MSc International Relations MSc International Relations (Research)

About the MSc programmes

The MSc International Relations is an advanced, academic study of the subject. It is suitable if you plan to progress to a career that might have an international focus. The MSc International Relations (Research) is designed as a preparation for research work and includes methodology courses. It is suitable for those students intending to proceed to a research degree and an academic career. Those intending to apply for ESRC funding should note that only the Research programme is eligible. It will not normally be possible to transfer from one programme to the other on arrival.

Programme details

Most of the teaching takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. A 10,000 word dissertation must be submitted by 1 September.

For those interested in taking the LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree in Affaires Internationales, comprising a one-year MSc programme at Sciences Po Paris followed by MSc International Relations or International Political Economy, see LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree. 

Compulsory courses

Non-research track:

• International Politics 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.
• Dissertation.

Research track:

• Theories of International Relations covers the main explanatory and normative paradigms in international relations theory.
• Either Foundations of Social Research 1 or Foundations of Social Research 2, both courses are designed to give students a good introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Dissertation.

Students will be expected to choose courses to the value of two units for the non-research track and one unit for the research track from a range of options.

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc International Relations and MSc International Relations (Research) in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.

Graduate destinations

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.