Taught course

International Relations with Foreign Policy

Institution
University of Bath · Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Qualifications
MSc
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Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a high 2:2 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate social sciences subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology. We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects where you have substantial relevant professional experience.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Enhance your knowledge of the factors that influence major global societal challenges, with a focus on interstate relationships.

This course allows you to explore key challenges that span global borders and communities and how to develop sustainable solutions to them.
You’ll examine the politics and policymaking of global powers, paying close attention to how their decisions and interactions impact the management and maintenance of political order.
This will deepen your understanding of the causes and consequences of major political issues, and equip you with the knowledge needed to address them effectively in a range of contexts.
Specialise in foreign policy
On our MSc International Relations with Foreign Policy pathway, you’ll examine the role of diplomats and diplomacy on the global stage. This will allow you to explore the strategic considerations that influence areas, such as government approaches to diplomacy, international security, and worldwide humanitarian crises.
Through this approach, you’ll gain a critical understanding of areas including policy analysis, international relations, foreign policy, and defence studies — all of which are essential for developing sustainable, practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll have gained:
  • a holistic skillset that’s well-suited to careers that demand the ability to bring about systemic change and make informed decisions about the future of global politics
  • the ability to engage with communities and policymakers through effective advocacy
  • a fundamental understanding of topics, such as global security and cybersecurity threats; changes of leadership and the emergence of new powers; and the evolving nature of international politics
  • advanced research, analytical, and communication skills suitable for many roles in politics and policymaking, consulting, and policy advocacy

Choose a consultancy project

The consultancy project is an alternative to a dissertation. It’s your chance to work on a project with an external organisation, using the skills and knowledge you’ll gain during your studies.

Working alone or as part of a group, you’ll conduct appropriate research, analyse data (if necessary) and share your solution as a written report and presentation.

You will benefit from our well-established business connections across the field of international relations and related sectors, both in the UK and overseas.

Consultancy project numbers are limited each year. You’ll apply for a suitable project with one of our external partners and will receive support from us during this process. If a suitable project can’t be secured, you will complete a dissertation instead.

Find out more about consutacy projects

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from experts in international relations, European and global politics, gender politics, international security, and foreign policy, as well as from academic staff across the wider Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies. Their passion, expertise, and research directly inform their teaching, enriching your learning experience.

Pick a pathway, specialise your knowledge

You can choose our standalone MSc International Relations degree, or one of four specialist pathways.

Each specialist pathway allows you to complement your core international relations learning with units that focus on applying it to key topics and issues in your chosen area.

The standalone MSc International Relations degree gives you the freedom to select specialist units from any available pathway and build a more holistic degree.

You can change the pathway you study on this course. If you're considering switching, we recommend speaking with your Director of Studies. Transfer between the pathways is possible until the end of Semester 1, or within the first three weeks of Semester 1 if transferring to the MSc in International Relations with European Politics. Please note that changing pathways is subject to approval by the course's Director of Studies, visa requirements (if applicable), and meeting the requirements for the pathway you intend to change to.

Graduate prospects

Studying this course provides an excellent grounding for careers in politics and policymaking, consulting, policy-advocacy and foreign affairs, within international organisations, multinational corporations, public bodies, NGOs and think tanks.

Graduates from our politics master’s degrees have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including:

  • Danish EU Research Liaison Office in Brussels, Belgium
  • Enel Green Power North America Inc, USA (Director of External Relations and Communications)
  • European Parliament, Spain
  • World Energy Council in Berlin, Germany

Others have chosen to continue their careers in academia.

Fees and funding

See our website for further information on fees for this course.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Taught Postgraduate Admissions
Email
pgtadmissions@bath.ac.uk
Phone
+441225385115
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