International Relations (Online) | University of Aberdeen

Course summary

Earn a Masters in International Relations online with a respected UK university. Study flexibly, full-time or part-time. Join us online to develop a deep, critical understanding of contemporary global challenges, power structures, and the evolving nature of international politics. With guidance from expert academics and active researchers, you’ll learn to:

apply theories to better understand international politics
critically examine concrete and timely international issues
discuss policy and provide advice for consultancy in international organisations
contribute to research in global affairs.

In this flexible online Masters degree, you’ll develop the advanced analytical and research skills you need to assess complex international developments and formulate evidence-based arguments.

You’ll graduate with enhanced expertise in key global issues, including security, global governance, political economy, and human rights.

Tailored to you
This is a degree that you can tailor to you. You’ll have opportunities to focus your studies and dissertation research on your interests, current work, professional experience, and future career goals.

Who can join this online International Relations degree?
If you’re a graduate or professional seeking a successful career in international organisations, NGOs, government, policy analysis, or academia, this degree is designed for you.

Modules

Course Modules

Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies.

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Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are a 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. We also welcome applicants with alternative qualifications or relevant professional experience.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)	90	TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818
PTE Academic	62	Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted.
Institution's Own Test		Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course.
Cambridge English Advanced	C	Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above.

To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2027/2028. For guidance, the fees on the University Online Prospectus website are for 2026/27.

Sponsorship information

Aberdeen Alumni Discount - PG

This scholarship is available for students registered for online programmes and on-campus programmes delivered at our Aberdeen campus.

A special ‘loyalty discount’ of 20% off the cost of any element of self funded graduate study is available to University of Aberdeen graduates who wish to undertake further study at the University of Aberdeen. The discount applies to a range of taught graduate programmes (Masters, Diploma, Certificate and Short Course), and the year one of a full time research programme (years one and two for part time research students). It is available to both UK/EU and International students.

Please see Eligibility at the link provided.

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/69