The Masters in International Relations is designed for those interested in the crucial challenges facing our world today, from terrorism to globalisation, and from conflict to migration . In particular, it will provoke you to think about international challenges and the nature of interactions in the system; about the nature of theory and practice in the study of international relations.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and undertake independent research.

Core courses

• Challenges in international politics
• International relations theory
• Qualitative research methods OR Social science statistics.

Optional courses (three chosen)

• China's international politics
• Chinese politics and society
• Comparative European politics
• Critical perspectives on human rights
• Ethics in global politics
• EU in international politics and development
• Foreign policy of the United States
• Freedom of expression
• Globalisation and European integration
• Human rights and global politics
• International security and global politics
• Institutions and policies of the European Union
• Internet and civil society
• Media and democracy
• Political institutions, crisis and communication
• Political legitimacy: contemporary perspectives
• Politics of gender in development.

Note: Some courses might not be available every year. You may also be able to choose from courses in the other subjects in the School of Social & Political Sciences.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions in higher education, government/foreign ministry, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, think tanks; and further study at PhD level.

Academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are an honours degree at the 2.1/upper second class level or higher or equivalent (e.g. B/3.0 GPA in the undergraduate degree) in politics, law or related social science subject.

We will consider applications from graduates from other fields, but the applicant should submit a statement indicating why they are interested in changing fields or the connection to their previous study. We will also take relevant work experience into account.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc