MA in International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

The MA in International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast offers a deep and broad exploration of how global politics works in the real world — from the causes of war and diplomacy to migration, security, and economic power. Taught by world-leading experts, it suits students who want to understand, analyse and critically engage with major international issues while gaining strong research and analytical skills that are highly valued in policy, diplomacy, and global affairs careers.

Curriculum Structure

In Year 1, you’ll build a solid foundation in core theories and concepts with modules such as Theories and Issues in International Politics, which introduces the major academic frameworks used to interpret global events, and International Political Economy, where you’ll explore how political and economic power shapes global relations. Alongside this, Introduction to Research Design equips you with essential methods and tools for analysing political data and designing your own investigations, and you’ll choose focused options such as Contemporary Security or International Terrorism to tailor your learning to your interests.

As you progress, you’ll take a mix of elective modules such as Global Development, Institutions and Politics of the European Union, or Conflict Intervention, allowing you to deepen your understanding of specialised areas in global politics that are relevant to your own career goals. Your studies culminate in a dissertation, where you conduct independent research on a topic of your choice, apply your theoretical knowledge, and develop professional level research skills under academic supervision.

Focus areas: International Relations theory, global security, political economy, conflict and intervention, diplomacy, research methods

Learning outcomes: Critical analysis of global politics, independent research ability, sophisticated understanding of contemporary international issues, communication and policy evaluation skills

Professional alignment (accreditation): N/A – This is not professionally accredited by a specific PSRB but is academically recognised and research-intensive.

Reputation (employability rankings): Queen’s ranked in the top 170 globally for graduate prospects by QS Graduate Employability Rankings and 10th in the UK for graduate prospects (Times & Sunday Times).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA in International Relations at Queen’s doesn’t just equip you with theoretical knowledge — it helps you build practical, real-world skills that matter in policy, diplomacy, research and global affairs. You’ll combine academic study with opportunities to gain work experience, engage with global programmes, and benefit from careers support and internships that help you transition smoothly into professional roles. The School’s links with global opportunities and the University’s Careers, Employability & Skills services ensure your learning is grounded in real practice, not just classroom theory.

Here’s how experiential learning is structured for this programme and for Queen’s University Belfast students more broadly:

Careers, Employability & Skills services:
• Queen’s Careers team offers dedicated support, from CV building to interview preparation, micro-internships and work experience opportunities tailored to global disciplines like politics and international relations.
Internships and micro-internships:
• Through Queen’s Gain Experience for your CV scheme, you can apply for micro-internships (~90 hours) with a bursary and 8-week paid internships, which give you hands-on professional experience that boosts your CV and practical skills.
Global internships and placements:
• The University promotes international work placements and internships, helping you explore global leadership or policy internships in different regions — a valuable way to apply your IR knowledge in real contexts.
Work-abroad and leadership programmes:
• Queen’s runs initiatives like the Queen’s Global Leadership Programme and Work Abroad options which combine personal development, policy engagement and community service — giving you a broader perspective on global issues and leadership in international settings.
Support for securing placements:
• The student blog and Careers resources include guided advice on securing ideal placements, including using university tools, networking support, and placement strategy help.
Study-abroad and global opportunities:
• While not tied to a specific module, Queen’s encourages students to consider study abroad or international placement periods, giving you confidence, independence and multi-cultural experience — all invaluable in international relations careers.
Academic skills in practice:
• Modules on the programme help you develop practical research skills (such as retrieving and analysing information, critical reasoning, teamwork and communication), preparing you for both professional roles and further research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MA International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast typically move into careers where analytical insight into global politics, diplomacy, policy and international affairs are central — such as policy advisor, international analyst, NGO/third sector officer or communications and public affairs professional. Because Queen’s has strong overall graduate outcomes and dedicated career support, you’ll be well-positioned to step confidently into meaningful work or further study after your degree:

Here’s how Queen’s supports you — and what outcomes you can expect:

• University careers and employability support: Queen’s Careers, Employability & Skills team provides personalised support throughout your studies and beyond — including one-to-one career consultations, CV/cover letter guidance, interview skills workshops, access to the MyFuture online careers tool and networking events specifically designed to connect you with employers.

• Strong overall graduate outcomes: According to Queen’s official data, 93 % of graduates are in employment and/or further study within 15 months of completing their course — demonstrating solid transitions into careers or postgraduate pathways across sectors.

• High graduate prospects rankings: Queen’s is ranked 9th in the UK for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide, showing that employers value its graduates across disciplines.

• Industry partnerships and employer engagement: The careers service works closely with employers through careers fairs, employer panels and internship listings — helping you build connections that matter in politics, policy, media, public affairs, research and international organisations.

• Meaningful outcomes for politics-related courses: Data for politics and related subjects at Queen’s shows a typical salary after about 15 months of around £24,000 – £26,000 for comparable courses, reflecting early-career earnings in professional roles where international affairs knowledge is valued.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’re inclined toward research or academia, this MA also gives you a strong foundation for progressing to PhD study in fields such as International Relations, Global Politics or Security Studies — especially given Queen’s research strengths and high rankings for research intensity in politics and related disciplines.