International Relations

The MSc in International Relations at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the key issues shaping the modern global landscape. This program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the complex interactions between states, international organizations, non-governmental actors, and global markets. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and empirical analysis, students develop a deep understanding of international politics, security, economics, and diplomacy.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including international security, foreign policy analysis, international political economy, human rights, conflict resolution, and global governance. Students have the opportunity to engage critically with current issues such as terrorism, climate change, migration, and technological developments that impact international relations. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills, policy formulation, and strategic thinking to prepare students for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, or academia.

The course structure includes core modules that establish foundational knowledge, as well as optional modules allowing students to specialize according to their interests. The program encourages rigorous research, culminating in a dissertation that requires students to conduct independent study under supervision. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the university’s vast resources, including access to leading academics, research centers, and a vibrant intellectual community.

Students in the MSc in International Relations at Oxford also have the chance to participate in seminars, conferences, and workshops that facilitate networking and professional development. The university’s location in Oxford provides a unique environment conducive to scholarly exchange and critical discussion. Graduates of the program are well-equipped with the analytical tools and theoretical insights necessary to analyze and influence key issues in international affairs, making them highly competitive in the global job market.

If you are admitted to this degree, you will conduct your own research under the guidance of a University supervisor. You must be prepared to work on your own a good deal, and will need considerable personal motivation. You are required to have a good general knowledge of the field within which your research falls and of the methods appropriate to the study of this field.

Candidates for the DPhil are normally admitted with Probationer Research Student (PRS) status. As a PRS, you will develop your research proposal and skills, and produce a draft section or sections of the thesis, in order to apply for the Transfer of Status that will end your probationary period as a research student.

You will spend the first year in the development of, and early work on, the thesis topic; in improving knowledge of research design, including statistical, qualitative and other methods; in attendance at relevant lectures, seminars and classes; and in preparing your transfer from PRS to DPhil status. You must be resident in Oxford in term time throughout the probationary period and should not normally undertake fieldwork until after you have successfully transferred to full DPhil status.

Your research training needs will be discussed between yourself, your supervisor and the department's Director of Research Training, and a suitable programme of research training (Training Need Analysis) to assist your research will be agreed. You should then review progress on a termly basis with your supervisor, as part of the process of continuous personal development. The International Relations Graduate Studies Committee will require satisfactory completion of this training programme as a condition of your change of status from PRS to DPhil.

Finally, you will be expected to participate in the Oxford IR Research Colloquium (involving research presentations by faculty, senior researchers, academic visitors and DPhil students), IR DPhil workshop (involving presentations by DPhil students) and the IR DPhil discussion group (an informal student research workshop).

Once you have been admitted to full DPhil status, you must achieve confirmation of that status by the end of your ninth term as a doctoral student.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in political science or international relations, or in a closely related discipline (eg economics, history, philosophy, sociology, law, etc).

Applicants are also normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a distinction grade at master’s level in international relations, or in a closely related discipline that has prepared you to undertake advanced graduate research on your chosen thesis topic.

Nonetheless, each application will be assessed upon its own merits, and so candidates with a degree in an unrelated discipline should demonstrate the relevance of their academic background to their proposed subject or topic of study. 

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal:At least 4,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive program in International Relations designed to equip students with a deep understanding of global politics, international affairs, and diplomatic practices. The program emphasizes critical analysis of international institutions, security issues, foreign policy, and global economic systems. Students engage with a diverse range of topics including international conflict, cooperation, human rights, environmental challenges, and the role of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical policy analysis, encouraging students to develop both conceptual thinking and real-world application skills.

Faculty members are renowned in the field and bring a wealth of research experience, ensuring that students are introduced to the latest academic debates and policy developments. The program offers a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, providing an interactive learning environment tailored to fostering critical thinking and independent research capabilities. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships, simulations, and study abroad programs, further enriching their understanding of international relations in different global contexts.

The duration of the course typically spans one year for a Master's degree and three to four years for an undergraduate Bachelor's degree, depending on the specific course structure. Admission into the program is highly competitive, with candidates required to demonstrate strong academic credentials, relevant interests, and in many cases, relevant work experience or extracurricular activities related to international affairs. The program prepares graduates for careers in diplomacy, international development, government, non-governmental organizations, and international business sectors.

Oxford’s reputation for academic excellence and rigorous scholarship provides a stimulating environment for students to develop critical analytical skills, advanced research abilities, and a nuanced understanding of international dynamics. Graduates leave the program well-equipped to analyze, evaluate, and influence international policies, contributing meaningfully to global discussions and solutions. The program also supports students interested in pursuing doctoral research and academic careers in the field of international relations.