International Relations MA 12 months Postgraduate Program By The University of Sheffield |Top Universities
Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

24,950 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

International Relations/Studies/AffairsMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

On this course you'll expand your understanding of contemporary international relations. You will investigate how the global order is constituted, the ways in which it functions, and whether it might be under strain.

Throughout your studies you will about key concepts and theories that will help you address the following questions:
  • Who are the key actors in international relations and how do they shape the context in which a range of urgent global challenges are identifiable?
  • How do states, their people, and global governance bodies influence international politics? 
  • Why has the world order evolved in apparently less politically and ecologically stable ways in recent years? 
  • Where should we look to try to make sense of global politics, and whose perspectives and interpretations should we privilege? 
  • What critical theories and concepts can help us make better sense of a changing world that conventional ones seem increasingly unable to explain?

The MA International Relations degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some may have already studied politics and international relations previously, whereas others may have little academic experience in the subject but wish to better understand the evolution of global politics.

Students come from all sorts of different backgrounds, and this really is evident in the classroom. You'll be encouraged to share your knowledge and experience, and the varied perspectives help to produce fruitful and lively discussions in seminars.

Program overview

Main Subject

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

On this course you'll expand your understanding of contemporary international relations. You will investigate how the global order is constituted, the ways in which it functions, and whether it might be under strain.

Throughout your studies you will about key concepts and theories that will help you address the following questions:
  • Who are the key actors in international relations and how do they shape the context in which a range of urgent global challenges are identifiable?
  • How do states, their people, and global governance bodies influence international politics? 
  • Why has the world order evolved in apparently less politically and ecologically stable ways in recent years? 
  • Where should we look to try to make sense of global politics, and whose perspectives and interpretations should we privilege? 
  • What critical theories and concepts can help us make better sense of a changing world that conventional ones seem increasingly unable to explain?

The MA International Relations degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some may have already studied politics and international relations previously, whereas others may have little academic experience in the subject but wish to better understand the evolution of global politics.

Students come from all sorts of different backgrounds, and this really is evident in the classroom. You'll be encouraged to share your knowledge and experience, and the varied perspectives help to produce fruitful and lively discussions in seminars.

Admission requirements

6.5+
88+
61+
176+
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.
1 Year
Sep

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

11,340 GBP
-

International Students

24,950 GBP
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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More programs from the university

The University of Sheffield offers undergraduate courses in a range of subject areas including arts and humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, dentistry and health, science and social sciences. 

Whatever subjects’ students choose to study at the university, they will be taught and supervised by world-leading teachers, researchers and practitioners. Academic staff at the university are experts in their fields, and in the latest Research Excellence Framework 92% percent of Sheffield’s research was rated as internationally recognised, excellent or world-leading. As a Russell Group university, teaching is driven by our research expertise Sheffield is ranked:

  • Top university in the Russell Group for student experience and student support and joint 10th in the UK for best university in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025. 

  • Top 20 in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

  • Top 20 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025. 

During their time at Sheffield, students are encouraged to manage their own time to build upon vital organisational skills and prepare for the world of work. In addition to becoming specialists in their chosen subject, students will develop their problem-solving, research, analytical, team working, and leadership skills, as well as increasing their confidence, and becoming resilient and adaptable.

You could study or work abroad, do international research, attend a summer school at one of our partner universities or learn a language. You can even combine all of these. We offer a range of scholarships for many of our global activities. We offer additional support for international students who want to find work in the UK, overseas or in your home country.

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  • Top 20 in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025. 

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Our approach to teaching reflects the real world. We’ll show you how to manage your own work and there are opportunities to work in teams and develop leadership qualities. You’ll learn about new and emerging fields of study, technology and practices. Most importantly, you’ll gain a perspective on the real world implications, such as complex ethical debates surrounding developments in your specialist field. 


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