International & European Politics (MSc)

Programme description

Developed in response to the enormous political challenges facing our changing societies, this programme offers an advanced understanding of the contemporary world, drawing on insights from International Relations as well as European Studies, Comparative Politics and Regional Studies.

You’ll explore in depth key theories, issues and controversies, and have the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary studies and develop your interests in a vibrant and intellectually stimulating community.

The programme hosts an official "Jean Monnet Module" (one of your compulsory courses), recognised by the European Commission for its interdisciplinary and student-centred approach. Guest lectures and specialised seminar series will make an important contribution to your academic programme, bringing prominent international scholars and practitioners to Edinburgh to present current research and perspectives.

You’ll also have access to the University’s Europa Institute established in 1968 to specialise in the law and politics of the European Union; its library is considered one of the best of its kind. Finally, there is also a vibrant community of students interested in international and European Politics, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network with your peers, organise events and even work on publications in the Leviathan - the University’s own journal of Politics and International Relations.

Programme structure

Teaching will be by lectures, seminars, group work and guided independent study. You will complete two compulsory courses and four optional courses, after which you will work towards an independently researched dissertation.

As an alternative to a classic dissertation, you’ll have the option – subject to performance – of embarking on the “European Practitioner Pathway” within the programme, i.e. pursue a 6-8 week work-based project and write a practice-related report on their work placement instead.

Another highlight of the academic year will be our study trip to Brussels, where we visit multiple international organisations as well as non-governmental stakeholders and meet with practitioners. The trip includes our very popular career event at which you will have the opportunity to network with alumni of the University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh University Brussels Society) who have built successful careers in Brussels.

Career opportunities

While many graduates of this programme have gone on to further studies and academic careers, many have taken up positions in a wide range of institutions and companies.

These include NATO and the United Nations, the European Commission and Parliament, regional and national government institutions, development organisations, educational, research and think-tank organisations, banking, media, lobbying, and commercial organisations.

The transferable skills you gain in areas such as communication and research will give you an edge in the employment market, whatever your eventual career.

Visit the International & European Politics (MSc) page on the University of Edinburgh website for more details!