MA International Relations
About this course
MA (Honours) in International Relations, a politics and international relations and italian degree examining global politics, diplomacy and international affairs. The programme is delivered over four years full time. The first year introduces foundational features of global politics and diplomatic processes through compulsory modules such as Concepts in Global Politics and Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in Global Politics. The second year builds on this with modules including Studying International Relations and Theoretical Approaches to International Relations, addressing research methods and core theoretical frameworks. In subsequent years, students can choose from a wide range of optional study areas spanning regional security, conflict, human rights and political economy, including Armed Conflict in Africa, International Political Economy and Gender and Terrorism.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA IB: 38 (HL 6,6,6)
See the highest paying Social Sciences degrees in the UK →
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for MA International Relations (L250) at the University of St Andrews for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAA at A level.
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 40 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 16%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 16%
- Finance Professionals: 11%
- Media Professionals: 11%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 11%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 42%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 26%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Modules
- Activism and Resistance
- Armed Conflict in Africa
- Asian Security
- Gender and Terrorism
- Geopolitics of Energy in the Caspian Region
- Indian Foreign Policy
- International Political Economy
- International Security
- Music, Politics and International Relations
- Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Intervention
- Political Islam and International Relations
- Refugees and International Relations
- The Arab - Israeli Conflict
- The Cultural Politics of Human Rights
- US Foreign Policy: The Dilemma of Power
- Violence in Deeply-Divided Societies
- Concepts in Global Politics
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in Global Politics
- Studying International Relations
- Theoretical Approaches to International Relations
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA International Relations at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £38,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £57,500. The £38,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Politics.
What do graduates of MA International Relations at University of St Andrews do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA International Relations at University of St Andrews?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA International Relations at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 180 UCAS points.
Does MA International Relations at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA International Relations at University of St Andrews?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.