MRes International Relations
University of Essex
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

MRes - Master of Research

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

2 years

Course info

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Qualification

MRes - Master of Research

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Politics
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Course info

We live in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world where events that unfold on other continents can affect our lives very quickly. Sometimes politicians can work together in a search for solutions but disagreement, and even the possibility of conflict, never seems far away.Our MRes International Relations is a two-year course, designed to give you additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. You study modules on international relations and ...Read more

We live in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world where events that unfold on other continents can affect our lives very quickly. Sometimes politicians can work together in a search for solutions but disagreement, and even the possibility of conflict, never seems far away.

Our MRes International Relations is a two-year course, designed to give you additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. You study modules on international relations and research methods across your two years, while developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

You are familiarised with the theories and conceptual tools used to analyse world politics and explore how different theories and conceptual tools speak to contemporary debates and events. You also take modules on topics including:

  • Forecasting global trends
  • International security
  • The analysis of conflict and peace
  • Research methods
  • Research design
  • Political theory

Our MRes International Relations offers excellent preparation for PhD research in this field, covering all aspects of international relations with additional training in research design and research methods. You learn how to develop theories, conduct research, and explore the empirical implications of theoretical models using the most appropriate empirical methods.

Your future

An MRes puts you in a particularly strong position to succeed in a research degree. We offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates have gone on to academic and research focused careers as post doctorates and staff in Universities around the UK and EU.

Other recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:

  • The Civil Service
  • Local government
  • The World Bank
  • The United Nations
  • NATO
  • YouGov and YouGov America

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
46th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
A
Adrian
29 Feb 24

The Student Union is amazing here at Essex. They deliver different events for us, including cultural events. The campus looks gorgeous. Staff in my department are very helpful..Read more

G
Gabriela
16 Feb 24

I love the overall support by the University, I feel very safe on campus. I love all the events they organise to bring students together and the mental health support they give..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 2)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics or a 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to: Comparative Political Systems, Constitutional Democracy, Contemporary World Affairs, Current Affairs, Democratic Theory, Econometrics, European Integration/Dynamics of Integration, Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy, Game Theory etc.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,000 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)

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 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.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 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.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest International Relations reviews

International Relations
International Relations
A
Adrian
29 Feb 24
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
The Student Union is amazing here at Essex. They deliver different events for us, including cultural events. The campus looks gorgeous. Staff in my department are very helpful...
Read more
G
Gabriela
16 Feb 24
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
I love the overall support by the University, I feel very safe on campus. I love all the events they organise to bring students together and the mental health support they give...
Read more
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How International Relations students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 58 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
49%
3 stars
18%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 2,008 reviews
5 star
41%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
13%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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