International Finance and Political Relations, MSc
Introduction
This programme combines the strengths of the School of Social Science and the Business School to explore the intersection between money, politics and power and the relationship between international finance and policymaking at the transnational level.
This course has both January and September start dates. Apply Now.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
This programme is designed to train specialists for careers in the international finance or in the government/non-government (NGO) sectors, where an understanding of global flows of money, trade and labour, and the global distribution of wealth they engender, is required.
Over the last few decades, there has been a steady increase in cross-border financial flows, as a result of the globalisation of financial markets. At the same time, we have witnessed fundamental societal and political changes and how nation-states behave and interact with one another, as well as technological advances and financial innovation.
As a result, businesses, governments, and investors therefore face an ever-growing need to understand the relationship between political relations and international markets.
By combining the key theories and themes in the study of international political economy with corporate finance and investments, this Masters programme addresses the need, by teaching the advanced skills needed to gather, analyse and evaluate information on the politics of international finance and to enable you to communicate how international finance, banking, and stock markets intersect with national and international political events.
The MSc International Finance and Political Relations programme is designed to train specialists for careers in the international finance or in the government/non-government (NGO) sectors, where an understanding of global flows of money, trade and labour, and the global distribution of wealth they engender, is required.
We welcome applications from students from across a wide range of academic backgrounds. You do not need a degree in business or politics to be considered for this programme.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
International Finance and Political Relations
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Why Study International Finance and Political Relations?
- This is an interdisciplinary programme that combines the strengths of the School of Social Science and the Business School
- There is a strong emphasis on providing a grounding in theoretical foundations of international finance and politics but combined with the key practical analytical skills and knowledge required by businesses, governments, and other organisations
- Learn about the operation of international financial markets in the context of globalisation, global capital flows, and the interconnections between international business and social and political change to understand how the international financial system is affected by contemporary events and changes in international political systems
- Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025) and 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics (National Student Survey 2024)
- Learn from experts actively involved in research. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more
- The University of Aberdeen has been ranked a Top 10 university for Overall Student Satisfaction for four consecutive years (National Student Survey 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. We welcome applications from students from across a wide range of academic backgrounds. You do not need a degree in business or politics to be considered for this programme.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught 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 - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference x 2
- two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
This programme is aimed at training highly qualified specialists for careers in the international business and finance sector or in government or the non-government (NGO) organisations, where an understanding of global flows of labour, trade and finance, and the global distribution of wealth and poverty they engender, is required.
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX