Politics and International Relations at UEA
Find out more about studying Politics and International Relations at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA International Relations Double Degree with Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Are you passionate about International Relations and eager to combine insights from across Europe and the Asia Pacific region? If so, this exciting programme offers you a unique opportunity to gain a double MA degree from two prestigious universities: the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK, and Ritsumeikan University in Japan.
You’ll spend your first year at UEA on our friendly green campus in the historic city of Norwich. You’ll then take your studies to the next level by spending your second year at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan’s enchanting ancient cultural capital. Here, you’ll cultivate a different perspective on global politics, and gain cutting-edge insights into Asia-Pacific dynamics, all while immersed in a vibrant, modern academic setting.
As part of this Double Degree, you’ll study the big questions of global politics: issues of war and peace; how the global economy is governed and challenges for global development; economic, race and gender inequalities; the power of international organisations and international law; the politics of climate change negotiations; the risks and opportunities offered by emerging technologies, from digital social media to Artificial Intelligence, and more.
Our Double MA will equip you with the knowledge and skills to explore the major issues in global politics, from different perspectives across Europe and Asia Pacific.
Our field-leading teams of International Relations experts at both UEA and Ritsumeikan University will support you as you grapple with exciting intellectual challenges, preparing you for a successful and rewarding career on the national or international stage.
)
Study and Modules
Structure
On this double degree course, you’ll spend your first year at UEA, and your second year at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. In year 1, your first two semesters will be spent at UEA (Autumn and Spring), where you’ll be introduced to International Relations theories and methods. You’ll also be able to select optional modules on a wide range of issues, ranging from international security to war and conflict, and from world development to international governance.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching on this double degree is designed to encourage you to critically analyse sources and develop your ability to engage in informed debates. We place significant emphasis on enabling you to advance your opinions in an academically grounded manner.
Our Politics, Social and International Studies department within the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Area Studies possesses world-leading expertise in the research and teaching of international relations theory, global political economy, security studies, public policy, political theory, political communications and media studies. We focus on diverse areas of the world including the UK, Japan, the European Union, the Americas including the United States, and the Asia Pacific. The department comprises members of staff who are specialists in their area of teaching and actively engage with cutting-edge research in the field. This means that you’ll be taught by experts. Our teaching is research-led, in that we ask the same questions of our students as we do in our research. This means you can be sure your learning is at the cutting-edge of the discipline.
Independent Study
Learning how to study and research independently, and how to present your subsequent work, are important skills that you’ll gain during this postgraduate degree. You’ll develop and hone these abilities from your first week with us, and you’ll build on them as you progress through the degree, over two years and across two countries, to your final dissertations.
How you'll spend your time at UEA during semester one and two, and Ritsumeikan in semester three and four:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods on this dual degree course, including essays, project work, presentations and the dissertation. All our modules include opportunities for formative assessments, which will provide you with the expert feedback you’ll need before submitting your final work.
Employability
After the Course
A double degree with significant time spent studying in both the UK and Japan will strengthen your employability, having also achieved two separately awarded Master’s degrees. This international experience will prepare you ideally to work in national and international settings, in different cultural contexts.
Recent graduates from our schools have taken jobs in business, teaching, research, journalism, and many international organisations, including the United Nations, European Union, the diplomatic corps of various countries, think-tanks, and NATO. Many of our graduates also go on to further study in PhD programs in the UK, Japan, and around the world.
We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service, which can provide advice on all aspects of graduate employment as well as helping you arrange internships and work placements. The school has a dedicated employability director and career adviser who will help you think about what you want to do next and how to get there.
You’re also eligible to use Ritsumeikan careers service while in Japan and if you graduate in Japan, you’ll also have the ability to pursue employment opportunities there.
Careers
This double degree can lead to careers in many different areas, including the following:
- Teaching
- Research
- Journalism
- International Organizations
- Think-tanks
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Civil Service
- Policy and risk analyst
- Advocacy, outreach and political communication
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.1
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- Additional Entry Requirements
If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.
There are 3 available places on the course. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an email confirming this. Any shortlisted applicant will be automatically eligible for an offer on MA International Relations.
As part of the Double Degree, Ritsumeikan University offers a Japanese Language based program for which you will need to demonstrate N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency test (JLPT).
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.1 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- Additional Entry Requirements
If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact university directly for further information.
There are 3 available places on the course. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an email confirming this. Any shortlisted applicant will be automatically eligible for an offer on MA International Relations.
As part of the Double Degree, Ritsumeikan University offers a Japanese Language based program for which you will need to demonstrate N1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency test (JLPT).
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in two components with 6.0 in the others).
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £10,675
-
International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Ritsumeikan University waives tuition fees for UEA students. UEA students will pay fees to UEA for their period of enrollment (2 years).
Students are required to pay full published international student tuition to UEA for 21,200 GBP (2024/25)
Students are required to pay annual fee of 10,000JPY (approximately £50) as a continuous enrollment fee to RU while studying at UEA.
This course is not eligible for student finance England student loan funding. Students may be able to apply to Turing funding to support their period of study at Ritsumeikan University.
UEA students will also be responsible for the following fees at Ritsumeikan University: the Academic Society Fee (Gakkai-hi), the Graduate Students Association Fee (Insei-kyogikai-hi), and the Alumni Association Fee (Koyukai-hi) of Ritsumeikan University. These total around £150 per year.
UEA students will need to cover any additional non-tuition costs incurred at Ritsumeikan University themselves, including travel, accommodation and living costs.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Applying for Ritsumeikan University programme
You will be required to submit a formal application to Ritsumeikan University in April 2026. Your place will be guaranteed as part of your offer to study at UEA.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.