Program Overview

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International Relations, MSc

Introduction

The MSc in International Relations offers you the opportunity to study the full range of complex contemporary challenges facing states and the international community. Explore the world’s most pressing political problems including war, peace and security, human rights, foreign policy, development, and globalisation.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,100

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Theories and Concepts in International Relations (IR5001)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

Optional Courses

• Students will select one course from the following electives:
  • IR5007 International Political Economy (30 credit points)
  • SL5011 Advanced Qualitative Methods in Social Science (30 credit points)
  • PI5027 Religion, Conflict and Security (30 credit points)
  • PI5034 International Diplomacy Theory and Practice (30 credit points)

Stage 2

Optional Courses

• Students will select two courses from the following electives:
  • PI5520 Terrorism & Counter Terrorism (30 credit points)
  • PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)
  • PI5535 US Foreign Policy & Diplomacy (30 credit points)
  • SL5513 Advanced Quantitative Analysis in Social Science (30 credit points)
  • SO5512 Dimensions of Globalization (30 credit points)
  • SO5519 Sex, Gender, Violence: Critical Approaches (30 credit points)
  • SO5529 Peace & Conflict Studies (30 credit points)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation in International Relations (IR5901)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
  • International Relations
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months or 24 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
    • Start Month: September or January

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,100

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Climate Politics and Policy
• International Finance and Political Relations
• International Relations and International Law
• International Relations and Management
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Politics and Public Policy
• Politics, Public Policy and Management
• Strategic Studies
• Strategic Studies and Diplomacy
• Strategic Studies and International Law

How You'll Study

• Teaching includes a range of interactive methods and approaches to learning in order to enhance students’ critical thinking, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• By coursework, written examination, or a combination thereof, as prescribed for each course and by submission of a dissertation.

Why Study International Relations?

• You are taught by published researchers and international relations consultants at University of Aberdeen, providing the latest research and innovation in the subject.
• The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more.
• An MSc International Relations provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a wide range of professions, or to continue research on numerous topics.
• The department offers expertise in 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.
• Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025) and 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics (National Student Survey 2024)

Entry Requirements

• Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.
• Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 with Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 90 with Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: 62 with Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 176 with Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• Degree Certificate
• Degree Transcript
• Personal Statement
• Reference x 2

Careers

• Careers relating to International Relations involve public sector research and policy-making in foreign affairs, defence, development and human rights.
• Many graduates now choose to do public advocacy, research, and project management work for non-governmental organisations (NGOS), and regional and global institutions such as the European Union or the United Nations.
• Graduates also forge careers in the international media, the armed forces, international risk management, and international corporations involved in trade and finance.

Career Opportunities

• Civil Servant
• Diplomat
• Energy Policy Consultant
• Government Official
• Journalist
• Junior Lecturer
• NGO Worker (Charity Worker)
• Police Officer
• Policy Advisor

Facilities

• The University of Aberdeen is the home of several research centres and institutes.
• Centre for Global Security and Governance
• The Institute for Conflict, Transition and Peace Research
• Centre for Sustainable Development

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Ritu Vij

What our Alumni Say

• Rusdi Bastian Ilham
• Sebastian Sjöblom-Keller
• Liisa Hyrsky
• Beste Sabri