MSc International Relations at University of Glasgow

Programme overview

The MSc International Relations addresses problems such as international conflict and instability, terrorism, climate change and globalisation, building on international relations theory and research design. Students choose a General pathway or a Global Russia pathway.

Department: School of Social & Political Sciences | Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time | Intake: September | Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two core courses (International Relations Theory; Research Design for Politics and International Relations), optional courses chosen by pathway (for example Conflict Analysis, The Ethics of War and Peace, Russian Foreign Policy) and an MSc dissertation project; Russian language courses are available as options.

Career pathways

Alumni work in civil and diplomatic services, international organisations such as the UN or EU, media and journalism, politics and government, communications, NGOs, consultancies and think tanks; some progress to PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any Social Science or Humanities subject; 2.2 may sometimes be accepted. Work experience may be considered in lieu of lower grades or unrelated subjects (upload a CV); applicants below a 2:1 or in an unrelated subject must upload a personal statement. International applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no subtest below 6.0 (TOEFL iBT 92 overall with no subtest below 4.5 for tests from 21 January 2026; PTE Academic test centre 65 overall with no subtest below Reading 60, Listening 60, Speaking 65, Writing 60). International applications for September 2027 entry are accepted in six rounds from 1 October 2026 to 8 July 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,481 for the whole programme (2027/28). Home & RUK full-time fee for the 12-month MSc; part-time £1,276 per 20 credits (per-credit rate, not a programme total). Source

International applicants: GBP 28,275 for the whole programme (2027/28). International & EU full-time fee for the 12-month MSc. £2,000 deposit required. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

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