Let's Talk about MSc International Relations
Published: 13 August 2026
Current MSc International Relations student Ivan Vadzinsky shares his experience of studying at the University of Glasgow, from academic life and research to community and personal growth.
Author: Ivan Vadzinskyi, MSc International Relations student
As my postgraduate journey approaches its conclusion, I wish to share with you what being an MSc student in International Relations has meant to me and how this year has influenced my future life and career. It has been a truly wonderful journey, filled with significant moments, both academically and personally. As many of you are preparing to commence your own journeys in just a few weeks, I sincerely hope this information will assist you in understanding the experience of being a UofG student.
What it means to be an IR student at the UofG:
The MSc programme in International Relations at the UofG offers a fascinating integration of various aspects within the field of politics. From global development to regional studies, the available module options enable the development of diverse skills and competencies, while simultaneously broadening one’s global perspective. My classmates and I frequently observe that this programme’s versatility significantly benefits the demand for expertise in the contemporary, evolving political landscape.
My study programme and lectures:
With this in mind, I would like to share some specific details regarding the modules I completed during my master’s program. Firstly, as we have core courses that are mandatory for all IR students, I successfully completed courses on research methods (an excellent preparation for your future dissertation) and an IR theories course (if you have previously studied IR, this may sound familiar, but if you have chosen to transition fields, it may help you to comprehend the principles governing academic research in IR). Additionally, I undertook numerous modules that contributed to my comprehensive understanding of many contemporary issues, ranging from the rise of China and development, to security studies and the role of international organizations in global politics and governance.
This was exceptionally beneficial, as it not only provided me with new knowledge on specific questions but also allowed me to apply information from various modules in different directions and areas of study.
My community:
Being an MSc student signifies the beginning of a new phase in your academic journey. It also implies that you will find yourself in an entirely new environment, surrounded by new individuals and personalities.
My cohort is remarkably diverse, comprising students from all corners of the globe, from Japan to Canada, and from Peru to Norway. I find it exceptionally valuable that my cohort represents such a wide array of nations. It was incredibly engaging to listen to their personal experiences and perspectives on the topics we discussed in class. This experience demonstrated to me that there are diverse viewpoints on the same issues and that communication is essential to understanding how different groups perceive these issues.
Dissertation – blessing disguised as a curse:
While many students understandably find the dissertation writing process daunting, I personally believe it constitutes an extremely important part of this academic journey.
This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to defend your position and present a sophisticated work, which could be part of a scientific discussion. However, this process demands dedication and careful attention. Although we are allotted approximately four months to produce this 15,000-word research piece, we must continually challenge ourselves: to avoid postponing readings, to reread drafts for potential improvements, to dedicate time to our academic supervisor, and, importantly, to present our findings in the most academic manner possible.
The Role of the University of Glasgow in My Future Career:
While the journey has been fascinating and exciting, filled with emotions, joy, and positive experiences, it is important to remember that this is but one step in your professional life. I trust that the connections forged at the University of Glasgow will prove lasting. I am confident that the skills and knowledge acquired here will significantly benefit my career prospects. As I contemplate whether to pursue a career in academia or embark on a new path in diplomacy, I am certain that the unique knowledge gained here will assist me in adapting to a new professional environment.
First published: 13 August 2026
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