Politics and International Relations (International Politics and Security))

MSc Politics and International Relations (International Politics and Security) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the International Politics and Security pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway’s required combination of modules.

The International Politics and Security pathway considers a number of important questions: Why do wars happen? Is global peace possible? How is power exercised in international politics? What are the conditions for cooperation among states? How does migration challenge and change the international political order?

Students examine orthodox answers to such questions and, drawing on SOAS’s unrivalled expertise in the politics of the Global South, interrogate them through a variety of critical and non-Western lenses. Students also utilise different theoretical lenses in combination with SOAS’s rich empirical expertise, exploring the dynamics of world politics from the distinctive perspectives of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. We also interrogate how the study and practice of international politics is informed by questions of empire, colonialism, race, gender, and class.

The MSc Politics and International Studies is designed to train students in research skills to the level prescribed by the ESRC's research training guidelines. As a result, students are eligible for ESRC funding if they plan to study for our MSc degree followed by a PhD in our department.

Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (International Politics and Security) at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 16th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• We're ranked 3rd in the world for Academic Reputation in Politics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.
• Eligibility for ESRC funding for students who want to follow their MSc degree with a PhD.

Study Tours

All postgraduate students can take part in our Study Tours and explore the world. Destinations include New Delhi, Lahore, Seoul, Luang Prabang, Almaty and Bishkek, Kigali, Johannesburg, and Doha. For more information, see our Study Tours page.