Overview

The International Relations programme at Harvard University offers a comprehensive exploration of the political, economic, and social forces that shape our global landscape. Students engage with complex international issues through a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical social science research methods. This degree prepares graduates to navigate the rapidly changing dynamics of foreign affairs and cross-border governance.

Why International Relations at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution provides access to world-class faculty and a vast network of over 400,000 alumni worldwide. The programme is highly regarded, with 98% of recent graduates recommending the curriculum for its academic excellence. Students benefit from unique research opportunities through the Faculty Aide Program and professional support from the Mignone Center for Career Success. The flexible format allows for a customisable learning journey, including the choice between a research-focused thesis or a collaborative capstone project.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses designed to build deep expertise in global affairs. Modules may include:

Strategy, Conflict, and Cooperation
Democracy: Breakthroughs and Breakdowns
Globalization and the Nation-State
Geopolitics of Technology
Intelligence and International Security
Engaging in Scholarly Conversation
Graduate Studies in Government, History and International Relations
Writing in the Social Sciences

Careers with International Relations

Graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles in diplomacy, government administration, and international non-governmental organisations. Alumni have secured positions at prestigious entities such as the United Nations, UNICEF, and the United States Department of Defense. Common career paths include:

Foreign Affairs Officer
Energy Policy Analyst
Defense and National Security Research Manager
Sustainable Development Consultant
Government Administration Consultant
Director of Policy and Research

Furthermore, many graduates continue their academic pursuits by enrolling in doctoral programmes at other top-tier universities, including Yale, Duke, and Georgetown.

Programme Structure

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-05-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

International Relations View 232 other Masters in International Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application required):

SSCI 100B Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in the Social Sciences--Government and History
- Before registering, you'll need to pass our online test of critical reading and writing skills, or earn a B or higher in EXPO 42b Writing in the Social Sciences.
- You have two attempts to earn the minimum grade of B in the proseminar (a withdrawal grade counts as an attempt). The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.
One international relations course
One international relations course or elective (e.g., EXPO 42b)

While the three courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, we highly recommend that you start with the proseminar. All three courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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