Which universities suit a graduate in Political Science applying to UK or Netherlands?

January starts are genuinely common in the UK but rare in the Netherlands, where most programmes run on a September cycle with a smaller number opening in February. That timing difference should shape your shortlist as much as the subject match does.

UK vs Netherlands: Matching Intake Timing to Your Options

Why Groningen Leads the Dutch Shortlist

Groningen explicitly allows applicants with a Social Sciences bachelor's, including Political Science, to apply for assessment on its Geopolitics and Connectivity programme, which makes it one of the more accessible Dutch routes for your background even though the intake sits in February rather than January.

My Advice

Non EU deadlines for these programmes can land far earlier than the intake itself, Groningen's February deadline for non EU applicants is around 15 October the year before, so treat this as an urgent application cycle rather than something to research casually over several months. Birkbeck's Government, Policy and Politics route is worth a look as a backup, but check carefully since its January entry can run as two years part time rather than one year full time.

This Information Is Also Available On

University of Westminster (International Relations and Democratic Politics MA, International Relations MA course pages), University of Portsmouth (MA International Relations and Politics page), Birkbeck, University of London (Government, Policy and Politics and Public Policy and Management pages), University of Groningen (International Relations master's page).