International Politics (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, such as social sciences, economics or history. 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

This is a full-time course. You’ll study for a whole year, from September to the following September. 

The taught component of the course, made up of compulsory and optional modules, covers the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2). You’ll also carry out some preparatory work for your dissertation in semester 2. 

You’ll take exams at the end of semesters 1 and 2. 

During the last 4 months of the course (semester 3) you’ll research and write your dissertation.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

We take a variety of approaches to your learning. Depending on your choice of modules, learning methods might include: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• group work 
• project work 

We’ll support your learning through MSc coursework and dissertation workshops, designed to help you produce high-quality work throughout your master’s course. 

Assessment

We’ll assess you by a variety of methods, including essays, exams and a dissertation. Other methods will depend on your module choice, but may include: 

• presentations 
• seminar discussions 
• policy briefings 

Dissertation

You’ll research and write a dissertation of 12,500 to 15,000 words on a topic of your choice.  

The dissertation is your chance to develop your research skills and increase your knowledge on a particular aspect of your course.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

With this degree you’ll be qualified to pursue a career with political organisations, think tanks, advocacy groups or the civil service. The transferable skills you’ll learn will make you desirable to many different employers. 

Our graduates have gone on to work in areas such as: 

• politics 
• banking 
• media 
• local authority 
• publishing  
• teaching 

You’ll also be in an ideal position to continue your researches at PhD level. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £18,812.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000