Course summary

This ESRC recognised research-training programme provides a broad and in-depth grounding in the study and methodologies of the most challenging problems our world currently faces, such as international conflict and instability, terrorism, climate change, or rapid globalisation. Building on a thorough understanding of international relations theory, our programme trains you in how to apply and leverage methods and research design to answer the most pressing societal questions of our time. WHY THIS PROGRAMME

• If you are planning to pursue a research-intensive career or doctoral studies, including under the ESRC 1+3 scheme, this programme is designed for you. This degree provides a pathway to ESRC sponsored postgraduate fellowships.

• This programme offers training in what international relations has to say about some of the most challenging problems in international politics and equips you with the appropriate methods and a good understanding of research design to analyse political data.

• The MRes covers common material with the MSc in International Relations and provides in-depth methodological training for those who seek to continue their studies with a PhD degree at doctoral level. It draws on expertise in the fields of international relations theory, normative international theory, international security, international organisations, non-state actors, human rights, humanitarian intervention, and international political economy.

• You will have the opportunity to approach the subject from a variety of disciplinary approaches through courses across the School of Social & Political Sciences, School of Law, history and other subjects.

• You will benefit from a number of research and teaching initiatives which touch on important international issues, including Global Security Roundtable, Global Security Network, Glasgow Centre for International Development, Glasgow Refugee, Asylum & Migration Network; and Glasgow Human Rights Network.

• You will be able to participate in a 3-day study trip to Brussels to gain first hand experience on how international relations is done in practice and get access to a highly sought after job market. Past visits have included the European Commission, the European Parliament, NATO, Scotland House, and the World Bank.

• You will gain a wide range of transferrable skills, including how to convey complex ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing, or how to analyse problems in international politics to inform the public debate.

• International Relations at Glasgow is ranked 2nd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025.