Skip to main content
Students talking near the LSE Upside World sculpture on campus
Graduate (Taught)
Application code:M1UR
Department of International Relations

MSc International Relations

Study a broad range of international issues focusing on different parts of the world.

Overview

Introduction

MSc International Relations is an advanced, academic study of the subject from a global perspective.

You'll have the opportunity to study a broad range of issues, including the formulation and implementation of foreign policy, relations between states and governments, international organisations and NGOs, international law, conflict and post-conflict peace-making and transitional justice, the role of empire or revolutions in world politics, and gender and international relations. You can also choose to focus on specific regions, such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa or specific countries such as China, Russia and the US.

The programme includes a core course, International Politics, which provides an historical and theoretical analysis of core concepts in international relations, of the normative and analytic issues involved, and of their relationship to the social sciences in general. You'll also submit a 10,000 word dissertation, which allows you to explore a topic of your own choice in depth, and choose optional courses to the value of two units.

You may also be interested in the MSc International Relations (Research) programme which has a different core course, Theories of International Relations, and entails a compulsory methodology course.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for MSc International Relations

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in politics, history, international relations or similar disciplines.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

Year 1

You'll choose courses to the value of one unit from four available half unit courses and complete a 10,000-word dissertation. You'll also choose courses from a range of International Relations options. You may be able to substitute one of your options for a course from another department.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of International Relations is one of the largest of its kind in the world, home to 500 students, from 30 countries.

Founded in 1927, our department is a leading centre for teaching and research in international relations – ranked second in the UK and fourth globally in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Many leading thinkers in the field – including Martin Wight, Hedley Bull and John Vincent – have taught in the department and pioneered new developments and thinking in the field. The department also helped found the student-run Millennium: Journal of International Studies – one of the most prestigious international relations journals.

We have around 225 undergraduates, 220 postgraduates and 30 postgraduate research students on our programmes. Our aim is to provide a wide range of study options, covering diverse themes such as major theoretical perspectives on international relations, the study of conflict and conflict management, the work of international institutions and the major regions of the world, from Europe to the Middle East.

We’re proud of the broad international profile of our department – with students and staff from Europe, North America and further afield. As a department we’ve played a pivotal role in training diplomats and academics and we’re proud of their success in various fields.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Please note: The applications, intake and ratio values below include the MSc International Relations (Research).

898
Applications
122
Intake
7:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£30,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Most of our former MSc students go on to work in government, international organisations, financial institutions, journalism and corporations, but some continue on to research degrees and the academic profession.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£38,500

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Financial and Professional Services
Education, Teaching and Research
Information, Digital Technology and Data
Consultancy
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

Find out more

Explore LSE

Student life

Discover our campus and student services
Welcome at LSE

Student support

Find out more about our academic guidance, advice and pastoral care
A group of students sitting with an advisor at a LSE LIFE session

Accommodation

Explore the accommodation services we offer to our students
Two students taking part in Action for Happiness held in LSE Residences during London Wellbeing Week 2020.

Meet, visit and discover LSE

Attend our in-person events or explore LSE from home
Campus tour guide during a campus tour for prospective students.