MSc Degrees

• MSc in International Relations
• MSc in International Political Economy
• Sciences Po-LSE Double Degree in Affaires Internationales and IR/IPE
• MSc International Relations Theory (new for 2008)
• MSc Global Politics
• MSc Politics and Governance in the European Union

MSc in International Relations
MSc in International Relations (Research)

The MSc International Relations is an advanced, academic study of the subject. It is suitable if you plan to progress to a career with an international focus. The MSc International Relations (Research) is designed as a preparation for research work and includes Methodology courses. Home/EU applicants intending to apply for ESRC funding should apply to this programme rather than the ‘straight’ MSc IR.

Most of the teaching takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms.
A 10,000 word dissertation must be submitted by 1 September, or if this falls at the weekend, the first working day after 1 September.

Click for details of the paper options for the MScIR.
Click for details of the paper options for the MScIR Research.

*Please click here for
the FAQ page for prospective MSc IR and MSc IR Research Applicants*

MSc in International Political Economy

This programme is intended for graduates with a good first degree in Politics, Economics, History, International Relations and other degrees with similar content.

The MSc International Political Economy Research is designed as a preparation for research work if you are entering the field from another related discipline. The MSc International Political Economy gives an introduction to the academic study of the subject and would be suitable if you plan to progress to a career that might have an international focus.

It is not necessary to decide which programme you prefer until you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas Term, normally in late-October, unless (as a Home/EU applicant) you intend to apply for ESRC funding, in which case you will need to have decided to study the research programme and state this on your application form. If you do not apply for, or do not get, ESRC funding, it may be possible, depending on your choice of options, to change programmes up to the end of the first term of the course.

The majority of the teaching takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. You must also submit a 10,000 word dissertation by 1 September, or if this falls at the weekend, the first working day after 1 September.

Applicants should note that this programme focuses on political economy and is not a course in international economics. Although economic concepts are taken very seriously, the focus is firmly upon the political determinants and effects of economic outcomes.

Click for details of the
paper options for the MScIPE.
Click for details of the
paper options for the MScIPE Research.

*Please click here for
the FAQ page for prospective MSc IPE and MSc IPE Research Applicants*

Sciences Po-LSE Double Degree in Affaires Internationales and IR/IPE

This is a double degree which takes place over the course of two full academic years with the first year in Paris and the second in London. The focus of the double degree is international negotiation. It is designed for those who intend to practise negotiation in government, international institutions and business.

During your year at LSE, you will have a choice between taking the MSc International Relations and the MSc International Political Economy. You will be required to take three examinations and to write a dissertation of 10,000 words. Whichever route you take, each of your courses will normally amount to up to 40 hours of teaching in lecture and seminar form.

Application forms for the Sciences Po-LSE Double Degree in Affaires Internationales and IR/IPE are available on the course website. Students applying for the course should complete one of these online forms, rather than a standard LSE graduate application. Applications should be made online only. Your complete application (application plus supporting documents) must reach Sciences Po by 1 March 2008.

Click for more information from the Graduate Prospectus.

MSc International Relations Theory (new for 2008)

The MSc International Relations Theory is a new programme designed for those students who wish to study International Relations from a theoretical perspective; material to be studied will include classical and modern realism and liberalism, the ‘English School’, constructivism, normative theory and gender and feminist writings. This programme is particularly suitable for those students intending to proceed to a research degree and an academic career, but will also be of interest to anyone who wishes to deepen their conceptual grasp of contemporary international relations.

Click here for further details and paper options.

MSc Global Politics

This programme is based in the Department of Government, the European Institute, the Development Studies Institute and the International Relations Department. It brings together many of the unique resources of these departments into a leading, interdisciplinary programme on globalisation, global governance and global politics. 

The MSc Global Politics offers the following benefits: The opportunity to study in a large, internationally renowned set of departments in the only UK institution devoted solely to the social sciences; the opportunity to study courses from across the four politics departments of LSE; it brings together the expertise of LSE staff at the cutting edge of debates about globalisation and global politics; a good preparation for further research work or for a career in education, the public services or the private sector at national, international or global levels.

We will consider applicants with good first degrees in any discipline, with a considered interest in the area covered by the MSc.

Click here for further details and paper options.

MSc Politics and Governance in the European Union

This programme is based in the European Institute, Department of Government and the International Relations Department.

We consider applicants with good first degrees in any discipline, but prefer applicants with a degree in one of the social sciences.

The programme offers a unique range of courses that will deepen students' knowledge of politics and policies in the EU and help them gain new insight into the EU's extraordinary role in today's world. The programme is ideal for those considering a career that deals with European and global issues.

The programme is divided into three main parts: foundation – two half unit courses which provide a basic training in European politics and government, and the history and theory of European integration and an introduction to central debates in European Union politics and government; specialisation – in either EU Government and Policy or the International Relations of Europe; and dissertation – a 10,000 word essay on an advanced topic.

Click here for further details and paper options.

For further information about the application process for any of these Master's degrees, and LSE Graduate School more generally, please go to the Graduate School Prospectus.  Online Graduate School Application is also available.

Back to Top

This page last modified on October 22, 2008

Copyright © London School of Economics and Political Science 2000-2007
Globe Image © 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc