MSc Politics and International Relations
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,320 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for overseas student fees | home student fees: GBP 12,220 per year
Key Summary
About: The MSc Politics and International Relations at SOAS examines politics across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, combining theory and practical tools for rigorous analysis. You'll choose specialized tracks, join international study tours, and prepare for careers in diplomacy, government, NGOs, think tanks, media, policy, global business or academia. SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Politics (QS 2024) and offers paid internships at Amnesty International and Chatham House.
Career Outcomes: Graduates gain transferable research, analysis and policy skills. Employers include BBC, Bloomberg, UNICEF and the UN. Roles: policy analyst, diplomat, journalist, risk analyst, researcher.
The MSc in Politics and International Relations examines the global, international, regional, and local politics of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, providing theoretical frameworks and practical tools to support rigorous forms of analysis and cutting-edge careers in a complex and fast-changing world.
From geopolitical strategy and human rights advocacy to international economic policies and deeply embedded forms of local political expertise, the degree offers specialized tracks to enhance your professional goals. Students also have an opportunity to join international study tours curated by academic colleagues with leading practitioners across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
The degree is designed for those working—or intending to work—in government and diplomacy, international organisations and NGOs, think tanks and advocacy groups, print and online media, global business, policy and risk analysis, or the academy.
Why study MSc Politics and International Relations at SOAS?
- We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- 4th globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- You will be eligible to apply for internships, such as the two paid internships at Amnesty International and Chatham House available to SOAS Politics students this year.
- SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.
Core Courses
- International Theory - 30 credits
Dissertation
- Dissertation in Politics and International Studies
Specialist Pathway - Middle East
- State and Transformation in the Middle East
- International Politics of the Middle East
Specialist Pathway - Africa
- Frameworks of Political Analysis - 15 credits
SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- BBC World Service
- Bloomberg
- British Red Cross
- British Council
- Center for International Peace Operations
- Channel 4
- Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
- Department for International Development (DfID)
- Eversheds LLP
- Financial Times
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)
- Global Policy Institute
- Go East Consulting
- Grassroot Diplomat
- Palestine Red Crescent Association
- Save the Children
- UNICEF Ethiopia
- United Nations
Modules are taught by a combination of methods, principally lectures, tutorial classes, seminars and supervised individual study projects. The MSc programme consists of three taught modules (corresponding to three examination papers) and a dissertation.