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 2026
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
This degree gives you a unique opportunity to gain a double MA in International Relations from both UEA and Ritsumeikan University in Japan. You’ll spend your first year at UEA, then your second year at Ritsumeikan—subject to government health advice at the time.
You’ll explore the major challenges shaping global politics today, including terrorism, poverty, war, climate change, famine, pandemics, gender inequality, financial crises, transnational crime and underdevelopment. This double MA equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand and address these issues within the international system.
You’ll also get the chance to live and study in Japan, gaining fresh insights and a global perspective on international relations.
A key highlight of the course is a potential study trip to Brussels, where you’ll visit the European Union and NATO, engage with academics, politicians and officials, and explore a range of international organisations, NGOs and think tanks. This trip’s subject to government health advice.
Throughout the programme, you’ll join discussions and learning sessions with experts and representatives from major international bodies like the European Institute for Asian Studies, International Committee of the Red Cross, World Health Organization and UNESCO—all subject to current health guidance.
Recent graduates have gone on to careers in business, teaching, research, journalism and international organisations such as the United Nations, European Union and NATO.
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Study Abroad
The double degree requires two semesters abroad at Ritsumeikan University.
For further details, visit our Study Abroad section of our website.
You may be eligible for reduced fees during the year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.
Study and Modules
Structure
On this double degree course, you’ll spend your first year at UEA (Autumn and Spring semesters), then your second year at Ritsumeikan University (RU) in Kyoto, Japan (Autumn and Spring semesters). While at RU, you’ll be enrolled in the Global Cooperation Programme (GCP) and the Global and Japanese Perspectives Programme (JPP).
You’ll complete two Master’s theses—one in English for UEA, and one in either Japanese or English for RU. These theses must be distinct from each other and not translations of the same work, though they may explore related topics.
By the end of the course, you’ll graduate with two postgraduate taught degrees and gain valuable experience of living and studying abroad—boosting your academic profile and employability.
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 Political, Social and International Studies department, within the School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies, has world-leading expertise in researching and teaching international politics, public policy, media and society, and social and political theory.
You’ll be taught by experts in international relations, security studies, political philosophy, political communications, and media studies. Our teaching is research-led, meaning we challenge you with the same questions we explore in our research. This ensures your learning is always at the cutting edge of the discipline.
The department includes more than 30 staff members, all actively engaged in research. We take an interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approach, linking theory to practice to create a distinctive research programme. This approach has earned us a strong international reputation across areas such as international relations, international security, terrorism, human rights, religion, Britain, the European Union, Japan, Africa, mass media (including digital media), political communications, popular culture, identity politics, public administration and policy, political theory, and political rhetoric.
Independent study
You’ll develop important skills in independent study, research, and presenting your work throughout your degree. From your first week, you’ll build these skills and continue to refine them up to your final dissertation.
How you’ll spend your time at UEA during the first and second semesters:
- Teaching: 25%
- Independent Learning: 75%
While writing your dissertation, you’ll take part in a dedicated Postgraduate day where you present your dissertation proposal and get feedback from peers and staff. You’ll then meet regularly with your dissertation supervisor for guidance and support.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods on this degree, 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 need before submitting your final work.
Structure
As part of the Dual Master’s Degree Program, you’ll spend your second year studying MA International Relations at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. This innovative program, run in collaboration with overseas graduate schools, lets you earn two master’s degrees in just two years. By completing your second year abroad, you’ll gain a truly international perspective and develop the expertise needed to lead in international cooperation and global governance. It’s designed to give you the skills and experience to thrive in a global context. Learn more about the Dual Master’s Degree Program.
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.
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 open doors to careers in a wide range of fields, including:
- Teaching
- Research
- Journalism
- The United Nations
- The European Union
- NATO
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):
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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 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: £22,400 (£11,200 per year)
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International Students: £23,850
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. You’ll pay tuition fees to UEA for your full period of enrolment (two years).
However, you’ll be responsible for the following fees payable directly to Ritsumeikan University: the Academic Society Fee (Gakkai-hi), the Graduate Students Association Fee (Insei-kyogikai-hi), and the Alumni Association Fee (Koyokai-hi).
You’ll also need to cover any additional non-tuition costs at Ritsumeikan University yourself, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
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.