Politics and International Relations at UEA
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Find out moreMA International Relations
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality Politics and International Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisTop 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
How do we navigate a world of shifting power dynamics, climate emergency, and technological disruption? Our MA in International Relations equips you to analyse these global challenges and contribute meaningfully to their solutions.
Led by our internationally recognised experts, you'll examine critical issues shaping our world—from the reconfiguration of global institutions to emerging security threats, from transnational advocacy networks to regional power rivalries. The programme offers a sophisticated understanding of international relations theory while developing your analytical capabilities through engagement with real-world cases and contemporary debates.
The curriculum balances core theoretical foundations with flexibility to pursue your specific interests. You might specialise in global economic governance, human rights advocacy, strategic studies, or regional politics across Europe, Asia-Pacific, or the Global South. This tailored approach prepares you for diverse career paths while developing depth in your chosen areas.
What sets our programme apart is its connection to policy practitioners. Our established partnerships with think tanks, international organisations and government agencies create unique opportunities for professional development. Recent students collaborated with the European Institute for Asian Studies in Brussels, producing policy briefs and opinion pieces for international publications—valuable experience that distinguishes our graduates in competitive job markets.
Our diverse cohort welcomes students from varied academic backgrounds and global contexts. Whether you've previously studied international relations, come from an adjacent discipline, or seek a career change, our supportive learning environment helps you develop the expertise needed for success in international organisations, diplomatic services, NGOs, think tanks, or further academic studies.
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Study and Modules
Structure
Our MA in International Relations offers a stimulating academic journey that combines theoretical depth with practical application. This one-year, full-time programme is carefully structured to develop your expertise through face-to-face teaching in lectures, seminars and interactive workshops during the autumn and spring semesters.
Your journey begins with core modules that establish strong foundations in international relations theory. These modules explore key conceptual frameworks—from realism and liberalism to constructivism and critical approaches—that provide analytical tools for understanding global politics. Alongside theoretical foundations, you'll develop essential research skills through our social enquiry methods module, mastering techniques such as interview methods, survey design, discourse analysis and data interpretation that prepare you for independent research.
The first semester also introduces your first optional modules, allowing you to begin tailoring your studies. You might explore global governance institutions, examine the dynamics of emerging powers, engage with strategic thinking through simulated war games, or analyse the evolving nature of diplomacy in the digital age.
The second semester offers even greater flexibility through a diverse range of specialist optional modules aligned with contemporary challenges and our faculty expertise. Depending on your interests and career goals, you might focus on European integration politics, investigate China and Japan's evolving roles in global affairs, analyse American foreign policy, or examine international development paradigms.
The final component of your MA is the dissertation—a substantial independent research project. This capstone experience allows you to investigate a compelling international relations question of your choosing with support from an academic supervisor whose expertise aligns with your research area. The dissertation represents an opportunity to make an original contribution to knowledge while demonstrating the analytical and research skills you've developed throughout the programme.
Throughout your MA journey, our teaching emphasises the connection between theoretical understanding and real-world application, preparing you for diverse career paths in global affairs.
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.
Teaching and Learning
Our MA in International Relations creates a dynamic learning environment where critical analysis and independent thinking flourish. You'll develop the ability to evaluate complex sources, construct rigorous arguments, and engage confidently in scholarly debates about global challenges.
Our teaching team comprises internationally recognised researchers who bring their expertise directly into the classroom. Specialists in international relations theory, global political economy, security studies, political philosophy, and media studies ensure you benefit from cutting-edge research across these fields. This research-led approach means you'll engage with the same questions that drive contemporary scholarship.
We embrace interdisciplinary perspectives, creating a distinctive programme that bridges theoretical understanding with practical application. Our small-group seminars encourage lively debate and the exchange of diverse viewpoints, enhanced by our internationally diverse student community. This collaborative environment is complemented by our regular programme of research seminars, visiting speakers, and policy workshops that connect academic insights with real-world practice.
Throughout the programme, you'll develop sophisticated independent research skills. From analysing scholarly literature and evaluating competing theoretical perspectives to designing research projects and presenting findings, these capabilities culminate in your dissertation. During this final project, you'll benefit from personalised supervision by an academic whose expertise aligns with your research interests.
Your time will be balanced between structured teaching (25%) and independent learning (75%), reflecting our commitment to developing self-directed researchers capable of contributing original insights to international relations scholarship and practice.
Assessment
Our MA employs diverse assessment methods designed to develop skills essential for international affairs careers. You'll craft policy briefs analysing complex global challenges, write research essays examining theoretical perspectives, deliver presentations on contemporary issues, and participate in collaborative projects reflecting the team-based nature of professional practice.
Each assessment builds specific capabilities—from critical analysis and evidence evaluation to clear communication of sophisticated arguments. Formative feedback opportunities throughout the programme allow you to refine your work before final submission, while individual guidance helps you develop a compelling dissertation that showcases your research capabilities. This carefully designed assessment approach ensures you graduate with both academic excellence and professional competencies valued by employers across the international relations sector.
Employability
After the Course
Expertise in international relations opens doors across diverse sectors. Our graduates excel in diplomatic services, international organisations (including the UN, EU, and NATO), think tanks, NGOs, journalism, and corporate strategic advisory roles. The analytical capabilities, intercultural competence, and communication skills you'll develop are highly transferable, creating pathways to impactful careers addressing global challenges.
Beyond academic excellence, we prioritise your professional development through dedicated career support. Working alongside UEA's Careers Service and our school's employability director, you'll access tailored guidance, networking opportunities with alumni in key organisations, and potential internship placements. This comprehensive approach ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the professional connections and practical experience to launch your international career.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- political/policy analyst
- programme/development officer
- risk analyst
- advocacy/outreach officer
- journalist
- management position in international organisations, NGOs, government, media, and academia
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 - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- 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 - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- 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: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component.
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 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
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,200
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International Students: £23,850
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
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
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.
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.