MPhil in International Relations and Politics

9 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Cambridge

Program Overview

The MPhil in Politics and International Studies offers an intensive, one-year full-time opportunity to deepen your understanding of global politics, international relations, and political thought — combining rigorous theory with contemporary analysis. It suits both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals (from public service, NGOs, civil society, or even finance) who want to deepen their expertise or pivot into politics, policy, law or academia.

Curriculum Structure

Because the course lasts nine months, the structure is compact yet rich:

In the first part (Michaelmas and Lent terms) you engage with a mix of lectures and research-driven seminars: you select around four optional modules (out of a wide list), and also complete a mandatory Research Methods course. Through modules such as “Advanced Political Analysis,” “Global Environmental Governance,” “Communication Technology and Contentious Politics,” “International Constitutional Law,” “The Middle East in Global Politics,” or “Gender in/and International Politics,” you learn to critically examine political institutions, global governance, law, security, social movements and contemporary political issues from multiple angles.

Then, towards the end of the term, you write a 15,000-word dissertation under academic supervision on a topic of your choice — allowing you to specialise in an area you’re passionate about, whether it’s international law, regional politics, global governance, migration, conflict, political theory, or another subject within politics/IR.

Focus areas (in a string)

“International Relations, Comparative Politics, Global Governance & Security, International Law, Political Theory, Regional & Area Studies, Contemporary Global Politics, Research Methods”

Learning outcomes (in a string)

“Ability to critically analyze political and international phenomena; in-depth knowledge of key topics in politics and international studies; familiarity with contemporary themes in global politics; competence to produce graduate-level research with academic rigour; readiness for doctoral-level research or professional roles in policy, government, law, media or NGOs.”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme is offered by the university’s Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), one of the top departments globally for political science and international relations — recognised for rigorous academic standards and research excellence. The MPhil serves as a strong credential for careers in government, civil service, international organisations, law, policy think-tanks and diplomacy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Post-graduate students don’t just sit through lectures — the MPhil is structured so you’ll get hands-on experience in political and international studies, combining small-group seminars, in-depth research, access to world-class libraries and research infrastructure, and opportunities to work with advanced methods and primary sources. As a student, you’ll draw on Cambridge’s extensive academic resources and benefit from a learning environment that supports independent research, critical analysis, and academic growth.

Here’s how that plays out in practice — including the tools, resources and experiences available to you:

Lectures + Research-Driven Seminars + Research Methods Training: Right from the start you’ll take mandatory Research Methods courses and attend seminars and lectures covering deep political theory, international law, global governance, and other core topics. This gives you both theoretical insight and hands-on research training.
Original Dissertation with Primary-Source Research: You complete a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation on a topic of your own choice, requiring original research — which may include archival work, document analysis, interviews or empirical data depending on topic — enabling you to engage directly with real-world political/international issues.
Access to Cambridge’s Leading Libraries & Collections: As part of Cambridge, you’ll be able to use the main Cambridge University Library (UL) plus subject-specific / departmental libraries (e.g. history, political science, social sciences), giving you access to millions of books, journals, archival documents, and legal deposit materials — essential for serious research in politics, history, law, global affairs.
Supportive Graduate-Student Infrastructure (Digital Platforms, Academic Guidance, Ethical & Fieldwork Oversight): The MPhil provides resources including a dedicated online student site (Moodle) for course guides and documents; support for research-ethics approval, risk assessment and “Leave to Work Away” procedures (if you plan archival or field research abroad); plus academic staff office hours for supervision and mentoring.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MPhil in Politics and International Studies frequently move into high-impact roles in government, international organisations, academia, and public policy. Some become diplomats, policy-makers, analysts or researchers — blending academic insight with real-world influence. Typical career paths include: Diplomat / Civil-Service Officer, Policy Analyst / Advisor, Researcher at think-tanks or international institutions, Lecturer / Academic-Researcher.

What makes this possible:

Career Services & Alumni Network Support: As a Cambridge student, you can access the Cambridge University Careers Service — which provides career counselling, guidance on applying for public-service, NGO or international-organisation roles, help with CV or application preparation, and links to internships or placement opportunities in government, NGOs, media, and policy institutes.
Strong Long-Term Credential: The degree from the University of Cambridge — particularly from the department Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) — carries international recognition, giving credibility when applying for roles in foreign ministries, international organisations, NGOs, academic or research institutions worldwide.
Broad Sector Flexibility: The MPhil is designed with multidisciplinary training — so graduates find opportunities not only in diplomacy or government, but also in law, media, consultancy, civil service, charity/NGO sector, teaching, journalism or political advising.
Good Acceptance Prospects and Department Reputation: Even though the programme is competitive (offer rate ~ 31% according to one recent report) — being accepted itself signals strong potential to employers and institutions globally.