International Relations

International relations is the academic study of how political actors, from states and international organisations to corporations and social movements, interact in a world without a single overarching authority. It investigates the origins of war and peace, the making of foreign policy, trade regimes, international terrorism, human rights, international law, and the interaction of political and economic development. Understanding these questions is both intellectually challenging and of immediate practical importance.

At the University of St Andrews, the MA (Hons) in International Relations teaches you to explore these issues with the rigour and analytical depth that the university's tutorial system encourages. You will engage with the major theoretical traditions in international relations, from realism and liberalism to constructivism and critical theory, and you will apply these frameworks to the analysis of specific regions, conflicts, institutions, and global challenges. The year abroad is integral to the programme, placing you in an international academic environment and deepening your comparative perspective on global politics.

The degree is studied full time over four years, and the typical entry tariff is not available from this course data.

Graduates from St Andrews international relations programmes go on to careers in the diplomatic service, civil service, international organisations, think tanks, journalism, NGOs, development agencies, and the private sector. The analytical skills, intellectual breadth, and research competence the degree develops are valued across a wide range of contexts. Further study options include postgraduate degrees in international relations, security studies, international law, development studies, and area studies.