International and European Politics MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Politics

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Social and Political Science

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

A programme on Europe in a global context

This programme offers a comprehensive and advanced understanding of key theories and debates in the field of European and International politics in a contemporary context. 

You will gain profound insights into the policies and workings of the European Union and how the organisation interacts with global and national politics. 

This programme draws insights from a diverse range of disciplines, including:

  • European Studies
  • International Relations
  • Comparative Politics
  • Political Science
  • Area Studies
Be part of a tight-knit cohort within an interdisciplinary powerhouse

Each year, this programme will admit 25 to maximum 30 students who will then be taught, supported and supervised by academic staff from across the Politics and International Relations subject area. 

The School of Social and Political Science is a large and diverse community of more than 3,000 students and 400 staff. Students seeking to broaden their academic scope can access courses across the School, including:

  • Anthropology
  • International Development
  • Sociology
  • Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
  • Public and Social Policy

The programme also provides exclusive prioritised access to European law courses delivered by the Edinburgh Law School. 

Join a vibrant research department 

You will become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community with abundant opportunities to network and socialise with peers, attend guest lectures and research seminars. 

The programme is housed within the Politics and International Relations (PIR) subject area - one of the most diverse and largest of its kind in Europe, with substantive expertise in International Relations, European integration, Territorial and Comparative Politics. 

Together with colleagues in the Edinburgh Law School, PIR directs the Europa Institute, which is the UK's longest-existing centre for excellence in the study of European integration politics, law and economics. PIR also directs the Centre on Constitutional Change - a renowned cross-disciplinary research hub for the study of governance and public policy.

Politics and International Relations at Edinburgh

Study options

The MSc in International and European Politics is offered as a one-year full-time programme.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Courses

For this programme, you will complete:

  • one core 40-credit course - International and European Politics: Theory and Practice
  • four option courses
  • a dissertation

Dissertation

The dissertation is an extended piece of written scholarship, based on your independent research. You will choose a disseration topic in coordination with your supervisor.

Examples of dissertation topics in previous years include:

  • Transatlantic Security
  • EU Relationship with Russia (including in the context of the Ukraine War)
  • EU-US Energy Cooperation
  • Comparative Studies of EU Member States
  • European Culture and Identity
  • European Defence Policy
  • European Citizenship
  • The EU as a Norm Entrepreneur in Humanitarian Matters
  • EU Enlargement
  • Brexit

You will complete either a standard research dissertation or a placement-based dissertation.

Placement-based dissertation

The placement-based dissertation option aims to offer you the opportunity to work on your dissertation within the context of a workplace of your choosing, subject to Programme Director and Placement Adviser approval.

The placement will generally consist of eight weeks of research with a host organisation in the UK or overseas, from our network of contacts which includes:

  • NGOs and charities
  • social enterprises
  • think-tanks
  • government bodies

Your placement can be completed either in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format. You will have the option to arrange your own placement, subject to university approval.

Please note that a placement-based dissertation is not guaranteed as part of this programme and will be assigned based on competitive applications.

Find out more about the placement-based dissertation option:

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

Our study trip to Brussels

All students have a guaranteed place on the part-subsidised annual study trip to Brussels. The trip is optional. 

It includes visits to EU institutions, NATO, political consultancies and a career-focused networking event supported by the Edinburgh University Brussels Society - a network of over 1.5k programme alumni with Brussels-based careers.

A man looks at a screen that displays the text 'European Committee of the Regions'
Brussels visit to the European Committee of the Regions, 2025.

Placements

Optional: the European Practitioner Pathway

Through the European Practitioner Pathway, the programme also offers the option to undertake a work placement alongside traditional academic study. 

Placement students are supervised by a dedicated mentor in their host organisation and an academic member of staff and receive additional logistical and administrative support by the University's Study and Work Away Service (SWAY). 

Moreover, you will be given the opportunity to tailor your experience of the programme to specific career outcomes, by shaping their own contribution to student-led aspects of the programme as well as immersive and hands-on learning experiences as we offer throughout the programme. 

Pathway students can also draw more extensively on our network of Brussels -based alumni and build on these connections in the context of their placement-based dissertations and beyond.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The programme delivers an engaging learning experience through interactive seminars that combine staff- and student-led elements, encouraging collaboration, dialogue and peer-to-peer learning. We cater to a range of learning styles and preferences by offering experiential and immersive experiences alongside more traditional classroom teaching.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Career opportunities

While many graduates of this programme have gone on to further study and an academic career, many have taken up positions in a wide range of institutions, including:

  • EU institutions
  • NATO
  • the United Nations
  • regional and national government bodies
  • development organisations
  • educational, research and think tank organisations
  • banking and financial services sector
  • media and journalism outlets
  • public affairs organisations and consultancies
  • private sector

A core strength of the programme is its focus on developing transferable skills - from analytical thinking and writing to presentation and negotiation skills. This will enable you to develop the practical competencies sought by employers in the relevant sectors.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Application fee

A non-refundable application fee of £50 is payable before your application can be considered.

You must pay this once you have submitted your online application and have received your UUN (universal username). Please allow a few days to receive your UUN. 

The application fee must be paid within 7 days of submission of your application. If you do not make the payment within this time period, your application will not be processed.

Payment should be made by credit or debit card using the ePay online payment system (all major cards accepted). 

Application Fee Payment

If you have any questions or are unable to pay using the ePay online payment system, please contact PGApplicationFee.sps@ed.ac.uk 

If your application is made unsuccessful due to non-payment of the application fee, but you now wish to pay and reactivate your application, please contact us at PGApplicationFee.sps@ed.ac.uk and we will consider your request. 

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Our community

There is a vibrant community of students interested in international and European Politics, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network with your peers, organise events and even work on publications in the Leviathan - the University’s own journal of Politics and International Relations.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Study in the Scottish capital and immerse yourself in history

Our campus is in the middle of the Scottish capital, only a stone's throw from the Scottish Parliament and Government as well as a staggering wealth of historical buildings and cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library and Holyrood Palace.

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Graduate School of Social & Political Science
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15A George Square
Central Campus
Edinburgh
EH8 9LD

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 4086

Academic contact

Dr Adam Chalmers

Programme Director

  • School of Social and Political Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Dr Carmen Gebhard

Programme Director

  • School of Social and Political Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

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