MSc International Relations - scholarships and bursaries available to those eligible

Deepen your understanding of the causes and consequences of some of the biggest global societal challenges.

This course allows you to explore key challenges that span global borders and communities and how to develop sustainable solutions to them.

You’ll examine the politics and policymaking of global powers, paying close attention to how their decisions and interactions impact the management and maintenance of political order.

Different course pathways to specialise your skills

You can choose our standalone MSc International Relations degree, or one of four specialist pathways:

• MSc International Relations with European Politics
• MSc International Relations with Foreign Policy
• MSc International Relations with Gender Politics
• MSc International Relations with International Security

Each specialist pathway allows you to complement your core international relations learning with units that focus on applying it to key topics and issues in your chosen area. The standalone MSc International Relations degree gives you the freedom to select specialist units from any available pathway and build a more holistic degree.

Upon successful completion of this course, you'll have gained:

• in-depth knowledge of how foreign policy impacts global diplomacy, and economic and policymaking structures
• a comprehensive understanding of strategies that address the political and policy implications of foreign policy
• the ability to engage with communities and policymakers through effective advocacy
•  a fundamental understanding of topics, such as global security and cybersecurity threats; changes of leadership and the emergence of new powers; and the evolving nature of international politics
• advanced research, analytical, and communication skills suitable for many roles in politics and policymaking, consulting, and policy advocacy

Gain real-world experience with a consultancy project

The consultancy project is an alternative to a dissertation. It’s your chance to work on a project with an external organisation, using the skills and knowledge you’ll gain during your studies.

Working alone or as part of a group, you’ll conduct appropriate research, analyse data (if necessary) and share your solution as a written report and presentation.

You will benefit from our well-established business connections across the field of international relations and related sectors, both in the UK and overseas.

Graduate prospects

Studying this course provides an excellent grounding for careers in politics and policymaking, consulting, policy-advocacy and foreign affairs, within international organisations, multinational corporations, public bodies, NGOs and think tanks.

Graduates from our politics master’s degrees have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including:

• Danish EU Research Liaison Office in Brussels, Belgium
• Enel Green Power North America Inc, USA (Director of External Relations and Communications)
• European Parliament, Spain
• World Energy Council in Berlin, Germany

Others have chosen to continue their careers in academia.

Get a taste of our courses before you apply

Both the wider University and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences organise a variety of course webinars and virtual open days throughout the year. Come along and speak to our academics, current students and alumni to find out which course is right for you.

Sign up for our next Postgraduate Virtual Open Day

Register for a course-specific webinar

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath.

Find out more and apply