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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 2027
Other Start Dates
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UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Why MA International Relations Double Degree with Ritsumeikan University at UEA?
Gain two MA degrees from two prestigious universities, combining European and Asia-Pacific perspectives on global politics. You'll develop the theoretical depth, cross-cultural understanding, and international experience that global careers demand.
Why Choose UEA
- Two prestigious degrees: Graduate with MA qualifications from both UEA and one of Japan's most prestigious universities
- Dual perspectives: Study international relations through both European and Asia-Pacific lenses, taught by field-leading experts at both institutions
- Kyoto experience: Spend a full year immersed in academic and cultural life in Kyoto, one of the world's most distinctive cities
What is MA International Relations Double Degree with Ritsumeikan University?
This unique double degree lets you explore the big questions of global politics from two of the world's most distinctive academic traditions. You'll examine war and peace, global governance, climate change, and emerging technologies through European and Asia-Pacific perspectives.
Your first year at UEA grounds you in international relations theory and methods alongside a vibrant, internationally diverse cohort. Your second year at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto deepens your understanding of Asia-Pacific dynamics in a world-leading research environment.
You'll graduate with two separately awarded MA degrees, significant international experience, and the intercultural skills employers value most. All teaching across both institutions is delivered in English, making the programme fully accessible regardless of prior Japanese language knowledge.
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Study Abroad
The double degree requires two semesters abroad at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section(opens in a new window) of our website.
You may be eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee(opens in a new window)s pages.
Careers
Career Pathways
With our MA International Relations Double Degree with Ritsumeikan University degree, you could launch a career in:
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Diplomatic and foreign service: Represent national or multilateral interests across bilateral and international contexts, drawing on your cross-cultural expertise
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International organisations: Apply your dual perspective to roles in the UN, EU, NATO, and other global institutions addressing pressing international challenges
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Policy analysis and research: Produce evidence-based analysis for governments, think tanks, and advocacy organisations across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region
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Journalism and political communication: Use your international experience and analytical skills to report on and interpret global political developments
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NGOs and international development: Design and implement programmes addressing governance, development, and humanitarian challenges across global contexts
Career Support
Work closely with staff at both UEA and Ritsumeikan as you develop the analytical and intercultural skills that international employers seek. Identify and shape your career ambitions with personalised guidance from UEA's dedicated Career Central(opens in a new window) and the school's specialist employability director. Through one-to-one appointments, employer events, and professional development workshops, you'll build strong, competitive applications. You'll also have access to Ritsumeikan's careers service while in Japan, opening additional employment pathways in the Asia-Pacific region.
After the Course
Your double MA is a gateway to careers where intercultural fluency, rigorous analysis, and international experience are invaluable. Many graduates go on to roles in diplomatic services, international organisations, think tanks, and NGOs across Europe, Japan, and beyond. You'll also be well-positioned to pursue doctoral research at institutions in the UK, Japan, or around the world. Our graduates have built successful careers in journalism, civil service, international development, and academia across both regions.
Study and Modules
Structure
This two-year double degree is designed to give you a rigorous and genuine international education in global politics, combining the strengths of two world-class institutions across Europe and Asia.
Your first year is spent at UEA, where you'll build strong foundations in international relations theory and research methods. You'll explore the key frameworks for understanding global politics, from security and conflict to international governance, and world development. Optional modules allow you to begin tailoring your studies to your own intellectual interests and career aspirations from the outset.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(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.
Structure
Your second year takes you to Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, one of the oldest and most internationally renowned graduate schools of international relations in Asia. You'll study theoretical and practical approaches to international politics, comparative politics, international law, and peace and security studies, guided by research-active faculty with expertise spanning academia and practice. The cultural and intellectual immersion of a full year in Japan will enrich your analytical perspective in ways no single-country programme can offer.
The degree culminates in two separately awarded MA dissertations, one submitted to UEA and one to Ritsumeikan, allowing you to demonstrate original research capability in two distinct academic traditions. By graduation, you'll hold two prestigious postgraduate qualifications and international experience to stand out in a competitive global job market.
For more information, please visit Ritsumeikan University.(opens in a new window)
Compulsory Modules
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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching across both institutions combines research-led lectures, small-group seminars, and independent study, delivered by internationally recognised specialists. At UEA, seminars encourage critical analysis and informed debate, with a strong emphasis on developing your own academically grounded arguments. At Ritsumeikan, you'll be taught and supervised by research-active faculty, including former practitioners from international organisations and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All teaching across both institutions is delivered in English, with optional Japanese language modules available at Ritsumeikan for those who wish to develop their language skills.
In year one at UEA, structured teaching introduces core theoretical frameworks and research methods, supporting your transition into postgraduate study. In year two at Ritsumeikan, teaching is more specialised and dissertation-focused, with regular supervision from dedicated advisors at both institutions.
Assessment
Assessment across both institutions develops the analytical, communicative, and research skills that international affairs careers demand. At UEA, you'll complete essays, presentations, and project work, with formative feedback throughout to help you refine your approach before summative submission. At Ritsumeikan, assessment reflects the academic traditions of both institutions, building your ability to work across different scholarly contexts.
In year one at UEA, assessments build your confidence in international relations theory, policy analysis, and academic argumentation. In year two at Ritsumeikan, the degree culminates in two distinct MA dissertations, one in English for UEA and one in English or Japanese for Ritsumeikan, each demonstrating your independent research capability in a different academic tradition.
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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window).
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):
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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(opens in a new window) for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
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 UEA International Study Centre. 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(opens in a new window)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £22,400
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International Students: £47,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); 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 (two years).
UEA Students are required to pay an 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 Ritsukeikan 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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.