The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague is an international graduate school of policy-oriented critical social sciences. It brings together students and teachers from the global South and the North in a European environment.
Established in 1952 as the International Institute of Social Studies by Dutch universities and the Netherlands Ministry of Education, it does research, teaching and public service in the field of development studies and international cooperation. ISS is a University Institute of Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Research at ISS focuses on development studies. This transdisciplinary field of study seeks to understand the phenomena of underdevelopment, development and change, with special reference to low-income countries. Poverty, globalisation, gender and inequity are key words in most ISS programs.
ISS offers a four-year PhD program and an accredited 15.5-month MA in Development Studies with various specializations for participants from more than 50 countries. In addition, ISS gives postgraduate diploma programs and short courses. The degrees, including the PhD, are recognised internationally and by Dutch legislation.
Part-time programs
If students are unable to spend 15.5 months on full-time intensive study, ISS offers them the opportunity of taking a tailormade part-time MA program, lasting 2.5 years. During the first year, students will attend the regular courses, which provide unique exposure to the knowledge and experience of students from all over the world. The second year is spent on the research paper. Staff members will advise on how to plan the program.
Staff
The ISS staff comes from many countries and is a source of knowledge and has wide experience in international development. They stimulate public debate on current issues, important for the exchange of knowledge and for increasing public awareness. ISS organises a wide variety of events, from large conferences to small roundtable meetings for selected groups. The staff is also engaged in institutional capacity development, contract research and advisory services for international agencies and national governments.
Contact details
International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)
Kortenaerkade 12
2518 AX The Hague
Telephone: (070) 426 04 60
Fax: (070) 426 07 99
Email: information@iss.nl
website: www.iss.nl