The ESRC recognised research-training Masters programme in International Relations provides a broad and rigorous grounding in the study and methodologies of the crucial challenges facing our world today, from terrorism to globalisation, and from humanitarian intervention to new social movements. In particular, it provokes you to question the division between the ‘domestic’ and ‘international’, and between theory and practice in the study of international relations.

• If you are planning to pursue a research-intensive career or doctoral studies, including under the ESRC 1+3 scheme, this programme is designed for you. This degree provides a pathway to ESRC sponsored postgraduate fellowships.
• This intense and demanding programme offers you broad and informed knowledge of the central challenges in international relations and equips you with the analytical techniques and tools to analyse political data. You also gain a wide range of more general skills, including how to convey complex ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing.
• The MRes covers common material with the MSc in International Relations (MSc), and provides additional in-depth methodological training for those who want to pursue a PhD. It draws on recognised expertise in the fields of international relations theory, normative international theory, international security, international governmental organisations, non-state actors, human rights and humanitarian intervention, and a wide variety of country and regional expertise.
• You will also benefit from the course offerings of the highly successful taught Master's course in Human Rights and International Politics, the new postgraduate taught programme in Global Security, and the postgraduate teaching offered by the University's School of Law on topics including international law and human rights, globalisation, and international economic, environmental, and criminal law, as well as other subjects in the School of Social & Political Sciences and beyond, including History.
• You will benefit from a number of research and teaching initiatives at the University, including the Global Security Roundtable; The Glasgow Refugee, Asylum & Migration Network; The Glasgow Centre for International Development; and the Glasgow Human Rights Network.

Programme overview

• MRes: 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
• Social science statistics 1.

Optional courses (two chosen)

• China's international politics
• Comparative European politics
• Ethics in global politics
• EU in international politics and development
• Foreign policy of the United States
• Globalisation and European integration
• Human rights and global politics
• Internet and civil society 
• Media and democracy.

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.

Dissertation

The dissertation, written during the final phase of the programme, is your opportunity to explore your own specialist interest in International Politics and to demonstrate the research and writing skills you have developed.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions in higher education, government/foreign ministry, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and think tanks.

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.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

We ask that you apply online for a postgraduate taught degree. Our system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University within 42 days of starting your application.

You need to read the guide to applying online before starting your application. It will ensure you are ready to proceed, as well as answer many common questions about the process. 

Guide to applying online

Apply now

If you wish to apply for an ESRC-funded studentship for the MRes and a PhD (1+3) you must apply by Friday, 15 April at 4pm although early applications are strongly recommended. In order to be considered, you will have to submit a short research proposal (1000 words + references). You will need to apply through the College Graduate School.

Please see the College's funding opportunities website for further information about the application process and our PhD website for guidance on the research proposal.

Only UK and EU citizens are eligible for ESRC awards. Non-UK-resident ESRC students are not eligible for maintenance grants.