MSc International Relations
University of Essex
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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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

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part 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 most popular course, MSc International Relations, attracts students from all over the world. You focus on general theoretical perspectives of the discipline, providing the tools for you to understand ...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 most popular course, MSc International Relations, attracts students from all over the world. You focus on general theoretical perspectives of the discipline, providing the tools for you to understand historical and contemporary events. The emphasis is on explaining and understanding international events, rather than simply the intellectual history of international relations as a field.

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

Our MA International Relations will help you develop key employability skills which will make you attractive to both the public and private sector, including analytical reasoning, research design, communication and report writing.

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

We also 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 now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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
I
Ingrid
16 Feb 25

The lecturers of government department are very engaging and are happy to have students discuss anything within their office..Read more

B
Baahir
13 Dec 24

Universities offer excellent education, personal growth, and diverse opportunities, making them great places to study. Students benefit from expert faculty, cutting-edge research,..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
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, Governmental Processes/Systems, Human Rights, Ideology and Political Analysis, International Economic Law, International Economic Relations.

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
I
Ingrid
16 Feb 25
International Relations BA (Hons)
The lecturers of government department are very engaging and are happy to have students discuss anything within their office...
Read more
B
Baahir
13 Dec 24
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
Universities offer excellent education, personal growth, and diverse opportunities, making them great places to study. Students benefit from expert faculty, cutting-edge research,...
Read more
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How International Relations students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 60 reviews
5 star
31%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
18%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 2,100 reviews
5 star
42%
4 stars
45%
3 stars
12%
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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