Economics and International Relations, MA

At Aberdeen, studying Economics and International Relations is about much more than lectures and theory — it’s about putting your knowledge into action. This degree is designed to help you build real-world skills through projects, internships, research, and hands-on experiences that prepare you for life after university. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, specialist resources, and expert mentoring, all of which ensure you graduate with the confidence and practical experience employers are looking for.

Here’s how you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience during your studies:

• Employer-Led Interdisciplinary Project (ED3537): In your third year, you’ll work in a team on a live brief from a real organisation, tackling practical challenges — such as sustainability or public policy issues — and presenting your solutions just like a professional consultant would.

• Paid internships with real employers: Through the university’s ABDN Internships programme, you can gain paid work experience during your studies, either part-time in term time or full-time over the summer. Students have interned with government departments, NGOs, local councils, and private companies — building their networks and CVs before graduation.

• Career mentoring and professional connections: The School of Social Science’s Career Mentoring Programme pairs you with professionals in your field, giving you valuable insights, career advice, and networking opportunities that can open doors to future roles.

• Collaborative projects and simulations: Many modules include group work, policy simulations, and real-world case studies, where you’ll apply your economic and political knowledge to real scenarios and develop skills like teamwork, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

• Research-driven learning environment: You’ll benefit from Aberdeen’s active research centres and expertise in areas like international political economy, global governance, and security — ensuring your learning is grounded in current global realities.

• Specialist support and employability services: The university’s dedicated Careers & Employability Service offers one-on-one career advice, workshops, employer networking events, and access to MyCareerHub, where you can find job and internship opportunities throughout your degree.

A degree in Economics and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen is your gateway to a wide range of exciting global careers. With strong analytical, research, and policy skills, graduates are well-prepared to shape decisions at the highest levels of government, business, and international organisations. Many go on to become Policy Analysts, Economic Consultants, Diplomats or Foreign Affairs Officers, International Development Specialists, or Political Risk Analysts, working in areas that truly influence how the world works.

Here’s how Aberdeen helps you turn your degree into a career:

• Tailored careers support from day one: The university’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service offers one-to-one guidance, career workshops, mentoring opportunities, and access to MyCareerHub, a platform where you’ll find internships, graduate roles, and employer networking events.

• Exceptional employment outcomes: An impressive 97.9% of Aberdeen graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), demonstrating the real-world value of your degree.

• Real-world experience and employer links: You’ll gain valuable practical experience through internships, work-based projects, volunteering, and consultancy-style group projects — all designed to connect you with future employers and boost your professional profile.

• Extensive opportunities: The university posts thousands of graduate jobs and internships every year (over 7,600 in one year alone) across a wide range of sectors, giving you multiple pathways to launch your career.

• Respected and versatile qualification: Although the program isn’t tied to one specific professional body, the combination of economics and international relations is highly respected worldwide and valued by employers in government, NGOs, think tanks, consultancy, diplomacy, and global business.

• Strong graduate success stories: Aberdeen graduates are known for moving into high-impact roles, from government ministries and diplomatic services to international development agencies and global research organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies after your undergraduate degree, Aberdeen offers a wide range of postgraduate opportunities. Many graduates pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in areas such as Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, or Global Governance, leading to advanced careers in academia, research, or senior leadership positions in global organisations.