Integrated Master in Politics: International Relations ,with Placement Year

What is the Integrated Master in Politics (MPol) in International Relations?

The Integrated Master in Politics (MPol): International Relations is a four-year degree, or five years with an optional placement or study abroad. This integrated programme combines undergraduate and postgraduate study.

You’ll graduate with advanced analytical skills, specialist knowledge of global politics, and a master’s-level qualification, ready to influence international policy, tackle complex global challenges, and take on strategic roles in diplomacy, international organisations, and global affairs.

Why this course

An MPol in International Relations gives you the tools to understand and respond to the forces shaping the global arena. You’ll study conflict, security, diplomacy, and international institutions while developing advanced research, analytical, and communication skills highly valued in global careers.

This integrated programme lets you fast-track your studies, graduating with both an undergraduate and master’s qualification - reducing visa and application complexity and simplifying your path to high-profile international careers.

Learn from leading academics whose research informs international policy, peacekeeping, and global governance. Hands-on learning - from independent research to collaborative projects - ensures you gain experience applying theory to real-world challenges.

You can choose a placement or study abroad year to apply your learning in professional or international contexts, expanding your global perspective, network, and confidence before graduation.

By the end of your degree, you’ll have the expertise, analytical insight, and evidence-based mindset to influence international decision-making and pursue leadership roles in diplomacy, international organisations, and global policy.

Who should apply

• Students driven to understand conflict, cooperation, and change in the global system
• Future policymakers, diplomats, and analysts who want to bridge theory and practice
• Those aiming for postgraduate-level expertise without taking separate BA and MA routes
• Ambitious learners who want to stand out in international relations, politics, and global governance

What you’ll learn

• Conflict and security: Explore the causes of war and peace, terrorism, peacekeeping, and strategies for conflict resolution
• International relations: Analyse diplomacy, international institutions like the UN and NATO, and mechanisms of global governance
• Global challenges: Examine issues such as climate change, migration, inequality, and international development
• Political ideas and theory: Understand philosophies underpinning human rights, democracy, and global cooperation
• Research methods: Develop practical skills in data analysis, research design, and tools for studying international politics
• Advanced insight: Engage with postgraduate-level modules in your final year, gaining an academic and professional edge

Your learning experience

• Integrated progression: Seamlessly progress from undergraduate to postgraduate study in a single degree
• Study abroad or placement year: Expand your global perspective and professional experience in international or professional settings
• Immersive research: Join staff-led research projects, with opportunities for joint publications and conferences
• Specialist facilities: Access advanced data software and an industry-leading behavioural science laboratory
• Expert supervision: Learn from internationally recognised academics who advise governments, the UN, and NGOs

Careers and outcomes

An MPol in International Relations equips you for global careers where advanced analytical skills, strategic insight, and postgraduate-level expertise are essential:

• Government and civil service: Foreign service, policy advisors, civil servants
• International organisations: UN, NATO, EU institutions, development agencies
• NGOs and advocacy: Human rights, conflict resolution, climate change, migration
• Think tanks and research institutes: Policy researchers, security analysts, global governance consultants
• Media and communications: Political correspondents, conflict reporters, campaign strategists

Employers of our graduates

Graduates from the Department of Government have progressed to influential roles in:

• The United Nations
• NATO
• UK Parliament and Civil Service
• International NGOs and humanitarian organisations
• Global think tanks and consultancies