International Relations
About this course
MA(SocSci) in International Relations, a politics and international relations degree focused on the interactions between states and societies across borders. Core topics include Policy Analysis and Global & Comparative Perspective. The programme incorporates a dedicated structure spanning four years of undergraduate study. The first year introduces foundational subjects through Politics 1A: Introduction to Politics, Politics 1B: Introduction to International Relations, Politics 2A: History Of Political Thought, and Politics 2B: Introduction to Comparative Politics. Subsequent study allows students to engage with a wide array of advanced political concepts and global themes. Optional modules span numerous specialist areas including International Relations Concepts, African Politics in Global Perspective, American Politics, Authoritarianism: Concepts, Theories and Comparative Analysis, British Prime Ministers since 1945, China's International Relations, Comparative Perspectives on Populism, Comparative Public Opinion, Government and Public Policy in the UK, Equality and Justice, Global Environmental Politics, Global Inequality and International Development, Political Ideas that Changed the World, Human Rights In Global Perspective, International Organizations, International Political Communication, International Political Economy, Politics of the Middle East, Narratives of War and Conflict, Political Parties and Democracy: Global Party Politics in Transition, Politics Of The European Union, Politics of Terror, Politics and Popular Culture, The Psychology of Politics, Radical Politics: Marx, Marxism and Anarchism, Social Movements, The Politics of Borders, Business and Politics, Chinese Politics, Citizenship And Democracy, Challenges to Democracy, Comparative European Politics, Contemporary Challenges in Politics, Defying Dictators:Political Opposition in Authoritarian States, Elections and Voters, Feminist Perspectives on Politics, Global Distributive Justice, Issues In British Politics, Issues In International Relations, Latin American Politics, Politics, Communication and Democracy, The Politics of Immigration, Post-colonial and De-colonial International Theory, Protest Politics in a Post-Political Age: Reform, Resistance or Revolution?, Scottish Politics, Securitisation and the New Security Agenda, US Foreign Policy, and War and International Security.
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Entry requirements
A level: AAB or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level English or Humanities subject.) IB: 36 (6,6,5) (Additional requirements: English HL6 or Humanities HL6 with English SL6.) Scottish Higher: AAABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer. Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5. Typically offers will be made at AAAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher. Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject at AA. (AB may be considered) Higher Mathematics is recommended. Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : ABBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AAABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration) Additional requirements: Higher English and a Higher Humanities subject. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 86%
- Left higher education: 14%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 30%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Media Professionals: 15%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 120 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 15%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 64%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 12%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 2%
Modules
- Politics 1A: Introduction to Politics
- Politics 1B: Introduction to International Relations
- Politics 2A: History Of Political Thought
- Politics 2B: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- International Relations Concepts
- African Politics in Global Perspective
- American Politics
- Authoritarianism: Concepts, Theories and Comparative Analysis
- British Prime Ministers since 1945
- China's International Relations
- Comparative Perspectives on Populism
- Comparative Public Opinion
- Government and Public Policy in the UK
- Equality and Justice
- Global Environmental Politics
- Global Inequality and International Development
- Political Ideas that Changed the World
- Human Rights In Global Perspective
- International Organizations
- International Political Communication
- International Political Economy
- Politics of the Middle East
- Narratives of War and Conflict
- Political Parties and Democracy: Global Party Politics in Transition
- Politics Of The European Union
- Politics of Terror
- Politics and Popular Culture
- The Psychology of Politics
- Radical Politics: Marx, Marxism and Anarchism
- Social Movements
- The Politics of Borders
- Business and Politics
- Chinese Politics
- Citizenship And Democracy
- Challenges to Democracy
- Comparative European Politics
- Contemporary Challenges in Politics
- Defying Dictators:Political Opposition in Authoritarian States
- Elections and Voters
- Feminist Perspectives on Politics
- Global Distributive Justice
- Issues In British Politics
- Issues In International Relations
- Latin American Politics
- Politics, Communication and Democracy
- The Politics of Immigration
- Post-colonial and De-colonial International Theory
- Protest Politics in a Post-Political Age: Reform, Resistance or Revolution?
- Scottish Politics
- Securitisation and the New Security Agenda
- US Foreign Policy
- War and International Security
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of International Relations at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,000 and £39,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of International Relations at University of Glasgow do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on International Relations at University of Glasgow?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for International Relations at University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 200 UCAS points.
Does International Relations at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on International Relations at University of Glasgow?
86% of students continued into their second year, and 14% left higher education.