Leiden University · Faculty of Humanities

Thesis & Research Supervision

MAIR — International Relations

MA

The MA thesis in International Relations is a substantial research project that demonstrates the capacity for independent scholarly work. The thesis should reflect your specialization track and build on the knowledge, topics, methods, and skills gained from your coursework.

The content below is adapted from the MAIR thesis supervision guidelines for students. Always confirm details with your supervisor and check Brightspace for the most current information.

Download: MAIR Thesis Guidelines (PDF)

Your next step: Confirm the rules below, then draft a one-page working plan that names your research question, likely sources, method, timeline, and questions for supervision. Start with the Getting Started Guide and Templates & Checklists. Use the Methods Guide and Ethics & AI if your project involves data, participants, sensitive material, or AI/code workflow.

Key Requirements

Requirement Details
Word count 15,000 words hard maximum, including all elements (notes, bibliography, appendices). No 10% margin.
Citation style One reference style, used consistently throughout
Language English
Specialization fit Thesis must fit your MAIR specialization track
Next deadline June 5, 2026

Deadlines

MAIR has a single thesis submission deadline per semester. If you miss the deadline, the next opportunity is the following semester.

Deadline Date
June 2026 Friday, June 5, 2026
December 2026 TBD (typically first Friday of December)

Extensions. If you need an extension, discuss it with both your supervisor and second reader well before the deadline. Both must approve. Extensions may result in a later graduation date and could prevent participation in the graduation ceremony. If the extension is not approved, contact stucomair@hum.leidenuniv.nl and consult the Board of Examiners.

Supervision

Supervision begins upon assignment. You should meet your supervisor shortly after assignment to set goals, including a plan for the break period (supervisors are generally not available for supervision during winter and summer breaks).

Minimum meetings. You should meet with your supervisor at least four times.

Meeting Focus
1 Introductory discussion of topic scope, research question, literature, sources, general approach, and timetable
2 Discussion of the introduction, literature review, and research design
3 Discussion of an empirical chapter at the intermediate stage
4 Discussion of the final evaluation

Feedback. Your supervisor will provide oral or written feedback on the introduction/literature review/research design and at least one subsequent chapter. Supervisors are allowed but not required to read and provide feedback on an entire draft.

Important: Because there is no supervision during winter and summer breaks, you should not plan to write the thesis from start to finish over the break. Consult your supervisor throughout the research process. A thesis submitted without supervisory oversight will not be accepted for evaluation.

Research Ethics

You and your supervisor should discuss any ethical implications of your research during your initial meeting or when they first arise. This is especially important when your research involves human participants or individually identifiable data.

If conducting interviews, you must do the following.

  • Obtain informed, voluntary consent from all participants
  • Provide participants with an information sheet explaining the nature, aims, and implications of the research
  • Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants throughout the research
  • Not use identifying information unless the person has expressly agreed
  • Respect the right of individuals to refuse to participate or withdraw at any stage

Take particular care with vulnerable groups, such as asylum seekers or citizens of authoritarian regimes. The program will not allow research that could endanger the researcher or participants.

See the Ethics & AI page for consent form templates, the Code of Ethics, and university ethics guidelines.

Assessment Criteria

Both the supervisor and second reader assess the thesis independently. The assessment covers five criteria plus formal requirements.

Knowledge and Insight. Research question based on a problem reflecting insight into key discussions and methods. The problem is clear and relevant, embedded in existing literature, and original.

Application of Knowledge. The thesis critically analyzes primary sources, uses complex concepts and effective research methods, describes and justifies its methodology, and applies knowledge in broader or multidisciplinary contexts.

Reaching Conclusions. The thesis uses logical and consistent reasoning, reaches well-founded conclusions, answers the research question, connects the findings to future research, and considers social and ethical responsibilities.

Communication. The thesis shows language competence through readability, style, grammar, terminology, structure, layout, and correct use of citations and bibliography.

Learning Skills (Process). This criterion covers independence, planning and time management, handling of supervisor feedback, and participation in the thesis group (if applicable).

Formal Requirements. Word count (15,000 maximum), formatting, and adherence to program-specific requirements.

A passing thesis should include the following.

  • A clearly formulated research question
  • A critical report on existing academic debates
  • An original contribution that goes beyond summary of the literature
  • Primary sources where appropriate
  • Application of concepts and research methods
  • Clear structure and proper language

Fraud and plagiarism are knockout criteria.

See Assessment Standards for the general framework and BA vs MA expectations.

Grade Descriptors

Grade Level Description
9–10 Distinction Outstanding work with excellent understanding of issues and methodologies, original independent thinking, and a rigorous argument using a wide range of sources. At 10, the thesis could not be bettered at MA level
8–8.9 Merit Excellent understanding, independent thought, and a strong, well-organized argument using a wide range of sources
7–7.9 Merit Good to very good work, meeting most but not necessarily all of the above
6–6.9 Pass Satisfactory understanding and a reasonable, reasonably well-organized argument using a standard range of sources. Some shortcomings, but no fundamental errors
5.1–5.9 No grade issued The faculty does not issue grades in this range
3–5.0 Fail Inadequate understanding, substantial omissions, irrelevant material, or a poorly conceived argument
2–2.9 Fail An attempt to answer, but without significant grasp of material or appropriate skills
0–1.9 Ungradable No answer, totally irrelevant, fundamentally wrong, or plagiarized

Formatting

  • Written in English, in Word format
  • 1.5 line spacing, standard margins, standard size 12 font
  • Title page must include student name, email, student number, and word count (including all elements)
  • Student number on all subsequent pages
  • Proofread for spelling and language errors

If you are struggling with writing in English, contact the Writing Lab.

Submission

Submit your thesis by email to your supervisor with CC to your second reader. Ask for confirmation of receipt. If you do not receive confirmation, follow up after one week.

Resubmission

Students who fail their thesis are allowed a single retake. To graduate within the same semester:

Original deadline Retake deadline
June deadline Last workday of August
December deadline Last workday of January

Note that theses cannot be written in their entirety over the break. See supervision requirements above.