MA (Hons) Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen focuses on the role of politics, power, states, and governments in an ever-changing global context, taught by internationally renowned academics regularly appearing as experts in the media on events unfolding in the world today. This programme offers the perfect foundation for careers in politics, international affairs, NGOs, media and more.
Please note: MA (Hons) is equivalent to a Bachelor degree with Honours.
At a Glance
Politics and International Relations explores the world in which we live by considering how the decisions we make collectively affect the culture, society and economy of the world as a whole, including an in-depth look at how various political actors including governments and international institutions influence our world.
We provide a supportive yet challenging environment within which students develop knowledge of Politics and International Relations, including historical and contemporary political issues and major theoretical debates. Students are supported by research-active staff who are internationally recognised experts in their fields, and our courses reflect staff specialisms.
You will study organisations, how states interact, global wealth and poverty and the ever-present concerns of conflict and peace. You can also take advantage of unique options made possible by the research pedigree of our academic team with a strong track record in publishing international papers and articles.
A degree in Politics and/or International Relations from the University of Aberdeen opens doors to a wide range of professions, including many politics-related roles. Our teaching programme develops advanced understanding of international political issues and these skills are relevant to a vast array of jobs. We work closely with employers in developing our programme and our graduates acquire essential skills to prepare them for challenging professional roles.
What You'll Study
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Depending on start date, courses may vary or change.
Notes
- Designated Degree: A minimum of 360 credit points including at least 90 credit points of Level 3 courses and the prescribed courses listed for programme years 1, 2 and 3.
- Candidates seeking entry to the Junior Honours programme must have accumulated, by award or recognition, or been exempted from, at least 240 credit points at levels 1 and 2, including the prescribed courses required to enter programme year 3.
- Compulsory Courses
-
Getting started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
Academic Practice for Study (QB1001)
English for Academic Purposes (QB1002)
Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (QI1001)
Introduction to Economics (QB1502)
Introduction to the Management of Organisations (QB1504)
Politics & International relations 2: Power and Conflict (QI1501)
Ideas & Ideologies in Politics & International Relations (QI2001)
Global Politics Equality & Inequality (QI2501)
Researching in the 21st Century (QI3001)
International Security (QI3504)
International Terrorism, Counterterrorism and International Relations (QI3503)
Dissertation: International Relations (QI4006) or Politics (QI4007)
Modern Day Latin America (QI4002)
Energy Climate and Politics (QI4501)
Maritime Security (QI3505)
- Optional Courses
-
Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (QC1002)
Programming 1 (QC1003)
Legal System (QL1001)
Foundations of Private Law (QL1002)
Understanding Property (QB1505)
Object-Orientated Programming (QC1502)
Computer Systems and Architecture (QC1504)
Contract Law (QL1501)
Delict and Unjustified Enrichment (QL1502)
Management Accounting 2 (QB2002)
Finance 2: Business Finance (QB2004)
Introduction to Human Resource Management (QB2006)
Marketing (QB2007)
Software Programming (QC2001)
Databases and Data Management (QC2002)
Financial Markets and Regulation (QB2501)
Financial Accounting 2 (QB2502)
Business Law (QB2503)
Understanding Statistics (QB2504)
Operations Management (QB2505)
Introduction to International Business (QB2506)
Human-Computer Interaction (QC2501)
How You'll Study
Teaching at levels 1 and 2 is by a combination of formal lectures and small group tutorials. Honours teaching varies in style, although many courses are based on seminars. Assessment is generally by traditional exams and assessed essays, although, in some courses group work, projects, quizzes and other techniques are used.
Students are expected to write a dissertation in their final year.
Learning Methods
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Politics and International Relations
- A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy.
- Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe - as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
- Teaching staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy and democratisation, energy politics, European politics, integration and regionalism, human rights, interest groups, modernity and religion, international political economy, nationalism, conflict resolution, regional international relations and security studies.
- A vibrant Politics & International Relations Society that hosts exciting debates throughout the academic year as well as international trips.
- All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change and emerging democracy.
- Analyse global issues, systems and trends from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
- Gain knowledge and research skills In the areas of politics, international affairs, and international institutions which will widen your appeal to employers in all sectors.
- We are ranked 7th in the UK for International Relations and 9th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2024.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
- 65% or above in the Thanawiyah or 5 passes at C or above in IGCSE
- 40 UCAS points at AS/A Level or completed IB Certificate
- Proof of English language at IELTS 5.5 or above (minimum 5.0 in all sections) or equivalent qualification*
*if the most recent academic qualification is not taught in English.
Advanced Entry
- Applications for advanced entry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Documents Required
- Equivalency Statement Letter from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education
- No objection certificate (NOC) from the National Military Service, Ministry of Defence. (For male Qatari Nationals only)
English Language Requirements
To study for a Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
- Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Fees
- The tuition fee for entry in September is 89,000 QR per year.
- Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
- Flexible payment methods are available.