Program Overview

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Key information

Duration

1 year

Start of programme

September 2025

Attendance mode

Full-time or part-time

Location

Campus

Fees

• Home: £12,220
• International: £25,320

Course code

PGTF0273

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

Course overview

MSc Politics and International Relations (Conflict, Rights and Justice) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the Conflict, Rights and Justice pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway’s required combination of modules.

The Conflict, Rights and Justice pathway is designed for students working, or intending to work, in the field of rights, humanitarian assistance, and transitional justice. It considers the future of global human rights in a world where, many claim, the influence of the West is declining.

It asks critical questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms and humanitarian intervention. Students on this pathway also participate in the activities of the SOAS Centre on Conflict, Rights and Justice, including closed and public seminars, workshops, expert briefings and professional trainings, a student-led blog, regular social events, and the Centre’s key internship scheme (for a small group selected through a competitive application process).

Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (Conflict, Rights and Justice) at SOAS?

• We’re ranked 6th in the UK and 28th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We’re ranked 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.

Study Tours

In , Study Tours across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will offer opportunities for in-depth engagement and high-level networking in:

• Central Asia (Almaty + Bishkek)
• South Asia (New Delhi + Lahore)
• Southeast Asia (Luang Prabang)
• East Asia (Seoul)
• Africa (Kigali)
• the Middle East (Doha)

In , the fee for each tour (events plus room and board) will be £1750 + airfare. Each tour will be subject to minimum/maximum participant numbers.

Recommended Study Tour: Any (options based on space available)

Structure

Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits plus a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.

Core modules

• Dissertation in Politics and International Studies - 60 credits
• Methodology in the Social Sciences - 15 credits
• Conflict, Rights and Justice - 15 credits
• International Politics of Human Rights - 15 credits
• Violence, Justice and the Politics of Memory - 15 credits

Guided options

Students select 45-75 credits from guided options.

• Artificial Intelligence and Human Security - 15 credits
• International Migration and Diaspora Politics - 15 credits
• International Politics of Human Rights - 15 credits
• Political Thought on the Just Rebellion - 15 credits
• Political violence - 15 credits
• State Violence: Theories of the Leviathan and Beyond - 15 credits
• Violence, Justice and the Politics of Memory - 15 credits
• Global Advocacy - 15 credits

Politics options

Students select 15-30 credits depending on your choices from the guided options list.

• The Politics of Global Security - 15 credits
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Social Research - 15 credits
• International Theory - 30 credits
• Frameworks of Political Analysis - 15 credits
• International Political Economy - 15 credits

Open options

Students can take a maximum of 15 credits from the School-wide open options list, including languages.

Teaching and learning

Lectures

Most modules involve a 50-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.

Seminars

At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work taking place in two-hour sessions. Students make full-scale presentations for each unit that they take, and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work.

Dissertation

A part of the requirement for the degree is given over to the writing of an adequately researched 10,000-word dissertation. Students are encouraged to take up topics which relate the study of a particular region to a body of theory.

Learning resources

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Employment

SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

• BBC World Service
• Bloomberg
• British Red Cross
• British Council
• Center for International Peace Operations
• Channel 4
• Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
• Eversheds LLP
• Financial Times
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Global Policy Institute
• Go East Consulting
• Grassroot Diplomat
• Palestine Red Crescent Association
• Save the Children
• UNICEF Ethiopia
• United Nations

Key staff

Dr Sutha Nadarajah

International security; peacebuilding; securitized development; civil wars; North-South relations.

Dr Vino Kanapathipillai

International security, multinational enterprises, international public policy, international political economy, global governance.