MSc Politics and International Relations (Southeast Asia)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

SOAS University of London

Program Overview

SOAS's MSc Politics and International Relations (Southeast Asia) offers a dedicated pathway that blends rigorous political and international relations study with a deep, region-specific focus on Southeast Asia, explored through history, culture, and evolving global paradigms. This programme is designed for learners seeking rigorous research training and a holistic understanding of politics across the region, preparing graduates for roles in government, the NGO sector, international organisations, media, think tanks, and academia.

Curriculum structure: Year 1 centers on a mix of core modules and guided options to build a solid foundation in politics and international relations, with a deep dive into Southeast Asia’s domestic and international life. You will study core modules, select up to 45 credits of guided options, 15–60 credits from Politics options, and up to 30 credits from open options, and complete a 10,000-word dissertation. The teaching combines 50-minute lectures with two-hour seminars, with an emphasis on presenting for each unit and producing substantial independent work.

Focus areas: Learning outcomes: The programme is designed to train students in research skills to the ESRC's research training guidelines, and as a result, students are eligible for ESRC funding if they plan to study the MSc degree followed by a PhD in the department. Professional alignment: This ESRC training framework aligns the programme with ESRC funding streams and research-methods standards. Reputation: It is ranked 6th in the UK and 28th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025), 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025), and 6th in the UK for Asian Studies (Complete University Guide 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Year 1 and the Southeast Asia pathway emphasize practical research and engagement beyond classroom learning. Students develop practical skills through lectures, seminars, and a substantial 10,000-word dissertation, supported by SOAS's world-class library and research networks. The Southeast Asia pathway also includes Study Tours and close engagement with the SOAS Centre for Southeast Asian Studies to connect theory with real-world policy and practice.

Transition to bullet points:
- Study Tours across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East offer opportunities for in-depth engagement and high-level networking, with destinations including Central Asia (Almaty + Bishkek), South Asia (New Delhi + Lahore), Southeast Asia (Luang Prabang), East Asia (Seoul), Africa (Kigali), and the Middle East (Doha); each tour costs £1,750 plus airfare and depends on participant numbers.
- SOAS Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
- SOAS Centre for Southeast Asian Studies involvement provides scholarly context and regional expertise to support your research and study plans.
- Open options list allows up to 30 credits, including languages, enabling tailored skill development.
- Teaching and learning through lectures (around 50-minute sessions) and two-hour seminars, with full-scale presentations and substantial independent writing in each unit.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates leave SOAS with deep knowledge of complex political and cultural issues and a portfolio of transferable skills that employers seek in professional and management careers. Recent graduates have been hired by: BBC World Service, Bloomberg, British Red Cross, British Council, Center for International Peace Operations, Channel 4, Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), Eversheds LLP, Financial Times, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Global Policy Institute, Go East Consulting, Grassroot Diplomat, Palestine Red Crescent Association, Save the Children, UNICEF Ethiopia, United Nations.

- Careers support: SOAS Careers Service provides targeted support to help you prepare for employment.
- Long-term accreditation value: Eligibility for ESRC funding for students who plan to study for our MSc degree followed by a PhD in the department.
- Graduation outcomes: A portfolio of high-profile employers across media, government, international organisations, and NGOs.
- Further academic progression: Further Academic Progression: After completing this MSc, you could pursue a PhD in SOAS with ESRC funding, leveraging the ESRC-aligned research training and the department’s research community.