MSc International Relations (Research)

The programme offers a deeper exploration of the ways in which people think about international relations, how international relations are theorised and conceptualised, and why they act the way they do when conducting international relations as a field of practice. The compulsory course covers the main explanatory and normative approaches in international relations theory - realism, liberalism, the "English School", constructivism, normative theory, gender and feminist writings and postcolonial perspectives. It explores international relations as knowledge, as a social science and as a practical discipline. The research track includes a compulsory course in social research methods. You'll also submit a 10,000-word dissertation and can choose optional courses within the department or elsewhere in the School.

Alternatively, we offer the MSc International Relations programme which has a different core course, International Politics, and does not entail a compulsory methodology course.

• C Brown and K Ainley Understanding International Relations (4th edition, Palgrave, 2009)
• T Dunne, M Karki and S Smith (eds.) International Relations Theories: discipline and diversity (Oxford University Press, 2013)
• P T Jackson The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations (2nd edition, Routledge, 2016)

You'll choose a half unit compulsory course and a methodology course, and complete a 10,000-word dissertation. You'll also choose courses from a range of options within International Relations and across other relevant departments, including the Gender and European Institutes, and International Development to the value of one and a half units.

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.

Department of International Relations

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.

This programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who haven't already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. An application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within their personal statement.

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

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

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

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

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course and/or by final examination at the end of the course. You must also submit a 10,000-word dissertation at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

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

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.