Politics and International Relations, MA

Politics and International Relations, MA

Introduction

Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen, a unique combination in Scotland, focuses on the role of politics, power, states, and governments in an ever-changing global context, taught by internationally renowned academics regularly appearing as experts in the media on events unfolding in the world today. This programme offers the perfect foundation for careers in politics, international affairs, NGOs, media and more.

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MA
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
UCAS Code
L240
Pathway Programme Available
Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Politics and International Relations explores the world in which we live by considering how the decisions we make collectively affect the culture, society and economy of the world as a whole, including an in-depth look at how various political actors including governments and international institutions influence our world.

You will explore voting behaviour, different political systems, making and implementing policy, nationalism and concepts of democracy. You will study organisations, how states interact, global wealth and poverty and the ever-present concerns of conflict and peace.

You can also take advantage of unique options made possible by the research pedigree of our academic team with a strong track record in publishing international papers and articles.

A degree in Politics and/or International Relations from the University of Aberdeen opens doors to a wide range of professions, including many politics-related roles. Our teaching programme develops advanced understanding of international political issues and these skills are relevant to a vast array of jobs. We work closely with employers in developing our programme and our graduates acquire essential skills to prepare them for challenging professional roles.

You’ll enjoy a special, warm welcome at the University of Aberdeen, benefit from excellent teaching, research with international impact, and a truly global experience as part of our friendly and vibrant international community. You’ll love our beautiful campus, great facilities for learning, sports and leisure, and the many opportunities to add the skills and attributes to give you a competitive advantage in the career path you choose, and wide horizons from study abroad.

Politics and IR is also available as a joint degree along with a range of other subjects that you can find listed below.

What You'll Study

Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen offers a diverse range of courses that will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the subject. The analysis and evaluation skills that you develop will help you in your future career. Some of the topics that you will study throughout the programme include Liberalism, Patterns of Global Wealth and Inequality, Human and Economic Rights, Migration and Citizenship, Political Parties in Britain and Islamist Ideologies and Practices.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)

15 Credit Points

Politics and International Relations impacts on all parts of our lives, with more specifically it being the study of ideas, events, institutions and choice. Studying these provides us with both knowledge of the world and also how it operates and functions. It also changes our perception of our surroundings and makes us aware of an ever changing global context. This course will introduce students to concepts and ideas that form the basis for the study of these disciplines while simultaneously also helping us understand our own place within a global context.

Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)

15 Credit Points

Politics and International Relations impacts on all parts of our lives, with more specifically it being the study of ideas, events, institutions and choice. Studying these provides us with both knowledge of the world and also how it operates and functions. It also changes our perception of our surroundings and makes us aware of an ever changing global context. This course will introduce students to concepts and ideas that form the basis for the study of these disciplines while simultaneously also helping us understand our own place within a global context.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Academic Writing for Social Sciences (AW1006)

This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.

Optional Courses

Select a further 90 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)

30 Credit Points

Ideas and ideologies are core to teaching, learning and research in Politics and International Relations. Theoretical developments are at the forefront of academic debates within the discipline, demonstrated by the appearance of a number of new approaches as more traditional theories have struggled to account for an ever changing world. This course will introduce students to these with profound questions and struggles over identity, belonging, justice and rights underpinning these theoretical debates.

Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)

30 Credit Points

Equality and inequality are at the forefront of many debates within contemporary Politics and International Relations. This course will examine the historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and also key concepts which continue to uphold equality and inequality on a global scale.

Optional Courses

Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

Researching in the 21st Century (PI3069)

30 Credit Points

Research methods and techniques are fundamental to the study of Politics and International Relations. In addition, they are highly desired by employers. This course will introduce students to a number of different research techniques which they will use throughout their studies at Honours and in particular their Honours dissertation. Moreover, they will also constitute a significant part of their graduate attributes.

Optional Courses

Select one first half-session level 3 Politics and International Relations course, plus two second half-session level 3 Politics and International Relations courses

Year 4

Optional Courses

Select one of the following dissertation options:

  • Dissertation (Politics) (PI4071)
  • Dissertation (International Relations) (IR4031)

Select 90 credit points from level 4 Politics and International Relations courses.

Dissertation (PI4071)

30 Credit Points

This course affords students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and research skills in the broad field of Politics & International Relations to an individual piece of research, focusing on a topic selected by the student and approved by the Dissertation supervisor. Over the course of the project, with guidance from a supervising member of staff, the student will conduct a literature review of relevant material, select appropriate research methods, gather data where necessary, analyse data, and write a final analysis in the form of the Dissertation. Particular emphasis will be given to helping students develop their own skills.

Dissertation (IR4031)

30 Credit Points

This course affords students the opportunity to apply their knowledge/research skills in the field of Politics & International Relations to an individual piece of research, focusing on a topic selected by the student and approved by the Dissertation supervisor. Over the course of the project, with guidance from a supervising member of staff, the student will conduct a literature review of relevant material, select appropriate research methods, gather data where necessary, analyse data, and write a final analysis in the form of the Dissertation. Particular emphasis will be given to helping students develop their own skills.

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

How You'll Study

Teaching at levels 1 and 2 is by a combination of formal lectures and small group tutorials. Honours teaching varies in style, although many courses are based on seminars. Assessment is generally by traditional exams and assessed essays, although, in some courses group work, projects, quizzes and other techniques are used. Students are expected to write a dissertation in their final year.

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Politics and International Relations?

  • A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy.
  • Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
  • Teaching staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy and democratisation, energy politics, European politics, integration and regionalism, human rights, interest groups, modernity and religion, international political economy, nationalism, conflict resolution, regional international relations and security studies.
  • Opportunities to take advantage of spending your second year studying abroad, in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America.
  • A vibrant Politics & International Relations Society that hosts exciting debates throughout the academic year as well as international trips.
  • The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with top-class study environment and state-of-the-art technology.
  • A packed campus programme of events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May festival, engaging local communities and interest groups in debate and discussion on major world issues.
  • All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change and emerging democracy.
  • Analyse global issues, systems and trends from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
  • Gain knowledge and research skills in the areas of politics, international affairs, and international institutions which will widen your appeal to employers in all sectors.
  • We are ranked 4th in the UK for International Relations and 8th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

What Our Students Say

Gemma McLeod United Kingdom

Gemma McLeod <small><i>United Kingdom</i></small>

Gemma McLeod United Kingdom

I would absolutely recommend PIR at Aberdeen. The campus and size of student population at Aberdeen is a real highlight, there are some beautiful buildings, and it is not too large so you really feel part of a student community.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

2023 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB

Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB

Minimum: BBC

Adjusted: CCC

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

2024 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB

Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB

Minimum: BBC

Adjusted: CCC

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
RUK £9,250
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year
EU / International students £20,800
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year

Scholarships and Funding

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

Our Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

The analytical and communication skills that you develop from studying Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen will give you a competitive advantage in the job market. You will develop skills in problem-solving, thinking creatively, evaluating evidence and forming reasoned arguments that can be transferable in a range of different industries.

The in-depth knowledge of contemporary world issues you will gain will help position you to pursue a career with top employers in the UK and overseas. Previous graduates of this programme have gone on to work in sectors such as central and local government, diplomacy, foreign affairs and journalism. Examples of employers include Parliament, UK Civil Service and local councils.

The University Careers and Employability Service is also available to offer information, guidance, and advice to support you in your preferred career sector.

Career Opportunities

  • Charity Fundraiser
  • Economic Analyst
  • Junior Lecturer
  • Parliamentary Assistant
  • Policy Advisor
  • Publicity Officer
  • Tourism Officer

4th and 8th in the UK

We are ranked 4th in the UK for International Relations and 8th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

What our Alumni Say

Charlotte Hill

Charlotte Hill

Charlotte Hill

Graduated 2022

I have absolutely loved my time at the University of Aberdeen, having studied here for the past five years. I first studied an MA in Politics and International Relations. What I loved the most about the programme at Aberdeen was the choice of modules you were given. I was able to study a wide range of topics ranging from political communication, devolution and constitutional change, gender politics, American politics and many more.

Philippa Balshaw

Philippa Balshaw

Philippa Balshaw

Graduated 2020

My dream and ambition has always been to make the world a better place, and have somebody tell me that I made their life better in some way. I decided, from a very young age - probably around 8 years old - that politics was the best way for me to achieve just that. I love that it is a cross-disciplinary subject area, combining with everything from sociology and psychology to statistics and physical science, in order to explain and understand the wider world around us, even as global society.

Shahid Khan

Shahid Khan

Shahid Khan

Job Details
Covid-19 Vaccination Policy Manager, Scottish Government
Graduated 2018

This programme provided me the opportunity to learn more about the power structures and world order which impact and govern our daily lives, more than we can imagine. After graduation, I joined the Scottish Government and I have been part of the Diversity and Inclusion team to improve corporate policies with an aim to achieve Scottish Government diversity targets. In 2020, I joined the Covid-19 Directorate of the Scottish Government. I provide support the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out programme.

Our Experts

Head of Department
Professor Michael Smith
Other Experts
Dr Malcolm Harvey
Dr Ilia Xypolia
Dr Samantha May
Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis
Dr Kathrin Thomas

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

World Class Facilities

At Aberdeen, you will have access to some of the best facilities that UK universities have to offer. You will benefit from being taught by our extremely knowledgeable staff, many of whom are internationally recognised researchers in Politics and International Relations. At Aberdeen, you will also have the opportunity to spend your second year of the programme overseas in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America, which will further your knowledge of the subject.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX

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