Master's degrees in International Relations teach students about political principles, foreign affairs, and the relations between countries. Top universities offer International Relations courses exploring themes like government and the state, political behaviour, and local or international economic issues.
You should study a Master's in International Relations if you consider that the current socio-economic problems around the world can only be fixed through the direct involvement and cooperation of governments and private and public organisations. International Relations is the ideal discipline if you want to create a better community and society for future generations. It also allows you to prove that we have all the tools and resources necessary to address fundamental issues like hunger, lack of shelter, healthcare, education, etc.
Most International Relations courses are offered either as M.A. (Master of Arts) or M.Sc. (Master of Science) degrees. It normally takes 2 years to graduate. While studying International Relations, you can focus on specialisations like Comparative Foreign Policy, Conflict and Peace-Making, Environmental Policy, Human Rights, Migration and Refugees, International Security, and others.
The courses you'll take during a graduate degree in International Relations vary from one university and programme to another. However, you can expect to take classes in Contemporary Politics, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance, Terrorism, Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation, Globalisation, Political Psychology, etc.
These International Relations classes help students develop a wide range of industry-specific and soft skills. They range from communication, cross-cultural management, and negotiation to analysis, problem-solving, teamwork, and project management.
All these essential skills allow International Relations graduates to better understand the social, economic, and structural complexities of our societies. Using their knowledge, they are able to identify patterns, come up with ideas and plans, and support causes through the adoption of public policies and the organisation of projects in collaboration with private and/or public institutions.
International Relations graduates usually work with governments, private or public institutions, NGOs, the UN (United Nations), the EU (European Union) or similar unions or intergovernmental organisations. Some of the most popular job titles for International Relations graduates are: diplomat, foreign affairs analyst, immigration specialist, international lawyer, political analyst, intelligence analyst, international aid worker, etc.
A career in International Relations will also help you work on the latest trends and developments in this area, like the ongoing development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Privacy and Data Security, and Free Speech & Human Rights.
Read more about studying a International Relations degree
Not sure if International Relations is for you?
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
Read more about studying abroad in CanadaCan you handle the weather in Canada?
Wishlist