International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)

The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). It is a graduate institute of policy-oriented critical social science research that was founded in 1952. ISS brings together people, ideas and insights in a multi-disciplinary setting with the objective of nurturing, fostering and promoting critical thinking and of conducting innovative research in response to society’s needs. ISS has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves in both the global north and the global south.

ISS offers two master programmes: an MA in Development Studies (15 months), and a Mundus MA in Public Policy (2 years). ISS has one overarching research programme: Global Development & Social Justice, focusing on four research themes: migration and diversity, environment and climate change, social protection and inequality, conflict and peace. The ISS alumni network consists of over 13,000 students from more than 100 countries. Over a third of ISS alumni come from Africa, and substantial numbers come from Asia and Latin America.

ISS is committed to societal relevance in both its research and its teaching. Our high quality and societally relevant research, teaching and engagement activities aim to inform policy and best practice in development studies and promote social justice and equity around the world. ISS aims to provide a space for critical engagement, which is embedded in both local and global society.