International Relations (Research)

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in politics, history, international relations or similar disciplines.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MSc programme

MSc International Relations (Research) is an advanced, academic study of the subject from a theoretical perspective. This programme includes a compulsory methodology course and is particularly suitable for those intending to proceed to a research degree and an academic career.

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 will 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.

Department of International Relations

International Relations has been taught at LSE since 1924 and the department was set up three years later. We are one of the oldest as well as largest IR departments in the world, with a truly international reputation. We are ranked 2nd in the UK and 4th in the world in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2022 tables for Politics and International Studies.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.