About this course
Become an expert in international relations and the challenges of globalisation on this MSc in international politics. You'll cover a range of topics on this UK course, including the analysis of global politics, governance and social change. Prepare for a career in politics, advocacy or the civil service, or pursue your research passions to PhD level.
On this master’s degree at the University of Southampton you’ll gain specialist understanding of current global and international politics.
You’ll learn how developments in this area have major consequences for how states:
- interact with each other
- maintain security
- avoid conflict
- deal with issues such as migration and the emergence of new global powers
You’ll also gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the main approaches to the study of international politics
- the issues and events that challenge contemporary understanding of international political change
- philosophical and methodological debates in the study of this subject
Through your dissertation you’ll learn research skills such searching and referencing sources, and managing complex information. These and other key skills, like critical thinking and independent study, will be crucial to your future career.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Kamil Zwolski, associate professor in international politics. His current research and education activities revolve around the European Commission’s Jean Monnet Chair award, which he received in 2019. Read Dr Zwolski’s staff profile to find out more.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
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.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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?
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module will chart the developments in IR theory, from the classical positions to contemporary debates. The module provides an essential introduction required for an informed understanding of contemporary international affairs.
This module will look at the dominant traditions in the philosophy of social science and how these have shaped substantive research within the study of the social sciences.
Research Design and Practice involves training and preliminary work for researching in social science. This module deals with the practical challenges of designing and conducting research such as defining research questions, identifying appropriate metho...
Although a ‘common sense’ view of world politics is often presented in non-academic contexts, there is little agreement among experts on what international relations is, and how we should think about the discipline. This module enables students to critica...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Students will be introduced to key issues and literature concerning the current structure and workings of the welfare state, focusing on the health and social care for older people.
This course seeks to examine the foreign policy and international relations of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) addressing how and why China has reached its status within the international system today. Aside from providing students with a detailed an...
This module examines the recent global diffusion of participatory governance innovations that leverage collective intelligence processes. Part one explores a variety of empirical applications in comparative prospective. Concrete examples will include part...
This course provides an introduction to comparative public administration by looking at shared theoretical approaches and common problems. It does not provide descriptions of the system of public administration in any single country. The course addresses ...
The module provides an overview of the main security challenges facing the world today. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, together with case studies, we consider such questions as: ...
This module provides you with a foundation of knowledge on demographic change and population ageing in a cross-cultural, global perspective. The module focuses on developing and transitional societies, and on linkages between different regions of the worl...
The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias ...
This Module provides an introduction to the technical basis of demography. It focuses on concepts and methods underpinning demographic analysis and provides a practical introduction for those professionally engaged with demographic work (in government de...
A sample of topics addressed in this module includes: a) theoretical approaches to the subject matter; b) the redefinition of the notions of sovereignty, borders, citizenship, and national identity; c) the role and mobilization of diasporas as transnation...
This module will review and discuss the state of the art in research on social welfare and human well-being and the one, and on social policies addressing these issues on the other hand. In the first part students will explore how previously dominant econ...
The module involves lectures and guest lectures from different disciplines. Learning activities include lectures, informal group discussions and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance of each session, in order to be ...
The syllabus for this 10 CATS module will cover an introduction to qualitative methods and a range of qualitative data collection methods. We will consider the defining characteristics of qualitative research and its epistemological underpinnings. The ...
The emphasis will be on the practical application of statistical methods and the interpretation of results using the statistical computer software SPSS. The module will draw on a range of international and UK data sources. One of the pre-requisites ...
The aim of this module is to (i) engage students in a critical debate on the transformations, challenges and potentials that ageing societies face and (ii) discuss the research methods, data and ethical implications involved in contemporary research of ol...
This module provides an overview of theoretical perspectives on security, broadly defined. Drawing on classic and contemporary literature from International Relations and other academic disciplines, we consider the nature of security as a state-of-being o...
This module will explore the concepts of Modern Society and the Welfare State, based on key theories. We will engage with how modernity has been framed by classical and contemporary sociological writings and in that context analyse how individuals, collec...
This module is an introduction to the substantive concepts of demography, how populations change and grow or shrink, and the transitions that populations make in various stages of their development. An introduction to the past, present and future world po...
The module will address technological and demographic changes and related risks, the actors and structures that contribute and respond to social change and how it is theorised in contemporary sociology. Processes as well as impact of social change at the ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following module in year 2:
The researching and writing of a 12,500 – 15,000 word dissertation provides you with the opportunity to integrate and hone a variety of skills acquired and extended during your studies, and to significantly deepen your knowledge of a topic of your choice....
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers
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 2020). 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 thriving 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £21,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
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 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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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'll 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
