newly enrolled students in graduate programs may apply for course exemption for courses previously taken and successfully completed at another higher education institution, in order to have these courses recognized towards the requirements of the admitted graduate program. A student may be granted exemption from a course if the content of the course taken at another institution is deemed equivalent to the content of a course offered at TOBB ETÜ, and this equivalence is approved by the relevant Graduate School.
Examinations, assessment, and grading are conducted in accordance with the “TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations. ” A student’s performance in a course is determined by the relevant faculty member based on their performance in examinations, class participation, and fulfillment of other course responsibilities. The grading system to be used is determined by the Senate.
It is a full-time Master’s program.
To graduate, students must fulfill all course and thesis requirements within the maximum study period. Thesis-based programs require a minimum of 131 ECTS credits and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3. 00. Non-thesis programs require a minimum of 90 ECTS credits and a cumulative grade point average of at least 2. 50.
Graduates can find employment in the public sector, particularly in departments focused on foreign affairs, relations with the EU, and international relations. Opportunities also exist in international organizations, civil society, and research centers. Students can pursue further studies and build careers in academia. Additionally, they can also work in the private sector in a variety of company departments.
Graduates may apply to PhD programs.