Program Overview
The Master of Arts in International Relations at University of York is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of York. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in international relations, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in international relations.
Key Program Features
Why choose International Relations at York?
Engage with the latest political thinking on current events. The complexity of international politics affects the lives of billions. You'll develop a deep understanding of contemporary international events, their causes and repercussions.
Develop a firm grounding in the fundamental principles of international relations. You'll engage with theoretical debates and analyse how they resonate in different contexts. In doing so, you'll learn to analyse and address specific global questions. You'll do so by interrogating the latest research via debate and discussion.
Be supported by internationally-renowned experts from around the world. You'll engage with their regional expertise in the European Union, the United States, Latin America and Africa. Their research informs their teaching. With their support, you'll develop your ability to think critically about regional, national and international politics, ideas and institutions.
Study what you're passionate about. This course is highly customisable. Our wide range of option modules cover the full breadth of the subject area. This means you can tailor your degree to focus on the areas of international relations that interest you most.
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Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
A York Politics degree is recognised by employers worldwide. Our students go on to careers in international organisations, the media, law, the civil service, politics, journalism and business.
This MA course is an excellent pathway to careers in a wide range of private and public sector organisations, and for further academic study in international relations and political science.
Career opportunities
- Political risk analyst
- Civil Service Fast Streamer
- Diplomatic service officer
- Translator for the UN
- Public Relations executive
- Government social research officer
Transferable skills
- Reflective independent learning
- Communication of complex ideas
- Interdisciplinary awareness
- Project and time management
- Flexibility and ability to manage complexity
- Networking skills
Program Curriculum
Course content
You'll study 180 credits in total. The course consists of:
- core modules
- option modules
- independent research dissertation
Modules Dissertation Modules Core modules Themes and Theories in International Relations New Security Challenges Option modules You will study four option modules. Examples can be found below. Challenges to Policy-making in Democratising Countries Causes and Conduct of Conflict Conflict & Development Theories and Issues in International Political Economy Africa and International Politics Gendering Politics: An Intersectional Approach Global Governance Introduction to Qualitative Methods & Data Analysis Introduction to Quantitative Methods & Data Analysis Justice, Legitimacy and Democracy Critical Theories of International Political Economy Ethics & World Politics Politics of Migration The Making of the Contemporary World: History, Politics & Ideas since 1945 Theories & Policies of Development Governance Governing for the Environment Global Development Politics The Politics of Peacebuilding Transitional Justice and Human Rights Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation During the second semester and vacation you'll consolidate your interests in a dissertation on a topic of your choice. You'll have a supervisor who will provide regular guidance and will be able to comment on your dissertation. Previous dissertation titles include: Closing the gap: Discourses of Aboriginal Integration in Australia Is the United Nations Security Council still relevant? New directions in China’s Foreign Policy and their impacts on the International Order Drone strikes: The future of modern warfare? A study on the legalities of targeted killings and the rise of drone strikes Is the UK Government's response to post-9/11 radicalisation adequate to addressing the challenge of returning Syrian jihadists? Native Human Security: The Importance of Indigenous Rights in the context of Latin American Development Migration and Security in the European space: Processes of securitisation and the investigation of security-based preventive detention centres in Greece Sex trafficking in Europe: A case study of Ukraine and the Netherlands Why is Nigeria still a developing country regardless of its abundant natural resources? To what extent does political psychology explain US foreign policy decisions? Case study of George W Bush and his war cabinet Dreaming the impossible dream' The dialectic of reality and utopia in classical realism and critical theory.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent. We are willing to consider applicants with lower qualifications, particularly if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience. Additional information may be requested. |
| International pre-masters programme | Pre-masters from our International Pathway College |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,290/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
