International Relations MA

UK

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What will I learn?

Deepen your knowledge of international relations and gain the skills to unpack and detect the causes and consequences of the world’s biggest challenges.

Current world developments - such as security threats, changes of leadership, the emergence of new powers and the evolving nature of the EU - present fresh challenges to governments, regions and the international system as a whole.

This course explores these issues in depth, taking a close look at politics and policy-making of cybersecurity, security, diplomacy, and of emerging powers, Great Powers as well as interplay of international power, order and institutions.

You'll gain the analytical skills to be able to unpack and detect the causes and consequences of specific political problems and the different political processes that have generated them.

This course attracts students from all over the world at different stages of their professional and academic lives, adding to the richness of debate and offering deep and diverse perspectives on this multi-faceted subject.

Studying at Bath provides you with the opportunity to work with researchers in international security, terrorism, foreign policy and the international political economy. Our staff have expertise in many relevant topics including secret intelligence, the global resurgence of religion, emerging powers and peace and conflict studies, they offer fresh and leading perspectives on these highly complex and evolving areas.

You'll leave with:

  • a broad and informed perspective on current issues of international relations
  • the strong analytical skills and theory-informed reasoning to be able to conduct political analysis and understand current challenges and developments
  • a deep insight into the world of negotiation and diplomacy and how multilateral institutions operate in the domains of trade and security
  • a strong foundation for international careers in administration, diplomacy, policy formation and research

This course is suited to those with an interest in contemporary world affairs and a degree in a relevant subject such as European studies, international relations, modern languages, politics, history, economics or sociology. It's a highly relevant course if you're interested in, or already working in the field of commerce, trade, industry, teaching or government.

Graduate prospects

Studying this course provides an excellent grounding for working in international organisations, multinational corporations, public bodies and think tanks.

Graduates have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including:

  • Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance Advisor, DNB
  • San Diego Justice Corps
  • Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Ambassador’s Office, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC

Some of our students choose to go on to doctoral research.

Which department am I in?

Politics, Languages and International Studies

Study options

Full Time (1 year)

Tuition fees
£26,500.00 (US$ 34,223) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Application deadline

Expected July 2025

Start date

September 2025

Venue

University of Bath

Claverton Down,

Bath,

Bath And North East Somerset,

BA2 7AY, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above. To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology. We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree. IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Bath

The University of Bath offers its students a world-class education, with excellent facilities in an idyllic location.

  • Ranked 6th in Guardian University Guide 2024
  • Based in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 32 percent of its student population is international
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate international scholarships