International Relations MSc
The University of Edinburgh
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MSc - Master of Science

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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MSc - Master of Science

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Course info

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 corporations security alliances international financial/trade organisations international legal bodies aid/development institutions The programme enables you to examine global empirical issues and ...Read more

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 corporations security alliances international financial/trade organisations international legal bodies aid/development institutions The 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: war terrorism power diplomacy climate change trade, poverty migration international cooperation The 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. Areas of interest This 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 globalisation triggers of state and non-state conflict and war the construction of foreign policy the significance of gender to policy and policy-making the environment and climate change international aid efforts and poverty alleviation This 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 optional courses on specific regions such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. How will I learn? 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 via 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. More programme details You can find more details about this programme, including student testimonials and suggested reading recommendations, on the programme webpage: MSc International Relations

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
12th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
18th
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
21 Jan 15

I`m not a student in it, because I`m not still at this age, but I give my vote for University of Edinburgh, because I dream of its perfection...and what better..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

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

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£15,200 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£15,200 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£15,200 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£15,200 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£30,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£30,500 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest International Relations reviews

International Relations
International Relations
SR
Student Reviewer
21 Jan 15
I`m not a student in it, because I`m not still at this age, but I give my vote for University of Edinburgh, because I dream of its perfection...and what better...
Read more
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( 4.0) 2 reviews
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Uni info

The University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.2 miles away
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