Skip to main content

Master's degrees in politics and international relations

Find out more about our master's degrees covering topics like international relations and security, gender and politics, and foreign and European policy.

Scholarships worth between £3,000 and £10,000 for high-achieving students — find out more

Which course is right for me?

View our range of courses to find the right one for you. These include optional units to choose from, allowing you to focus on topics that interest you and build your skills around your future career ambitions.


MSc International Relations

Deepen your understanding of the causes and consequences of some of the biggest global societal challenges and how to develop sustainable solutions to them.

MSc International Relations with European Politics

Further your understanding of Europe’s role as a key entity in global affairs and explore foreign policy in the context of the EU and other important states.

MSc International Relations with Foreign Policy

Enhance your knowledge of how interstate relationships influence, and are influenced by, foreign policy strategies and global political challenges.

MSc International Relations with Gender Politics

Explore the interplay between gender and politics from a global perspective. You’ll examine its role within societal challenges across the planet.

MSc International Relations with International Security

Analyse topics such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism and peacekeeping in the context of some of the most pressing challenges facing global societies.

MA Contemporary European Studies (Euromasters)

Immerse yourself in the politics, policy and social evolution of the EU and European states. As well as studying at Bath, you'll spend time studying in other countries and enjoy an international experience.

Make a difference in today's global politics

In this video, current students — Anastasia, Chloe, Yuliia and Zosia — talk about our international relations courses and how they hope to make the world a less volatile place after they graduate.


Scholarships for postgraduate taught students

You might be eligible for one of our brand new scholarships for 2026/27.


A group of people walking outside while talking.

We are offering a number of scholarships ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 to high-achieving students joining a full-time taught master’s course in September 2026.

If you are a new fee-paying student, and have an offer to study a postgraduate taught degree at the University of Bath, you might be eligible.

Join a vibrant department


The Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies (PoLIS) is a diverse hub of research and teaching centred around courses with a global reach.

As a student within the department, you will have access to research conducted by Research Centre's and Groups, in areas ranging from the study of violence and war, through to gender and sexuality, and international security and order.

Our academics have provided commentary around global conflicts and other current issues, regularly making media appearances to discuss their research. By joining us, you will be taught by individuals who are considered experts in their field.

Find out more about the department
A man sat on some steps outside using a laptop computer.

Talk to us live

If you're interested in one of our master's courses, we'd love to talk to you.


We hold several events throughout the year, giving you the chance to ask your questions via our virtual online platform.

Both academics and our student ambassadors will be available to answer your questions on anything from living in Bath, to course structure. Why not join us for our next event?

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our courses, you can contact our admissions team.


* The University of Bath ranked 7th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, 8th in The Guardian University Guide 2026, 8th in the Complete University Guide 2026, and 9th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.