Course Overview

The course is distinctive in its multidisciplinary approach and breadth. Teaching takes the form of lectures and seminars on theory, politics, history, economics, law, security and various regional and area studies, as well as individual thesis supervision. The taught part of the course aims to familiarise you with the range and variety of disciplines required for a thorough critical understanding of international relations. 

Who is the course designed for?

The programme is designed for students from (for example) industry, teaching, the civil service, NGOs or the armed forces who wish to study while pursuing their career. It is also suitable for students who have just completed their first degree. A background in international relations, law, economics, history or politics is a definite asset, but we welcome applications from all disciplines and professional backgrounds. The course is taught in intensive residential blocks which enables students to continue their professional careers while studying, and also enables international students to attend.

Please note that as a part-time course, students are not eligible for a student visa and therefore those who are not eligible to remain in the UK will require a short-term study visa which only entitles residency during the stipulated residential sessions of the course.

Students wishing to study full-time are encouraged to consider the MPhil in Politics and International Studies.  The University of Cambridge also offers a part time Undergraduate Diploma in International Relations which is administered by the Institute of Continuing Education. This course is not taught by the Department of Politics and International Studies or its professors.

Aims of the programme

By the end of the course, students should have:

  • Developed the ability to apply critically the main theories, models, and concepts used in the study of international politics
  • Developed an understanding and substantive knowledge of international politics, history, economics, theory, security and law
  • Extended and developed their analytical, evaluative and critical capacities
  • Developed transferable skills, including the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, making oral and written presentations, and planning and producing substantive written assignments
  • Developed the ability to undertake independent research and writing

MSt students aiming to proceed to PhD study must fulfil the usual requirement for progression by achieving a High-Performance grade i.e 75 per cent or above.  Former MSt students have used the skills and knowledge acquired on the course to develop their careers within NGOs, IGOs, major companies and organisations.

Watch our MSt in IR introductory video

Listen to information and highlights both academically and socially from students and professors and get advice on how to apply and thrive within the programme. 

Watch our introductory video to find out what our MSt students have to say about the course. 

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Teaching and learning

During the first year of the MSt in International Relations, all students are required to undertake a core course in international relations, consisting of three modules: International Relations Theory, International Security and International Organization.

Students will also select three modules which they will take for assessment, and a further three which they will take for credit. The list below is indicative* of the modules taught in the 2025-27 cohort:

  1. The Rise and Fall of Party Democracy, (Prof Christopher Bickerton)
  2. Africa in a Changing World (Professor Sharath Srinivasan)
  3. The Middle East in Global Politics (Dr Roxanne Farmafarmaian)
  4. IR Theory and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Dr Steven Ward)
  5. Politics of Global China (Dr Christian Sorace)
  6. Global Gender Politics (Dr Lauren Wilcox)
  7. The Global Great Powers Today (Prof Brendan Simms)
  8. US Foreign Policy: Domestic Roots and International Impact (Dr Richard Johnson (QMUL))
  9. Religion and Politics (Dr Tomas Larsson)
  10. Europe in Crisis - Forging Ahead or Disintegrating (Prof Julie Smith)
  11. Politics and Public Policy (Dr Barry Colfer (IIEA))
  12. Climate Justice and the Green Transition (Dr Antoinette Nestor)

    *Please note that individual modules offered may be subject to change.

Students completing the first year successfully will spend their second year researching and writing a dissertation of 20,000 words on a topic of their choice, subject to the approval of the Degree Committee of the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). Dissertation work will be individually supervised by an academic specialist.

Teaching blocks

All teaching takes place in Cambridge during the six mandatory residential sessions which are scheduled as follows:

Residential Teaching Sessions:

Year 1

  • 22 September 2025 - 03 October 2025 
  • 08 December 2025 - 19 December 2025 
  • 13 April 2026 - 24 April 2026
  • 29 June 2026 – 10 July 2026 

Year 2

  • 28 September 2026 – 02 October 2026
  • 11 January 2027 – 15 January 2027

Attendance at all the residential sessions is compulsory and applicants must ensure they can meet this attendance requirement before applying for the course.

Assessment

Thesis:  Dissertation: 20,000 words maximum

Written work: Students will submit written assignments for examination to demonstrate their knowledge of the course content.