University of Birmingham - College of Social Sciences
MA/PGDip in International Relations
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 27,200 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* deadline for International students I 29 August 2025 deadline for Home students
** for full-time International students | for full-time UK students: £10,900 | part-time UK students: £5,450 per year
Key Summary
Explore issues, problems and key theoretical debates that are crucial to international politics, preparing to lead a more ethical, practical and innovative change.
Prepare to shape your future in global affairs with our MA in International Relations. Delve into key debates and gain practical insights to lead impactful change worldwide.
The degree will be of interest and benefit to those interested in pursuing careers in national and international governmental agencies, in NGOs, journalism, the public sector and education as well as those interested in undertaking doctoral work in international relations. In all cases, you will be encouraged to work closely with staff in a supportive and intellectually committed environment.
Postgraduate Loans for Masters students
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships and studentships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Visit the course page for more information on the modules available.
Module information
The programme is composed of two 20-credit core modules completed by four 20-credit modules from our list of optional modules. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MA, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Visit the course page for more information on the modules available.
Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.
The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and inviting backgrounds for students to meet.
Careers Network
The Careers Network provides a dedicated service to help you find work experience or internship opportunities outside of your studies, either part-time during term-time, or over the summer vacation. Right from the start of your degree, you will have access to our interactive careers service, through which many regional, national and international employers advertise their vacancies, and your college internship officers will go out and about to find vacancies that will be a useful addition to your CV.