International Relations 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 Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme This programme focuses on international relations and the pressing problems humanity faces in the international realm. International Relations involves studying the complex interactions between sovereign states and a wide range of other organisations and institutions, including:multinational corporationssecurity alliancesinternational financial/trade organisationsinternational legal bodiesaid/development institutionsThe programme enables you to examine global empirical issues and developments, and to adopt a range of theoretical approaches, allowing you to analyse and interpret the world with different conceptual lenses.This programme explores topics such as:warterrorismpowerdiplomacyclimate changetrade, povertymigrationinternational cooperationThe programme focuses not only on the study of these topics, but also explores the ways to meet their associated challenges.Our MSc International Relations programme offers intensive training in the theory and practice of international relations, preparing you for a diverse range of international careers or further research. Our approach combines innovative research with creative and inspirational teaching. Staff members approach research and teaching with an intricate knowledge of the major international institutions, complemented by a deep appreciation of historical change and key ideas in international thought. Study options The MSc is offered full-time over 12 months. Fees, costs and funding 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 MSc International Relations (1 year) tuition fees 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:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation 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 moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore 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 Entry requirements 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 July 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in politics, international relations, or the social sciences.We may also consider your application if you have a different background but have taken courses relevant to the programme.Entrance to this programme is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.Please review the important points to note on the programme website:Important points to note when applying for this programme International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed 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 testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain 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 oldThe 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 AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll 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 countriesWe 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-MESCHow old your degree can beIf 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 Programme details What you will study The programme consists of 180 credits, including:individual courses, typically worth 20 credits eachthe dissertation, worth 60 credits (one-third of the final grade)Areas of interestThis programme provides the opportunity to analyse major issues in global affairs and engage with leading academic research within your own area(s) of interest. Examples of areas of focus include:the economic and cultural impact of globalisationtriggers of state and non-state conflict and warthe construction of foreign policythe significance of gender to policy and policy-makingthe environment and climate changeinternational aid efforts and poverty alleviationThis degree programme is broad and wide-ranging, but also allows you to specialise in particular areas or countries of the world. Depending on course availability, you will be able to take specialist option courses on specific regions such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.DissertationYou will undertake an independently researched dissertation. The dissertation is an extended piece of written work of a maximum 10,000 words on a topic largely of your choosing. You will be assigned a supervisor for your dissertation.The dissertation is the most advanced element of the degree, and requires you to progress from structured coursework study to independent study. You will need to demonstrate the ability to engage critically and analytically with the literature, building upon relevant concepts and theory covered in the taught element of the degree.The dissertation is normally made up of a balance of empirical and theoretical work, however, you are not required to conduct primary field research. Dissertation topicsExamples of dissertation topics from previous years in related programmes include: International Security Comparative Regionalism Modern Peacekeeping Middle Eastern Politics African Foreign Policy EU Environmental Politics Humanitarian Intervention International Terrorism Gender Politics American Foreign Policy Cosmopolitanism International Trade European Security and Defence Policy Enlargement of the European Union Turkish membership of the EU Compulsory courses You will take two compulsory courses:International Relations TheoryDissertation Option courses You will also take four option courses from the range available. While available options can change every year, in recent years the programme has included courses on:foreign policy analysisthe regional affairs of the Asia Pacificpolitical contestation in the Middle EastEuropean foreign and security policythe global environment and climate changethe importance of gender to the study of global affairsinternational developmentWith the agreement of the Programme Director, you may select option courses from elsewhere within the University. Full-time students in particular are generally discouraged from taking language courses alongside this programme, even if not for credit, because of this programme's intensive nature. 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 MSc International Relations (1 year) (2025-2026) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Teaching and assessment Teaching This taught MSc programme combines a small number of core courses with a larger number of optional, topic-specific courses. The core courses generally involve large-group lectures complemented with small-group tutorials. The optional courses are smaller in group size and may be taught through lectures and tutorials, or through more interactive seminar sessions.You will be expected to engage in regular, independent learning outside of the classroom. You will need to engage closely with the relevant academic literature. Lecturers and tutors will recommend readings, but you will also be expected to go beyond the reading lists provided. I especially liked the seminar component because my classmates and I could engage in discussions about the reading material or student presentations and debate critical questions about human rights law. Although the debates could get heated, it was always fun and interesting, and we learned so much from each other. Ellen MSc International Relations, graduated 2020 Read more of Ellen's story Learning outcomes By the end of the programme you will:know and understand core explanatory theories, concepts, institutions and issues in the study of international relationshave specialist in-depth knowledge of specific areas and issues in international relationsknow key contemporary debates in existing academic literature in journals and books on international relationsbe able to analyse and evaluate competing theoretical paradigms in the explanation and judgment of international relationsbe able to apply explanatory models to analyse and understand specific developments within international relationsbe able to draw on a variety of disciplinary paradigms in the understanding of international relations 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 Careers and further study Career opportunities The wide-ranging nature of the programme means that it can help to prepare students for careers in numerous fields, such as:regional, national and international government institutionspolitical partiesdevelopment/international aid organisationseducational, research and think tank organisationsnational and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs)media and public relationscharity and the third sectoradvocacy and lobbyingpolicy risk analysisdiplomacy and international law servicesGraduates of the programme can also pursue further study. You can use the MSc degree as a stepping stone towards a PhD in International Relations or related fields such as Political Science, International Political Economy, Security Studies, etc.The programme also helps students to develop transferable skills, including the ability to:conduct independent researchsynthesise and critically analyse complex materialcommunicate via oral and written channels at an enhanced level Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving 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 strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying 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 Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application deadlines as noted below.Each application round has a decision deadline, also listed below, but note that we will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis, in advance of the published decision deadline.We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1.Please note that 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.Selection deadlinesRoundApply byReceive decision by1Monday 15 December 2025Thursday 19 March 20262Monday 4 May 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026After Round 2, if there are still places available, applications will remain open. As this is not guaranteed, however, you are advised to apply by the application deadlines above. 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 PaymentIf 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: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.ReferencesYou 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. Select programme - Select a programme -MSc International Relations (1 year) 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 applicationWe 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 decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh 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 programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf 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.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh 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 Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) 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 adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Postgraduate Admissions TeamGraduate School of Social & Political ScienceChrystal Macmillan Building15A George SquareCentral CampusEdinburghEH8 9LD futurestudents@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 650 4086 Academic contact Dr Manolis Kalaitzake Programme Director School of Social and Political Science College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: mkalaitz@ed.ac.uk
