International Relations Masters Personal Statement Sample

So, you’re about to dive into the exciting world of International Relations and need a personal statement that’ll make those admissions officers sit up and take notice? You’ve hit the jackpot! Crafting that perfect statement might seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s also your chance to flaunt your passion for global issues and showcase your unique take on the world. In this guide, we’ll share a sample personal statement to spark your creativity and help you find your own voice. Let’s make your application shine brighter than a diplomat at a peace summit! Ready? Let’s dive in!

Just a heads-up: think of this as inspiration, not a fill-in-the-blank template. For some solid advice, be sure to check out our full guide on writing a killer postgraduate personal statement. It won’t write it for you, but it’ll definitely make the whole process a lot smoother!

In today’s unstable political climate, a nuanced, multifaceted understanding of international relations seems more important than ever, with the emergence of right-wing populism around the world and the imminent reckoning of the climate crisis (not to mention the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic). Being able to grasp the power dynamics at play between (and within) nations seems crucial to maintaining some semblance of continuity in the international community.

Having studied History and Politics at the undergraduate level, one of the aspects of your Masters in International Relations programme that appeals to me the most is its interdisciplinary nature. Sociology, international law and history are all incredibly important when it comes to understanding our current moment and I look forward to studying the myriad ways in which they inform each other.

My undergraduate dissertation focused on the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent Dayton Accords peace agreement and was informed by my time at an NGO in Sarajevo in 2017. This organisation promoted human rights in the Balkan region and I helped with the development of several campaigns to support judicial and civic reform. I’m eager to expand on this research for my Masters and have already secured another internship working for a Zagreb-based refugee organisation next summer.

While at university I was active in several student societies, including being on the committee for the Amnesty International Society, where I helped organise several keynote speeches and letter-writing campaigns. I was also the social secretary for the History Society and the treasurer for the Alternative Music Society, putting on several financially lucrative gigs around the city.

After graduating in 2018, I started working as an account manager for a marketing agency, drumming up sales and also acting as a liaison between our clients and the in-house team of creatives. I like to think that this experience has boosted my interpersonal communication skills and given me a knack for negotiation and managing expectations.

Despite working full-time, I’ve continued to travel widely wherever possible, returning to the Balkans on several occasions and also making self-guided study trips to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, the UN Headquarters in New York City and the United Nations Office at Geneva.

I hope that your Masters programme will provide the scope to expand on my existing experience and give me opportunities to develop expertise in new and exciting areas. Once my studies have finished, I hope to find work in a more senior role at an NGO in the Balkans and I’m sure that your programme will act as the perfect springboard for this goal.

Main takeaways

• Share your global curiosity: Let your passion for international affairs shine! Talk about what drew you to this field—maybe a specific event, a travel experience, or a book that opened your eyes to the world. The more personal, the better!
• Connect your experiences: Highlight any relevant experiences, whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or study abroad. Share how these moments shaped your understanding of global issues and prepared you for this next step.
• Be clear about your goals: What do you want to achieve with your degree? Whether it’s working in diplomacy, global development, or international law, be specific about your aspirations and how this programme aligns with your vision.
• Make it personal: Don’t just list your achievements—tell your story! Discuss the challenges you've faced and what you've learned along the way. This adds depth and makes your statement more relatable.
• Revise and get feedback: Once you’ve written your draft, take a step back and revise it. Ask a friend or mentor to read it over and provide feedback. A fresh perspective can help you polish your statement and make it shine!

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