International and European Politics MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The MSc in International and European Politics at the University of Edinburgh immerses you in advanced political theory and real-world policy challenges, drawing on insights from International Relations, European Studies, Comparative Politics, and related fields. It’s designed for ambitious thinkers who aspire to careers in diplomacy, global policy, research, or international organisations and equips you with the analytical tools to understand how Europe and global politics intersect today.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time)
In your first year of study, you’ll build a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of politics. Core courses like International and European Politics: Theory and Practice explore key debates in International Relations and European policy, while compulsory units such as Institutions and Policies of the European Union and Analysing European Governance and Public Policy give you a deeper understanding of EU frameworks and how they shape contemporary governance. You’ll also have the chance to choose optional seminars, including topics like International Political Economy and The Politics of Migration in Europe, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests.

Dissertation / Independent Research
Later in the year, you will complete a substantial piece of independent research through your dissertation. This allows you to apply the analytical and methodological skills you have developed to a topic of your choice, under faculty supervision, and demonstrates your expertise to future employers or doctoral programs.

Focus areas: International Relations theory, European Union institutions and policy, comparative politics, global governance, security, and political economy.

Learning outcomes: Gain deep theoretical knowledge, sharpen research and analytical skills, understand policy-making processes, and develop expertise in European and global politics.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The MSc is delivered by the School of Social and Political Science, a globally recognised department with strong research credentials and connections to policymakers.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide for politics and social sciences, reflecting the quality of teaching and graduate career outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the moment you start the MSc in International and European Politics, you’ll be learning not just from textbooks but by engaging directly with real-world political issues and expert practitioners. This programme encourages hands-on participation through lively seminars, discussions with guest speakers, collaborative research activities, and opportunities to connect with policy communities both within and beyond Edinburgh. You’ll benefit from the University’s strong links with institutes, societies, and international partners, helping you refine the practical skills that employers in diplomacy, government, research, and international organisations value.

Here’s how your experiential learning is woven into the programme:

Study trip to Brussels with organised visits to international organisations and NGOs, offering first-hand insight into how European and international politics operates in practice and chances to meet practitioners and network with members of the Edinburgh University Brussels Society.
Engagement with the Europa Institute, which hosts events, lectures, and specialist seminars where you can learn from leading scholars and visiting experts in European politics and policy.
Seminar-based learning and collaborative group work across core and optional courses, preparing you for real-world policy analysis, debate, and research.
Access to one of the UK’s most comprehensive politics and international relations libraries and research collections, supporting your coursework and dissertation research with specialised academic resources.
Opportunities to participate in guest lectures and events with practitioners and scholars, widening your professional network and developing your communication and critical thinking skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

After completing the MSc in International and European Politics, you’ll be well‑placed for a range of meaningful roles where your analytical skills, understanding of global affairs, and policy insight will make a real difference. Typical opportunities include policy analyst, diplomatic officer, research associate, and consultant in international organisations or think tanks. Graduates from this programme often find work quickly, with roles that closely align with their career goals and the skills they developed during their studies:

The University’s Careers Service supports you throughout your studies and for up to two years after graduation with personalised guidance on job searching, CV and interview preparation, vacancy listings, and connections with employers in government, NGOs, and international organisations.
Career tools like online job boards, internship listings, and opportunities to meet employers help you build practical experience even before you graduate.
Graduates from this MSc report a strong employment rate, with many securing relevant roles within a year, and their median salaries typically grow as they progress in their careers.
Edinburgh’s global reputation and its high standing for employability by employers worldwide enhance the long-term value of your degree, opening doors across Europe, the UK, and beyond.
The programme’s focus on real-world politics and policy, combined with strong university and industry links, ensures you graduate ready to take on complex challenges in public policy, international relations, research, or consultancy.

Further Academic Progression:
You also have clear pathways to continue your academic journey after this MSc. Many graduates choose to pursue a PhD in Politics, International Relations, or European Studies, building on their dissertation work and specialising further in areas such as global governance, security studies, or comparative politics. The strong research culture at Edinburgh, alongside access to faculty expertise and interdisciplinary centres, provides a solid foundation for doctoral study or academic careers.