MA International Relations and International Law
UCAS code: LM29
Duration: 4 years
Delivery: Full-time
School: Social and Political Science
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Introducing MA International Relations and International Law
On this combined degree programme, you will look at the origins and evolution of the state system and the changing nature of state power.
You will learn about the driving forces behind international cooperation and conflict, and explore security and prosperity in the international system.
The law components of this programme involve learning the general principles underlying different areas of international law. You will learn how to apply them to specific situations and the facts of different cases.
In Year 1 you will be introduced to the key principles of international relations and international law. You will follow this up with more theoretical concepts across the two areas in Year 2.
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. You will examine the interaction between them, as well as tailor your degree to meet your career needs.
Year 1
You will take three compulsory politics courses:
- Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates
- Politics and International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension
- Political Thinkers, an introductory political theory course
Compulsory law courses give you an introduction to the foundations of international law.
You will also take one optional course.
Year 2
You will take Theories of International Relations and compulsory law courses that give you an introduction to legal systems and public law.
Year 3
You will take Research Design in Politics and International Relations in preparation for your Honours dissertation in Year 4.
A further five 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.
You will also take four courses from the range of honours options available across politics and international relations or law.
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 international exchange programmes.
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 areas such as:
- the civil service
- foreign affairs
- political and parliamentary research
The programmes will also equip you with some of the transferable skills required for employment in areas such as:
- finance and consultancy
- the voluntary sector
- journalism
- 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.
Standard entry requirement
The standard entry requirement is:
- SQA Highers: AAAAA-AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5.
- A Levels: A*AA - AAB.
- IB: 39 points with 666 at HL - 36 points with 665 at HL.
Minimum entry requirement
The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:
- SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S5.
- A Levels: ABB.
- IB: 34 points with 655 at HL.
More information for widening access applicants
Required subjects
The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:
- SQA: Highers: English at B.
- A Levels: English Literature, English Language or combined English at B. English Language and English Literature GCSE, both at A or 7, are accepted in place of A Level English.
- IB: HL: English at 5
Find out more about entry requirements
International applicants
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
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.
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
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 at C
- SQA Standard Grade at 3
- SQA Intermediate 1 at A
- SQA Intermediate 2 at C
- GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4
- Level 2 Certificate Grade C
- IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition) 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components.
We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.
English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
As this degree is very popular, we strongly recommend that international students apply by 15 January 2022 as we can't guarantee to consider all applications after this date.
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 Discover Uni 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.
- Enquiry Management Team
- Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
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