MA International Relations and International Law

In Year 1 you will be introduced to the key principles of international relations and international law. Year 2 introduces more theoretical concepts across the two areas. In Years 3 and 4 you choose from a range of specialist courses, which allow you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the two subject areas and the interaction between them, as well as tailor your degree to meet your career needs.

(Revised 27 September 2019 to reflect changes to the programme content.)

Year 1

You will take an introductory course in politics and international relations and political theory as well as two introductory courses on international law.

Year 2

Compulsory international relations courses in Year 2 look at how and why states interact at international level, including cooperation through international organisations such as the European Union, the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations.

You will also be introduced to the comparative politics by comparing and contrasting governments on the global stage.

Compulsory law courses give you an introduction to legal systems and public law.

Further option courses are also taken.

Year 3

The compulsory courses examine the fundamentals of international law and global affairs and a course in research design is undertaken in preparation for your honours dissertation in Year 4.

A further three courses from the range of honours options available across politics and international relations or law are also taken.

Year 4

During Year 4 you will undertake an honours dissertation on an international relations topic of your choosing.

A further four courses from the range of honours options available across politics and international relations or law are also taken.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Our facilities

The majority of teaching takes place at facilities located within the University's Central Area. You will also have access to the University's library and computer facilities.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Year 3 through the Erasmus programme or the University's international exchange programme.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

Courses are taught mainly through a combination of lectures, tutorials and skills hours.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a diverse set of components, such as essays, exams, policy briefs, group presentations and tutorial participation exercises.

In recent years, graduates have entered careers in the civil service, foreign affairs or political and parliamentary research.

The programmes will also equip you with some of the transferable skills required for employment in finance and consultancy, the voluntary sector, journalism or teaching.

Some graduates choose to go on to further training in accountancy or law or take postgraduate programmes with a view to pursuing an academic career.

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: AAAAA - ABBB.
• A Levels: A*AA - ABB (Revised 26/6/2018 to provide more accurate information).
• IB: 43 points (grades 776 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6 including English. BBB must be achieved in a single sitting by end of S5. National 5: Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB to include English Literature or English Language. GCSEs: Mathematics or an approved science at Grade C or 4. Note: English Language and English Literature GCSE both at Grade A or 7 are accepted in place of A Level English.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects to include English. SL: Mathematics or an approved science at 4.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA International Relations and International Law

Additional costs

None.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
• Email: CAHSS.UGAdmissions@ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565
• Web: Politics & International Relations website
• International enquiries