Overview

These themes are not only central to the continent’s politics, but to understanding how the world works and how political ideas are shaped more broadly. From negotiations over the structure of the international economic system to the politics of international justice, human rights, military intervention, and the climate emergency, the politics of Africa cannot be seen as separate from, or peripheral to, politics in the rest of the world.

Placing Africa at the very centre of global politics, the African Politics pathway sees African dynamics as essential to any adequate understanding of the most important political ideas and forces shaping the world today.

Employment

Students of the Politics and International Relations (Africa) programme from SOAS University of London leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

BBC World Service

Bloomberg

British Red Cross

British Council

Center for International Peace Operations

Channel 4

Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)

Eversheds LLP

Financial Times

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

Global Policy Institute

Go East Consulting

Grassroot Diplomat

Palestine Red Crescent Association

Save the Children

UNICEF Ethiopia

United Nations

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Conflict, Rights and Justice

Gender and Conflict

African Feminisms: Theories, Politics and Action

Political Thought on the Just Rebellion

International Migration and Diaspora Politics

Political Theory, Race and Empire

The Politics of Global Security

Violence, Justice and the Politics of Memory

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-31 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

International Relations Political Science African studies View 315 other Masters in Political Science in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

The university will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

In addition to degree classification in a relevant subject we take into account other elements of the application such as the supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you have non-traditional qualifications.

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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

25320 GBP / year

≈ 25320 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

12965 GBP / year

≈ 12965 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / 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 Politics and International Relations (Africa).

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

Employment

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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