Programmes of study

International relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. This degree studies the functioning, theory and history of this system, and the nature of the changing relations between states and non-state actors.

Questions of central interest to the programme are: Why, on the one hand, do states go to war and what impact does this have on the international system? Why, on the other hand, do they often cooperate and obey international law? What is meant by "governance" and how do we explain regional developments like the European Union, or the re-emergence of the United Nations?

We will also investigate the widely different character and circumstances of states, examining the implications of the highly uneven distribution of power, money, welfare and knowledge in the international system for the foreign policies of states towards each other, and for the maintenance of international order.

Students on this programme also have the opportunity to receive a language specialism attached to their degree certificate and transcript.

Full details and how to apply:

Programme starting in 2025

Watch the BSc IR video

International Relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. It analyses the nature of this system -- the rules and forces governing the behaviour of states, the factors that lead to military conflict or peaceful co-operation, and the current trends towards both a more integrated and a more fragmented world.

The General Course is a study year for visiting undergraduates.

The MSc International Relations is an advanced, academic study of the subject. It is suitable if you plan to progress to a career with an international focus. The MSc International Relations (Research) is designed as a preparation for research work and includes Methodology courses. Home/EU applicants intending to apply for ESRC funding should apply to this programme rather than the 'straight' MSc IR.

Most of the teaching takes place in the Autumn and Winter Terms.

A 10,000 word dissertation must be submitted in late August.

Watch the introductory video

Full details and how to apply:

MSc International Relations starting in 2025

MSc International Relations (Research) starting in 2025

This programme is intended for graduates with a good first degree in Politics, Economics, History, International Relations and other degrees with similar content.

The MSc International Political Economy Research is designed as a preparation for research work if you are entering the field from another related discipline. The MSc International Political Economy gives an introduction to the academic study of the subject and would be suitable if you plan to progress to a career that might have an international focus.

It is not necessary to decide which programme you prefer until you submit your option choices in the Autumn Term, normally in late-October, unless (as a Home/EU applicant) you intend to apply for ESRC funding, in which case you will need to have decided to study the research programme and state this on your application form. If you do not apply for, or do not get, ESRC funding, it may be possible, depending on your choice of options, to change programmes up to the end of the first term of the course.

The majority of the teaching takes place in the Autumn and Lent Terms. You must also submit a 10,000 word dissertation by 1 September, or if this falls at the weekend, the first working day after 1 September.

Applicants should note that this programme focuses on political economy and is not a course in international economics. Although economic concepts are taken very seriously, the focus is firmly upon the political determinants and effects of economic outcomes.

Watch the introductory video

Full details and how to apply:

MSc International Political Economy starting in 2025
MSc International Political Economy (Research) starting in 2025

This is a double degree, combining one of Sciences Po's affaires internationales programmes with either LSE's MSc International Relations or MSc International Political Economy.

The programme is based on reciprocal recognition of both curriculum and evaluation in the partner university, and offers a top-level education in international affairs and international relations or international political economy. It is designed primarily for those who intend to practise negotiation in government, international institutions and business, as well as those with a general interest in international relations and international political economy.

The double degree takes place over the course of two full academic years, with the first year in Paris and the second in London. At Sciences Po, you choose between three specialisations, International Security, International Economic Policy and International Public Management.

At LSE, you will have a choice between taking the MSc International Relations and the MSc International Political Economy. At the end of two years of successful study you will be awarded either a Master’s in International Security, in International Economic Policy or in International Public Management from Sciences Po and either MSc International Relations or MSc International Political Economy from LSE.

Full details and how to apply

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the international relations industry. You will begin on the MPhil, and will need to meet certain requirements to be upgraded to PhD status.

More information

Full details and how to apply

Visiting Research Student (VRS) scheme allows research students registered at an overseas university to spend up to 3 terms in the Department of International Relations to undertake some aspect of their research in the UK.

More information

Full details and how to apply

The BSc International Relations and History programme is aimed at students who wish to complement the in-depth understanding of the complex unfolding of historical events with a theoretical perspective on how international society is organised. This is a joint honours programme, with equal emphasis in each subject area.

International relations deals with the nature of the changing relations between states and with non-state actors. It studies the functioning of the international system – the forces, factors and interests, the customs, rules, norms, institutions and organisations from which the theory and history of its development are formed.

History is a wide ranging and challenging subject to study. It seeks to understand the past and to make sense of the present, adding an important dimension to the understanding of many aspects of human society.

The joint honours BSc International Relations and History is offered by the Department of International History in conjunction with the Department of International Relations. 

Student testimonials videos

Full details and how to apply:

Programme starting in 2025

This is a joint degree with the Department of Government.

The study of politics involves analysis of the ways in which individuals and groups define and interpret political issues and seek to shape government decisions. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities relating to public affairs, from elections and bureaucracies to wars and terrorism.

International relations deals with the nature of the changing relations between states and with non-state actors. It studies the functioning of the international system – the forces, factors and interests, the customs, rules, norms, institutions and organisations from which the theory and history of its development are formed. 

This programme combines the two complementary fields of politics and international relations in a joint honours programme, with around half of the programme in each field. You will learn political concepts and theories, will compare political phenomena in a variety of cultures and countries, and answer broad theoretical questions about the political world. You will also gain insight into how the international community works, studying alongside students from a wide range of countries.

Full details and how to apply:

Programme starting in 2025

The aim of this joint honours programme is to develop graduates who are able to combine theoretical and applied knowledge of international relations as a discipline, and of China as a global power, with linguistic proficiency in Mandarin and competence in navigating Chinese and international settings relevant to diplomacy, international organisations and corporations.

It will offer you a foundational theoretical underpinning in the discipline of international relations, as well as the opportunity to specialise in particular thematic and regional areas of IR research, with an emphasis on China as a globally active state. You will develop linguistic proficiency in Mandarin through two study abroad periods at Fudan University in Shanghai, and through increasingly specialist language courses that focus on international relations and professional practice. Students will start as beginners in Mandarin, but will graduate able to work in Mandarin-language settings.

Full details and how to apply:

Programme starting in 2025

This programme gives you the chance to understand and appreciate both the theoretical and the empirical approach to the study of international relations.

This is a joint degree with the International Relations Department and based in the International History Department. It allows you to benefit from the expertise of two highly-rated departments, sampling courses in both Departments. You will therefore gain an understanding of both international relations theory, taught by leading experts in the field, and recent international history.

The curriculum offers students the opportunity to take courses tailored to their specific interests, in terms of method, time-frame and geographical scope. 

It combines an exceptional level of analytical training in theory, balanced with the discipline of historical based case-studies and advanced research. You can choose one broad course from each Department. For your third option you can chose one of many highly specialised courses offered by either Department. You will then complete your degree by doing a history dissertation, which will give you the chance to conduct your own empirical research on a detailed historical case study.

This course allows you to develop your intellectual understanding and ability to analyse a wide range of international relations’ history, organisations, trends and challenges  including world wars, East-West conflict, North-South relations, European integration, globalisation, diplomacy and peace-building.

The degree can be tailored to provide you with a more advanced understanding of international relations and theory, or it offers a foundation if you are making the transition from related disciplines such as political science, modern languages, economics, sociology, law or journalism.  

Full details and how to apply

The MSc Political Science is a multidisciplinary programme combining subject-specific study and rigorous methodological training.

The Global Politics stream offers a cutting-edge analysis of globalisation, global governance and global politics. The stream provides  a comprehensive overview of the changing structure of the global order, and the impact of various dimensions of globalisation on politics within, between, and beyond countries. You will select options from a wide range of courses related to various aspects of global politics and will complete a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice. Graduates from the programme will be able to provide sophisticated analyses of the drivers of continuity and transformation in key areas of global politics.

This programme will be a good preparation for a career in international organisations, government, public policy, political consultancy, security agencies, finance, the media and NGOs, as well as providing an excellent foundation for further research including PhD programmes.

Full details and how to apply

Organised jointly by LSE and Peking University (PKU), this double master’s degree offers an outstanding opportunity to study the international relations of China and the Asia Pacific region, as well as the theory and history of global international relations.

This programme will be ideal for graduate students and young professionals. You will spend your first year at the School of International Studies at Peking University, and the second year at LSE. It is based in the Department of International History. It will allow you to:

• Experience a full academic programme in both China and Europe

• Take courses in both the International Relations Department and the Department of International History at LSE

• Combine an empirical and a theoretical approach to contemporary international affairs

• Study in small seminar groups of no more than 15 students

• Engage at an advanced level with the latest academic research and undertake your own research-based term work and dissertations

The programme provides an excellent preparation for careers in academia, business or consulting, government or international agencies, the media, politics and law.

The courses in London will be taught in English, while those in Beijing will be taught in Chinese or English, giving students a choice about which language they want to use for their studies.

All applicants apply via LSE. This includes applicants from the People’s Republic of China, and areas of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and PKU students.

Once you successfully complete your studies at both institutions, you will be conferred Master Degree of Law and Master Degree of Sciences by PKU and LSE respectively.

Full details and how to apply

The executive MSc International Strategy and Diplomacy is a unique programme designed to enhance the strategic vision of global leaders.

The programme will provide you with both the analytical tools to understand a changing world and the policy skills to operate within it. Lectures focus on: 

• The emergence of new strategic actors, such as China and India

• Global economic trends after the financial crisis

• Developments in the world's key regions, such as Europe and the Middle East

• New security issues, such as climate change 

• Global flashpoints, such as Brexit, the South China Sea and Syria

In sharply-focused seminars, you'll challenge conventional wisdom on these topics. Workshops and policy simulations on crisis management, and diplomatic negotiations will provide you with practical insights into what has been learned from the lectures.

You will learn how to deal with emerging threats and risks by operating strategically, and how to solve common problems by negotiating with stakeholders as well as adversaries.

Full details and how to apply

LSE Summer Schools

Summer School IR short courses

Five day intensive short courses for executives.

Full details and how to apply

University of London International Programmes with academic direction provided by LSE.

Find out more

Business, International Relations and the Political Economy

8 week online certificate course from LSE certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service.

Learn to maximise opportunities and mitigate risk stemming from global events with expert commentary and insights from LSE thought-leaders.

Find out more