MPhil International Relations at Swansea University

Programme overview

Research degree in international relations in the School of Social Sciences, in which students undertake a substantial project led by their own interests, developing the research skills needed for high-level work in the field.

Department: School of Social Sciences (Politics, Philosophy and International Relations) | Duration: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time | Intake: October, January, April or July (1 October, 1 January, 1 April, 1 July) | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

A supervised research project leading to a thesis of up to 60,000 words and an oral examination (viva). Expertise includes international development, conflict, international security and strategic studies, US foreign policy and intelligence, within the research groups Global Drug Policy Observatory, International Studies, Conflict and Security, and Political Analysis and Government. Students present at departmental seminars and the School of Social Sciences postgraduate conference and may have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, with training and payment.

Career pathways

A pathway to a career in academia or to employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MPhil: normally an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5, or a Swansea University recognised equivalent. Admissions decisions may also take account of the standard of the research proposal, performance at interview, competition for places and relevant professional experience. One academic reference is required before the application is progressed to the academic Admissions Tutor.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,800 a year (2026/27). Full-time, Year 1 tuition fee; fees for later years rise by 3%. Start dates in 2026/27 per the published fee table. Source

Intake: October, January, April or July (1 October, 1 January, 1 April, 1 July)

Duration: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities