Postgraduate MA

International Relations

Build the skills to take on global challenges in the 21st century. From great power politics to deep seated conflicts, on climate change as much as terrorism and cyber security, we will equip you with the knowledge to interpret events, identify trends and make informed judgments about what the future holds. Stand in the shoes of the diplomat, the foreign policy maker, the political analyst, and learn how to engage international politics with insight and clarity.

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Overview

Explore real world issues and key policy areas and learn from leading experts who advise governments and shape debates. Innovative teaching practices like simulations, interactive seminars, and flipped classrooms, will develop your capacity for independent thinking and incisive analysis. Our international network of alumni have used this programme as a springboard into foreign offices and diplomatic services, the UN, EU and OECD, the IRC, Amnesty International and other NGOs, as well as businesses with an international outlook.

Reasons to study International Relations MA at Kent

  • Join our vibrant, diverse and international student community, bringing different perspectives into dialogue and facilitating a global network of close connections.
  • Taught by world leading experts at the cutting edge of research, actively engaged in advising government and shaping debates.
  • Fundamental skills of analysis, interpretation and prediction, combined with the flexibility to follow your interest through a broad range of optional modules.
  • High-profile engagement through the Global Europe Centre and the Conflict Analysis Research Centre, which crystallise our research, policy and practitioner networks into an annual schedule of events.
  • Canterbury campus offers an idyllic countryside setting on the edge of a lively student town, only an hour from London and a short train ride to Europe.

Everything you need to know about our International Relations course

Entry requirements

The University will consider applications from students holding a wide range of qualifications.

Course structure

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

How you'll study

Our expert teaching staff are leaders in their field who use innovative teaching methods to bring the subject to life. Programme aims and learning outcomes are set to ensure you get the most from your study.
We're modernising the way you learn at Kent.

In September 2025, we're launching a new curriculum and a progressive approach to assessment, timetabling and employability.

Time to plan.

Your timetables will be communicated well before the start of term. This means you can balance your studies with work and other commitments.

Teaching throughout the year.

Teaching is spread over three teaching terms for undergraduates and four for postgraduates. You'll typically take two modules per term, so you can explore topics in depth.

Assessments within each term.

You'll be tested on what you've just learned as you learn it - not everything at once at the end of the year.

Enhanced employability skills.

You'll make real-world connections and gain career-relevant knowledge and skills. We don't create graduates for job roles, we create graduates who are ready to make a real impact.

Frequent, ongoing feedback.

You'll receive continuous feedback as you study. This helps you to build on your knowledge as you learn and improve the experience during your degree.

Your future

The School of Politics and International Relations has a dedicated Employability Coordinator who organises employability events within the School as well as providing students with assistance in securing graduate opportunities. Centrally, the Careers and Employability Service can help you plan for your future by providing one-to-one advice at any stage of your postgraduate studies.

Alumni profile

Misha Upadhyaya graduated from Kent with an MA in International Relations. She is now Stakeholder and Engagement Officer at the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime at City Hall, London.

Read Misha's full profile.

Career support
Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one – we are here to help you realise your ambition.
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Fees and funding

The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • UK
  • International
  • UK
  • International

Fees for this and other Kent Postgraduate Politics programmes can be found on the Student Finance page.

January entry

The annual tuition fees for students starting this course in January 2025 can be found on the Student Finance page.




For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.

There are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course. All textbooks are available from the library, although some students prefer to purchase their own.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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Next steps

Ready to apply?

International Relations - Taught MA - full-time at Canterbury

International Relations - Taught MA - part-time at Canterbury

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Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

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Research excellence

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

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