Overview

Programme objectives

International Relations as traditionally studied usually meant a focus on three concerns: war, diplomacy and trade. Now described respectively as conflict or security, diplomacy and negotiation and the international political economy, these remain the central subjects we want to study.

The approach of the International Relations programme at the University of Cape Town also values, however, the contributions of other sub-fields of Political Studies, especially Comparative Politics, and contributions from other disciplines. In International Relations scholarly debates, African cases and issues are crucial and, for this reason, graduates of our programme are often called upon to show their expertise in African and/or Southern African material.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theories of International Relations

Peace Operations in World Politics

Comparative Foreign Policy

Comparative Politics

International Political Economy

Conflict in Africa

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-16 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Disciplines

International Relations View 10 other Masters in International Relations in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

88

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Specific additional entry requirements for this specialisation are a past academic history in International Relations, Political Studies/Science or a strong academic background in a related discipline.

You must submit a sample of your best academic work as part of the official application.

You should also submit a letter of motivation as part of your formal application, motivating why are you choosing this particular degree and specialisation.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Cape Town and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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

50600 ZAR / year

≈ 50600 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

32500 ZAR / year

≈ 32500 ZAR / year

Additional Details

International students must add the relevant Administrative Service Fee (ZAR 5300) /International Term fee to the cost of the typical fee.

Dissertation:R23100

Living costs

Cape Town

South Africa

9088 - 15529 ZAR / month

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

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.

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