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International Relations, M.A./PGDip.

  • Application Deadline
  • 12 months
    Duration
University rank #79 (QS) ,
The International Relations programme from the University of Birmingham explores issues and problems crucial to international politics, which are of international, regional and national importance.

About

The International Relations programme offered at the University of Birmingham promotes the study of those problems through theoretical, ethical and practical inquiry, drawing on the expertise of a large and diverse team of research-active international relations specialists. It is designed for students who are either familiar with the study of international politics at undergraduate level or who are enthusiastic to focus on this area of study at the postgraduate level.

As a postgraduate student in POLSIS you will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events. You will be welcomed as a member of the international relations and security research group. This group includes members of academic staff and postgraduate research students who meet regularly to discuss their own research, recent publications and to organise research events including inviting visiting speakers. 

Why study this course

  • Choose from an extensive range of optional modules
  • Study in a supportive environment with research-active specialists in international relations
  • Be a part of the International Relations and Security research group
  • Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme

Careers

Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.

The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and by inviting backgrounds for students to meet.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

  • International Relations Theory
  • Dilemmas in International Relations
  • Dissertation

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity

    You can choose to do this programme part-time or full-time.

    Full-time
    • Full-time duration 12 months
    Part-time
    • Average part-time duration 24 months
    • Intensity Flexible
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL® Schedule IELTS
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    88

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

    StudyPortals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

  • Minimum required score (Grade B2):

    176

    C1 Advanced is a Cambridge English Qualification. It reports on the Cambridge English Scale between 142 and 210. You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and for Use of English. These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. Universities and colleges may ask you to achieve a specific score, either overall or for a particular skill.

    Note: degree programmes and applications may require a more specific minimum score for admission.

  • Minimum required score:

    59

    PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. Delivered and marked by computer, it reports on a scale between 10 and 90.

Academic Requirements

  • For the MA programme you require a good Honours degree or its equivalent. For those whose first language is not English, an IELTS Certificate is required.

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

  • by holding an English language qualification to the right level;
  • by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students.

Tuition Fee

  • International

    17910 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 17910 GBP per year and a duration of 12 months.

  • EU/EEA

    9250 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 9250 GBP per year and a duration of 12 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Postgraduate diploma:

  • £6,167 FT (Home/EU)
  • £11,940 FT (Overseas)

PT fees:

  • MA - £4,625 (Home/EU)
  • PGDip. - £3,038 (Overseas)

    Living costs for Birmingham

    • 765 - 1140 GBP/month
      Living Costs

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

    Funding

    The new Postgraduate Loan (PGL) for Masters degrees in the UK is available for students normally residing in England.

    The main details of the new Postgraduate Loan are:

    • A loan of up to £10,609 will be made available to students applying to taught and research Masters courses. 
    • The loan will be available to students across all discipline subject areas for full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, so long as you do not have existing qualifications at Masters-level or above (which includes undergraduate integrated Masters qualifications, such as MSci or MEng etc).
    • The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account.

    StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

    The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

    Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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