International Relations

The Master of Science in International Relations at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with a profound understanding of the complex interactions that shape global politics. This prestigious program draws on Oxford's extensive academic resources and expert faculty to provide an in-depth analysis of diplomatic practices, international organizations, security policies, economic interdependence, human rights issues, and environmental challenges. Students will engage with contemporary world issues through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating political science, history, economics, and law to develop a nuanced perspective on international affairs.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research expertise, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The coursework includes core modules such as theories of international relations, international security, and global governance, alongside a variety of optional courses allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests like international development, international law, or digital diplomacy.

Participation in seminars, workshops, and potentially fieldwork fosters practical experience and encourages active engagement with current debates and policy issues. The program also offers opportunities for collaboration with leading experts and participation in conferences, providing a vibrant academic environment. Rigorous assessment methods include essays, presentations, and a substantial research dissertation, enabling students to demonstrate their mastery of the subject and contribute original insights.

Graduate students benefit from Oxford’s extensive alumni network and lifelong access to university resources, positioning them advantageously in the competitive landscape of international relations careers. This program is ideally suited for individuals aiming to develop a sophisticated understanding of international relations and to influence policy and practice on a global scale. With a combination of academic excellence, practical training, and extensive professional networking opportunities, the MSc in International Relations at Oxford is a gateway to impacting global affairs at the highest levels.

The MPhil International Relations course equips you with the skills you require to undertake research and study at an advanced level and also to undertake many forms of professional work in the field. This MPhil is a very popular course, attracting students from the world’s leading institutions. Entry is competitive and students come from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities.

The department is internationally recognised as a leader in research in the field of international relations and is home to the Centre for International Studies.

The objective of the course is to give you, in your first-year, a thorough mastery of the major facts, methodologies and perspectives in the field, as well as to develop research skills. This is supplemented in the second year by specialised course work on two optional subjects and a 30,000-word thesis.

In the first year as an MPhil in International Relations student, you must complete core classes in the development of the international system and contemporary debates in international relations theory, and a course on research design and methods in international relations, which includes the writing of a research design proposal in preparation for the MPhil thesis.

At the end of your first year, you have to sit two three-hour written examinations, with questions in the first drawn from the compulsory subject and questions in the second from the research design and methods course. Progression to the second year is conditional on satisfactory performance in these examinations.

In your second year you will write a thesis and complete two specialist optional papers. Options offered in recent years have covered European international history since 1945, strategic studies, the international relations of the Middle East, and Classical theories of international relations.

At the end of the course, you are required to sit two three-hour written examinations in the optional papers of your choice and submit a thesis of not more than 30,000 words.

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).

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.

Other appropriate indicators will include:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

The University of Oxford offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in its International Relations programs. Students can apply for various scholarships, bursaries, and grants designed to support their studies and reduce financial burden. The university provides prestigious scholarships such as the Rhodes Scholarship, which is available to exceptional students from select countries and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Additionally, the Oxford Clarendon Fund offers highly competitive scholarships open to international students across all disciplines, including International Relations. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living costs.

International students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources, including government sponsorships, national scholarship programs, and private foundations. The university’s website provides detailed guidance on applying for financial aid, eligibility criteria, and the application process. For students who do not receive scholarships, there are options to finance studies through personal savings, student loans, or part-time work permitted under visa regulations. The university's Student Finance Office offers advice on budgeting and financial planning for international students.

The cost of attendance varies depending on the course length, college fees, and living expenses in Oxford. Typically, undergraduate programs' tuition fees for international students are higher than those for domestic students, with annual fees varying across different faculties. Postgraduate students can expect similar variations, with specific fee structures for various specializations within International Relations. The university aims to make education accessible and equitable and therefore provides comprehensive support services for financially needy students.

Furthermore, the university regularly updates its financial aid offerings to enhance access to education for talented students from diverse backgrounds. Students are advised to begin researching funding options early in the application process to ensure timely submission of scholarship and financial aid applications. Through these various funding channels, Oxford strives to make studying International Relations a feasible goal for students worldwide, emphasizing its commitment to academic excellence and diversity.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of global politics, international organizations, foreign policy, and security studies. The program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of international systems, diplomatic practices, and the socio-economic factors that influence international relations. Students engage with a wide range of topics, including international conflict, international law, human rights, economic development, and global governance.

The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with opportunities for independent research, enabling students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The program incentivizes engagement with contemporary global issues, encouraging students to analyze current events and policy debates through various theoretical and empirical lenses. Courses are often taught by leading scholars and practitioners in the field, providing students with valuable insights and practical perspectives. The program also emphasizes the development of languages, encouraging proficiency in at least one foreign language to prepare students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, or global business.

Students have access to an extensive network of alumni and professionals working in international institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors. The university’s close ties with organizations like the United Nations, the European Union, and various diplomatic missions enrich the learning experience, including potential internships and networking opportunities. The academic year includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and conferences, fostering an interactive and dynamic educational environment.

The program duration typically spans three or four years, with honors being awarded upon successful culmination of coursework, examinations, and research projects. Graduates of the International Relations program at Oxford are well-prepared for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, international development, journalism, academia, and beyond. The university values critical inquiry, global awareness, and leadership, aiming to produce graduates capable of addressing complex international challenges with informed and ethical solutions.