MSc International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of East London

Program Overview

The MSc International Relations at University of East London is perfect if you’re passionate about global politics and want to turn that into real-world impact—think tackling economic inequalities, military threats, or environmental risks through sharp analysis and policy proposals. It’s designed for students like you, whether you’re starting fresh or building on experience, giving you the tools for roles in governments, NGOs, or international bodies in just one year full-time.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year full-time program dives deep into global politics right from the start, blending theory with practical research skills. In the core modules, you’ll begin with Understanding the Global Order to grasp traditional international relations theories, then challenge them in Rethinking the Global Order by exploring radical perspectives on power and inequality—it’s eye-opening and builds your critical edge quickly. You’ll also sharpen your toolkit with Research Strategies for Social Sciences, learning hands-on methods to analyze real-world issues, and Social Enterprise, where you develop skills for third-sector impact like working with NGOs.

Focus Areas

Global environmental politics, migration and refugees, humanitarian interventions, gender in politics, postcolonial theory, NGOs, citizenship, and resource politics—with regional expertise from Asia to Africa.

Learning Outcomes

Gain a comprehensive grasp of forces shaping inter-state relations; apply theory to policy research; enhance research, communication, and conference skills; and build expertise for influencing international debates.

Professional Alignment

Delivered by the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, with no specific external accreditation noted, but emphasizes practical skills aligned with UN, government, and NGO careers through expert-led modules and work placement options.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of East London, our MSc International Relations program goes beyond lectures to immerse you in hands-on learning that mirrors real-world global challenges, building practical skills like policy analysis, research strategies, and third-sector impact through modules such as Research Strategies for Social Sciences and Social Enterprise. You’ll thrive in an international classroom environment that sharpens your ability to debate, present, and influence—just like in UN forums or NGO meetings—while tapping into UEL’s Mental Wealth programme for professional fitness, creative writing, and media communication skills validated by partners like Amazon and Microsoft. This sets you up to confidently step into careers in government, international policy, or development right after graduation.

Here’s how you’ll gain that edge through targeted experiential opportunities:

• Research and hands-on projects: Dive into practical research via the Research Strategies for Social Sciences module, where you’ll design and execute your own studies on global issues, plus a Subject Exploration Project tailored to your interests for real analytical experience.

• Group debates and presentations: Engage in seminars, workshops, and international debates encouraged throughout, building teamwork and communication skills for influencing policy discussions.

• Professional skills workshops: Access Mental Wealth sessions focusing on academic writing, critical thinking, data analysis, resilience, and networking to prepare for conferences and global roles.

• Career-focused placements: Optional work placements and ties to third-sector organisations through Social Enterprise, plus UEL’s jobs board and mentoring for paths in NGOs, governments, or the UN.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UEL’s MSc International Relations launch into exciting roles like policy analyst, international development officer, diplomat, or NGO consultant, leveraging sharp analytical skills to shape global debates in governments, UN bodies, or think tanks. Many land positions in international policy or development right away, thanks to the program’s focus on real-world application and UEL’s top-notch careers support—our grads are out there influencing change from London to worldwide orgs.

Here’s what powers your success:

• Tailored careers services: Access UEL’s jobs board, one-on-one mentoring, and Mental Wealth programme (validated by Amazon and Microsoft) for CV workshops, interview prep, and networking events designed for international roles.

• Strong employment stats: UEL ranks 2nd for graduate start-ups (2023/24), with high employability through practical modules and London location boosting job prospects—no specific salary figures listed, but aligned with policy and development sectors averaging competitive entry-level pay.

• Industry partnerships: Ties to third-sector orgs via Social Enterprise module, plus optional work placements and connections to government/NGO networks for hands-on opportunities.

• Accreditation value: No external body accreditation, but the degree’s practical focus delivers long-term edge in dynamic fields like global governance and security.

• Graduation outcomes: Alumni pursue UN careers, national/local government policy roles, or further influence in international debates, with advanced research and communication skills setting them apart.