Master in International Relations Ma

The tuition fee is 28,391 USD per year.

Situated in a region where communal history and peace-building provide a unique laboratory for the study of global politics, the MA in International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast offers a rigorous, multi-perspective examination of the forces shaping our world. The programme moves beyond traditional state-centric models to explore the complex interplay between diplomacy, conflict, global health policy, and the legacies of colonialism. Students investigate the 'real world' practices that produce world politics, from the mechanics of war and arms proliferation to the nuances of international development and human displacement.

This course is designed for those seeking to understand the 'why' behind state behavior and global crises. By balancing foundational theoretical training with a wide array of elective modules, the programme encourages students to curate a specialisation tailored to their specific career goals. Whether focusing on security studies, political economy, or the ethics of intervention, participants engage with a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture that draws on history, anthropology, and philosophy. The programme is particularly distinguished by its integration with QPOL, the university’s policy engagement platform, which facilitates direct interaction between students, academic researchers, and policymakers.

Research-Led Expertise

The curriculum is delivered by world-leading experts whose work spans critical security studies, migration, and the political economy of development. Students benefit from an environment where 'live' global issues—such as the conflict in Ukraine, the politics of Brexit, and climate change—are brought into the classroom, ensuring that the theoretical frameworks learned are consistently tested against contemporary international challenges.

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.