MSc Politics and International Relations (International Politics and Security)
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
GBP 12,965 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Home | International: £25,320
Key Summary
About: Apply to the MSc Politics and International Relations; choose the International Politics and Security pathway. It examines why wars occur, peace prospects, power, cooperation, migration and inequality (empire, colonialism, race, gender, class) through critical, non‑Western lenses and SOAS Global South focus. MSc meets ESRC training standards; students eligible for ESRC funding if they continue to a PhD.
Career Outcomes: Graduates gain political analysis, security and research skills and a transferable portfolio for careers in policy, diplomacy, journalism, NGOs, international development, law, consulting and academic research. Recent employers include BBC World Service, Bloomberg, British Red Cross, FCDO, United Nations globally
MSc Politics and International Relations (International Politics and Security) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the International Politics and Security pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway’s required combination of modules.
The International Politics and Security pathway considers a number of important questions: Why do wars happen? Is global peace possible? How is power exercised in international politics? What are the conditions for cooperation among states? How does migration challenge and change the international political order?
Students examine orthodox answers to such questions and, drawing on SOAS’s unrivalled expertise in the politics of the Global South, interrogate them through a variety of critical and non-Western lenses. Students also utilise different theoretical lenses in combination with SOAS’s rich empirical expertise, exploring the dynamics of world politics from the distinctive perspectives of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We also interrogate how the study and practice of international politics is informed by questions of empire, colonialism, race, gender, and class.
The MSc Politics and International Studies is designed to train students in research skills to the level prescribed by the ESRC's research training guidelines. As a result, students are eligible for ESRC funding if they plan to study for our MSc degree followed by a PhD in our department.
Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (International Politics and Security) at SOAS?
- We’re ranked 6th in the UK and 28th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We’re ranked 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- 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’
- Eligibility for ESRC funding for students who want to follow their MSc degree with a PhD
Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits plus a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Core modules
- Dissertation in Politics and International Studies - 60 credits
- International Theory - 30 credits
- Methodology in the Social Sciences - 15 credits
Guided options
Students select 30-75 credits from guided options.
- Artificial Intelligence and Human Security - 15 credits
- Foreign Policy Analysis - 15 credits
- International Migration and Diaspora Politics - 15 credits
- International Political Economy - 15 credits
- International Politics of Human Rights - 15 credits
- The Politics of Global Security - 15 credits
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Social Research - 15 credits
- Frameworks of Political Analysis - 15 credits
Politics options
Students select up to 30 credits depending on your choices from the guided options list.
- Africa: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- Africa: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- Central Asia and the Caucasus: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- Central Asia and the Caucasus: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- China and International Politics I - 15 credits
- China and International Politics II - 15 credits
- Globalising China - 15 credits
- International Politics of the Middle East - 15 credits
- International Security Politics in East Asia - 15 credits
- Politics of Inequality in Northeast Asia: Japan, Korea and Taiwan - 15 credits
- South Asia: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- South Asia: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- Taiwan and International Politics I - 15 credits
- Taiwan and International Politics II - 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)
- Eversheds LLP
- Financial Times
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
- Global Policy Institute
- Go East Consulting
- Grassroot Diplomat
- Palestine Red Crescent Association
- Save the Children
- UNICEF Ethiopia
- United Nations
Lectures
Most modules involve a 50-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.
Seminars
At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work taking place in two-hour sessions. Students make full-scale presentations for each unit that they take, and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work.
Dissertation
A part of the requirement for the degree is given over to the writing of an adequately researched 10,000-word dissertation. Students are encouraged to take up topics which relate the study of a particular region to a body of theory.
Learning resources
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.