MSc International Relations at University of Bristol

Programme overview

The School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies has built a world-class reputation for excellence in international relations education and research, which guides our teaching mission to deliver the best learning experience to students coming to Bristol from all over the world. Choose your pathway: Our MA in International Relations is an advanced postgraduate programme split into four pathways for you to choose from: our core International Relations programme, or International Relations with Security, Gender or Development specialisms. The pathway of your choice will provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge to make you a competitive professional in the respective field and related sectors.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences | Department: School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies | Duration: One year full-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The MSc in International Relations offers a pathway-based structure, which allows students to acquire broad and transferrable skills and knowledge of international politics, while having the opportunity to specialise in a subject of their choice. Students take 180 credit points of units, comprising a total of six 20 credit point taught units in Teaching Blocks 1 and 2, plus a 60 credit point year-long dissertation. All MSc pathways share a core International Relations unit, alongside a specialised curriculum designed around the pathway concerned.

Career pathways

International Relations enhances your understanding of world politics, as well as the specific skills needed to think critically, research, analyse, interpret and present knowledge and data. The course prepares students for a diverse range of careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will typically need a strong second-class honours degree (55% or higher) or an international equivalent in any subject. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. English language: profile level E.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,800 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

International applicants: GBP 31,600 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: One year full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/start-application/

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