Program Overview

Geography and International Relations, MA

Introduction

In Geography, we try to answer some of the biggest questions of life, such as how our planet originated and how we interact with it. This complements International Relations topics such as European Politics, Human Rights Development, and International Economy.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: LL72
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Geography is the study of the Earth's surface with emphasis on the relationship between people and their environment. It covers elements of natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

International Relations looks at a diverse range of areas such as Energy Politics, European Integration, Human Rights, International Economy, and regional International Relations of Japan, Latin America, and the Middle East.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Academic Writing for Social Sciences (AW1006)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Creating the Anthropocene (GG1010)
  • Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
  • The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World (GG1512)
  • Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Space, Economy and Society (GG2014)
  • Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
  • Skills and Techniques in Geosciences (GG2508)
  • Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)
• Optional Courses: Select two of the following:
  • Physical Environments (GG2013)
  • Environment and Society (GG2509)
  • Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (GG2510)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Approaches to Geography (GG3071)
• Optional Courses: Select 45 credit points from level 3 or 4 Geography courses, plus ONE second-half session level 3 Politics & International Relations course from the list below.

Year 4

• Optional Courses: Select one of the following dissertation options:
  • Dissertation (International Relations) (IR4031) AND Geographical Issues (GG4537)
  • Geography Dissertation (GG4023)
• Select 30 credit points from level 3 or 4 Geography courses.
• Also, select ONE first-half session level 4 Politics and International Relations course and ONE second-half session level 4 Politics & International Relations course from the list below.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Geography and International Relations?

Why Geography

• Our Royal Geographical Society accredited degree in Geography includes extensive fieldwork options and is designed to provide you with key skills and knowledge – such as data analysis and GIS – often required by employers
• Our degree programmes focus upon key current environmental, economic, societal, and technological challenges including climate change, sustainable development, social inequalities, and environmental protection
• Human Geography at Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in the 2024 National Student Survey with an overall satisfaction score of 100%
• Study Geography from a social science/humanities perspective, a physical science perspective, or both
• Build your network, enhance your employability, and develop relationships with like-minded students through the engaging and very active Geography Society

Why International Relations

• Study a core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics, and policy, with a special focus on the Middle East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK, and the EU
• Learn from staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy and democratisation, energy politics, European politics, integration and regionalism, human rights, interest groups, modernity and religion, international political economy, nationalism, conflict resolution, regional international relations, and security studies
• Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025)
• Get involved with a packed programme of student and public events, lectures, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers, plus the annual May Festival, British Science Week, and Being Human Festival regularly featuring Aberdeen research in social sciences
• Join the vibrant Politics & International Relations Society, which hosts exciting debates, international trips, and other events throughout the year

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience, and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability
• The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond

Features

• Geoscience Society: Student-led Geoscience society
• Sir Duncan Rice Library: The University’s award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”
• Politics & International Relations Society: The student-led Politics and International Relations Society is one of the largest societies on campus

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• MA Anthropology and Geography
• MA Anthropology and International Relations
• MA Business Management and Geography
• MA Geography and Sociology
• MA International Relations and Language & Linguistics
• MA International Relations and Sociology
• MA Politics and International Relations