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International Relations at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Course summary

This programme focuses on international relations and the pressing problems humanity faces in the international realm.  International Relations involves studying the complex interactions between sovereign states and a wide range of other organisations and institutions, including:

  • multinational corporations
  • security alliances
  • international financial/trade organisations
  • international legal bodies
  • aid/development institutions
The programme enables you to examine global empirical issues and developments, and to adopt a range of theoretical approaches, allowing you to analyse and interpret the world with different conceptual lenses. This programme explores topics such as:
  • war
  • terrorism
  • power
  • diplomacy
  • climate change
  • trade, poverty
  • migration
  • international cooperation
The programme focuses not only on the study of these topics, but also explores the ways to meet their associated challenges. Our MSc International Relations programme offers intensive training in the theory and practice of international relations, preparing you for a diverse range of international careers or further research. Our approach combines innovative research with creative and inspirational teaching. Staff members approach research and teaching with an intricate knowledge of the major international institutions, complemented by a deep appreciation of historical change and key ideas in international thought. Areas of interest This programme provides the opportunity to analyse major issues in global affairs and engage with leading academic research within your own area(s) of interest. Examples of areas of focus include:
  • the economic and cultural impact of globalisation
  • triggers of state and non-state conflict and war
  • the construction of foreign policy
  • the significance of gender to policy and policy-making
  • the environment and climate change
  • international aid efforts and poverty alleviation
This degree programme is broad and wide-ranging, but also allows you to specialise in particular areas or countries of the world. Depending on course availability, you will be able to take specialist optional courses on specific regions such as Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. How will I learn? This taught MSc programme combines a small number of core courses with a larger number of optional, topic-specific courses. The core courses generally involve large-group lectures complemented with small-group tutorials. The optional courses are smaller in group size and may be taught through lectures and tutorials, or via more interactive seminar sessions. You will be expected to engage in regular, independent learning outside of the classroom. You will need to engage closely with the relevant academic literature. Lecturers and tutors will recommend readings, but you will also be expected to go beyond the reading lists provided. More programme details You can find more details about this programme, including student testimonials and suggested reading recommendations, on the programme webpage.

Modules

See our website for detailed programme information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.
International Relations at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS