MA International Relations

The MA International Relations at the University of Exeter offers a practical and research-driven learning experience that helps students connect academic theories with real-world global issues. Students develop the ability to analyse international challenges by working with policy materials, research findings, expert perspectives, and contemporary case studies. Through interactive teaching, discussions, simulations, and independent research, students build the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for careers in diplomacy, government, international organisations, NGOs, and policy-focused roles.

Students gain practical experience through research activities, expert engagement, collaborative learning, and policy-focused exercises:

• Participation in group projects and policy briefs, where students collaborate to analyse international issues and develop informed policy recommendations.

• Engagement in seminars, debates, and presentations that help students strengthen communication skills and confidently discuss complex global political issues.

• Practical learning through simulations and role-play activities based on real-world international relations scenarios, allowing students to understand global decision-making processes.

• Opportunities to interact with external speakers, including policymakers, academics, journalists, activists, aid workers, military and intelligence professionals, and representatives from international organisations.

• Independent research experience through the Dissertation, where students investigate a chosen international relations topic with support from expert academic supervisors.

• Use of digital learning resources, including online academic journals, multimedia materials, news resources, and research tools to support the study of global politics and international affairs.

• Opportunities to engage with the Exeter Centre of Advanced International Studies, supporting research discussions and academic activities related to international relations, security, and global affairs.

• Access to the University of Exeter’s library facilities, including extensive political science and international relations resources, digital collections, study spaces, and academic support services.

• Learning from research-active academics with expertise in areas such as world order, great power politics, humanitarianism, peacebuilding, security, climate politics, activism, and gender.

• Participation in academic events and conferences that encourage knowledge exchange, networking, and professional development.

The MA International Relations at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for careers focused on global affairs, policy development, international cooperation, and political analysis. The programme develops advanced research, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, enabling graduates to pursue roles such as Diplomatic Officer, Policy Analyst, International Development Specialist, and Political Risk Consultant. Graduates can progress into careers within governments, NGOs, international organisations, think tanks, media organisations, diplomatic services, and global businesses.

The programme supports career development through dedicated employability services, professional networks, and opportunities to apply knowledge to real-world global challenges:

• Access to the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides career guidance, CV and application support, interview preparation, employer events, skills workshops, and resources to help students achieve their career goals.

• Opportunities to connect with alumni and professionals through career initiatives such as Ask An Alum, allowing students to gain insights from graduates working across different sectors.

• Development of highly valued professional skills including research and analysis, policy writing, communication, presentation, project management, independent working, and critical thinking.

• Access to employer networking opportunities and career events, helping students connect with national and international organisations.

• Opportunities to learn from academics with expertise in international relations who contribute research, consultancy, and policy advice to organisations such as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ministry of Defence, BBC, Chatham House, Open Democracy, Freedom House, and the Foreign Policy Centre.

• Preparation for careers across government departments, diplomatic services, international institutions, NGOs, humanitarian organisations, media organisations, research institutes, think tanks, and multinational companies.

• The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for graduate employability, with Exeter graduates regularly recognised among those targeted by leading employers in the UK.

• The University does not publish programme-specific employment rates or salary figures for graduates of the MA International Relations.

• The programme provides long-term career value by developing transferable skills in global analysis, research, communication, and strategic thinking that are applicable across a wide range of international careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA International Relations, students can continue their academic journey through advanced research programmes such as an MPhil, PhD, or other research degrees in areas including international relations, global politics, security studies, diplomacy, international development, and related social science fields. The programme’s focus on independent research and dissertation work provides a strong foundation for students interested in academic careers, specialist research roles, or policy-focused positions.