International Relations

The Master of Studies in International Relations at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of global political, economic, and social issues. This program is designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding of the complexities of international affairs, policy-making, and diplomatic practice. Through a combination of core modules and elective options, participants will examine key themes such as international security, conflict resolution, global governance, human rights, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and evidence-based analysis, preparing graduates for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. Delivered by world-renowned faculty with extensive research and practical expertise, the program provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary global challenges and develop innovative solutions. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and research projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Students will also have access to Cambridge’s extensive resources, including libraries, research centers, and networks of global experts. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring students are well-equipped to address real-world issues. With a flexible structure, the course accommodates diverse backgrounds and professional interests, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to international relations. Graduates will join a distinguished community of alumni who have gone on to influential roles across the globe. The program is suitable for recent graduates and professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in international relations and policy-making. The University of Cambridge’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence, combined with its global outlook, makes this program an ideal choice for those committed to making a positive impact on international affairs.

During the first year, all students will be required to undertake a core course in International Relations and also chose six modules from the following options:

• International Relations of the Modern Middle East
• Politics of peace, conflict and violence in Africa
• The Cold War
• China in the International System
• Gender, War and Security
• International Migration and Development
• Democratisation
• Issues in International Law
• American Presidents and Foreign Policy
• International Political Economy
• European integration
• European Geopolitics from the end of the second world war
• The Global Governance of Financial Crime

Students completing the first year successfully will then spend their second year researching and writing a 25,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice, subject to the approval of the Graduate Education Committee (GEC) of the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). Dissertation work will be individually supervised by an academic specialist.

Teaching blocks

All teaching takes place in Cambridge during the six residential sessions which are scheduled as follows:

Year 1:

• 18 - 29 September 2017
• 4 - 15 December 2017
• 9 - 20 April 2018
• 18 - 29 June 2018

Year 2:

• 24 - 28 September 2018
• 7 - 11 January 2019

Attendance at all the residential sessions is compulsory and applicants must ensure they can meet this attendance requirement before applying for the course.

Contact time

• Lectures: each module has a minimum of 12 hours teaching, including on average 8 hours of lectures
• Seminars: provided for most modules, 6-8 hours per module
• Supervision: 10-15 hours (second year)

Assessment

Thesis

• Dissertation: 25,000 words maximum (including tables, footnotes, and appendices, but excluding bibliography).

Essays

Students must attend all sessions of their six option modules, but will assessed on three modules by either:

• Two essays not exceeding 2,000 words each; or
• One essay not exceeding 4,000 words; or

Written examination

• Compulsory core course examination paper written under examination conditions of three hours' duration.

Feedback

Students are given formal feedback on their assignments and informal feedback throughout their course, including during supervisions. Supervisions also result in an annual progress report at the end of Year 1 and termly reports during Year 2.

Expected academic standard

Applicants for this course will normally have achieved a good UK 2.i honours degree, GPA of 3.7 or above or overseas equivalent. 

There is provision to accept non-standard applicants who do not satisfy the standard academic criterion. Such applicants must produce evidence of relevant and equivalent experience and their suitability for the course.

Language requirement

• IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component)
• TOEFL: Overall score of 110 (with a minimum of 25 in each element)
• CAE: Grade A
• CPE: Grade A, B, or C

Supporting documents

• References. You will need to provide the details of two referees who can provide academic or professional references. You will be asked to provide e-mail addresses for your referees so that they can submit their reference via the online referencing system, so it is important for you to ensure that your referee is able to provide a reference for you before you submit your application form. If your referees are unable to use the online referencing system, or do not have e-mail addresses, please contact the ICE Admissions office for further assistance.
• Transcripts. 
• Research Proposal. Applicants must submit a research proposal outlining the proposed topic for the dissertation in the second year. There is no template for this submission, but would expect applicants to provide 1-2 pages (c 1,000 words) outlining their proposed topic. Examples of previous research proposals are provided on the website.
• Personal Statement. Applicants are encouraged to provide information within the application form about their motivation for applying for the course and to outline relevant experience and interests.
• Letter of Support from your Employer. If you will be in employment during your studies, please ask your employer to provide a letter stating that they support your application and understand/accept that in undertaking the course you will need time away from work to attend the residential sessions.

The University of Cambridge offers various financing options for students pursuing the International Relations undergraduate program, primarily through the Cambridge Trusts, government scholarships, and university-specific bursaries. The Cambridge Trusts provide numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, covering partial or full tuition fees and sometimes including living expenses. These scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. Additionally, the UK government offers scholarships such as the Chevening Scholarships for students from eligible countries, which can be used to fund degrees at Cambridge, including the International Relations program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, including country-specific government scholarships, private foundations, and international organizations that support educational pursuits in international relations. The university also provides a range of bursaries and fee waivers for students demonstrating financial hardship, which are awarded on a case-by-case basis. International students may also be eligible for student loans from their home countries or international financial institutions. In terms of living expenses, students should budget for accommodation, food, study materials, transportation, and personal expenses, which vary depending on the chosen college and lifestyle. The university’s official website offers detailed guidance on application procedures for scholarships and financing programs, as well as information about fundraising events and alumni grants that may assist students financially. It is advisable for applicants to start researching and applying for financial aid early, as many opportunities have strict deadlines. Overall, funding for the International Relations program at Cambridge is available through multiple channels, but competitive restrictions mean students should prepare comprehensive applications to enhance their chances of securing financial support.

The International Relations program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive exploration of the key concepts, theories, and issues that define global politics and international affairs. This degree is designed to develop students' understanding of how states, international organizations, non-governmental actors, and transnational corporations interact within the global system. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including international security, diplomacy, international law, global governance, economic development, and human rights. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, research skills, and the ability to evaluate complex international issues from multiple perspectives.

Students will engage with a diverse array of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual research projects. The program benefits from the university's extensive resources, including access to leading academic journals, libraries, and research centers dedicated to international studies. Faculty members are renowned scholars from various disciplines such as political science, law, economics, and history, providing students with a multidisciplinary approach to understanding global affairs.

The program typically combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, or academia. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, model United Nations conferences, and field trips, which enhance their real-world understanding of international relations. The degree also offers opportunities for specialization within areas like security studies, international development, or global politics, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals.

The teaching language is English, and students are expected to have a strong command of the language to participate fully in coursework and assessments. The program duration is usually three years for undergraduate students, with options for master's degrees, such as the MSc in International Relations, typically lasting one year. Admission requirements include a solid academic record, proficiency in English, and a demonstrated interest in global affairs, which can be shown through relevant extracurricular activities or prior coursework.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped with analytical, research, and communication skills, making them suitable for roles in policy analysis, international consultancy, diplomatic service, or further academic research. The University of Cambridge’s reputation and extensive alumni network provide strong support for career development in global affairs. The program’s rigorous academic environment encourages independent thinking, ethical awareness, and a nuanced understanding of international complexities, preparing students to contribute effectively to addressing global challenges.