BSc Political Science: Global Politics

About the course

An English-taught politics degree on how the world is governed, looking at international power relations and how they affect different societies. Later years leave room to choose your own specialisation.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• Leaving Certificate (Established) with at least 6 exam subjects, including 2 at H5 or higher and 4 at O6/H7 or higher, plus a minimum of 350 CAO points. The LCVP is also accepted (6 subjects plus Link Modules, same grade rules and 350 points).
• You must show sufficient maths proficiency. VU accepts Dutch VWO diplomas of all profiles, and its entrance exam for applicants without enough maths is at Dutch Mathematics C level (pass 5.5/10, or 60% in the OMPT-E online test). VU does not publish a Leaving Cert maths grade, so confirm with admissions. Proof of English proficiency is also required.

How to apply

1. Apply in StudielinkApply for the programme in Studielink before 1 May 2027 (EU/EEA).
2. Complete the VU dashboardUpload your documents (PDF) and pay the €100 application fee for non-Dutch diplomas. Complete your application within six weeks, and no later than one week after the deadline.
3. Study Choice CheckTake part in the Study Choice Check (on campus in June 2027, date announced in February; online option available). Not mandatory but recommended.
4. Decision and enrolmentVU aims to decide within 4-6 weeks of a complete application. Send final Leaving Cert results and pay fees by the deadline VU gives you (31 August in the 2026-27 cycle).

Costs

• Standard Dutch EU fee: €2,694 (2026/27). The 2027/28 fee is set by the Dutch government each year (expected to be close to €2,800).
• EU students may be eligible for a Dutch tuition-fee loan (DUO).

At a glance