International Relations MA (2024) : University of Sussex

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Key information

Duration:: 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:: September 2024
Apply by:: 1 September 2024

=9th in the UK for Political Sciences (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Study the issues facing humanity and how these have been thrust into our everyday lives. You’ll learn to systematically reflect on these issues.

You’ll look at the exciting and troubling times we live in as a starting point. You’ll then critically examine the theory and the history of international relations. You’ll examine a wide range of issues relevant to students from a diverse range of backgrounds.

We host the specialised:

Our faculty also contributes to and/or leads School- and University-wide centres such as the Centre for Global Health Policy, the Sussex Rights and Justice Research Centre, and the Centre for Colonial and Postcolonial Studies.

You’ll learn from our multidisciplinary environment, interdisciplinary approach, cutting-edge research, international faculty and distinctive programme of events.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

My MA allowed me to make friends from around the world while developing a critical understanding of core theories, contemporary history and the issues facing humanity today.” Harrison Samphir
International Relations MA

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Degree requirements	You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Degree requirements	Licenciado/Titulo with a minimum final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Degree requirements	Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Degree requirements	A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.2/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Degree requirements	Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a minimum final mark of at least 7.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second class lower division or CGPA 2.7/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70% - 80% depending on your university. Sussex uses the Shanghai Best Chinese Universities Ranking to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70% - 80% depending on your university. Sussex uses the Shanghai Best Chinese Universities Ranking to inform offer levels.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Degree requirements	Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 7 (Fair Performance).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 15/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a university with a minimum overall grade of at least 70%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Degree requirements	Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with a minimum final mark of at least 12.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a minimum final mark of 2.7 or better.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a public university with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Degree requirements	Ptychion from an AEI with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0.

Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a minimum final mark of at least 14.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Degree requirements	Diploma di Laurea with a minimum overall mark of at least 101.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 3.75 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/CGPA 2,67.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Degree requirements	Masters degree, depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Degree requirements	A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.8-2.99/4.0, 3.0-3.49/5.0, or 4.0-4.6/7.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall grade of C.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Degree requirements	Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.

Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum of at least 70% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Degree requirements	Bachelors with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Degree requirements	Masters degree with a minimum of 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Degree requirements	Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CAP 3.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Degree requirements	Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Degree requirements	Bachelors Special degree with a minimum lower second honours.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Degree requirements	Licence or Diplôme with a minimum 4.5/6 or 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Degree requirements	Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Degree requirements	Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Standard level (65 overall, including at least 60 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 36 in each component.

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

Standard level (59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills).

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Standard level (80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
The British Overseas Territories
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

How to apply

You apply to Sussex using our postgraduate application system

Personal statement

Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application.

Find out how to write a personal statement

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Pre-Masters

Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course? Find out about Pre-Masters routes

Application deadlines

1 September 2024

We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

Apply now

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Modules

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below. For details about the part-time course, contact us.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to the latest research.

Spring teaching

Summer teaching

Dissertation with Placement (Global Studies)

When you’re registered at Sussex, you may be able to choose from a range of additional options in place of the options listed above, subject to timetabling and student demand. Find out more about additional options for your Masters

Field trip

This course offers self-funded optional field trips to London, UK and Brussels, Belgium. The field trips aim to foster your interaction and engagement with policy-makers and practitioners from a wide range of international organisations.

Placements

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. Research placements run for up to 12 weeks in the summer term and vacation. You can also write your dissertation based on your experience. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:

find an employer
draft an application
prepare for interviews.

Find out more about Global Studies postgraduate placements

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t undertake your placement/internship in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Apply now

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Our experts

Prof Gurminder Bhambra

Professor of Historical Sociology

View profile of Gurminder Bhambra

Dr Andrea Brock

Lecturer in International Relations

View profile of Andrea Brock

Dr Lara Montesinos Coleman

Reader in International Relations, Law and Development

View profile of Lara Montesinos Coleman

Prof Stefan Elbe

Professor of International Relations

View profile of Stefan Elbe

Dr Julian Germann

Senior Lecturer in International Relations

View profile of Julian Germann

Prof Beate Jahn

Emeritus Professor

View profile of Beate Jahn

Dr Kamran Matin

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Kamran Matin

Prof Peter Newell

Professor of International Relations

View profile of Peter Newell

Prof Louiza Odysseos

Professor of International Relations

View profile of Louiza Odysseos

Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Melanie Richter-Montpetit

Dr Anne Roemer-Mahler

Reader in International Relations

View profile of Anne Roemer-Mahler

Prof Justin Rosenberg

Emeritus Professor

View profile of Justin Rosenberg

Prof Benno Teschke

Professor of International Relations

View profile of Benno Teschke

Apply now

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Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

Home students:: £10,500 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £10,500 per year for full-time students
International students:: £21,500 per year for full-time students

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Field Trips

This course has two optional field trips to Brussels and London. These are not compulsory but if you wish to attend you must pay for your own travel and accommodation (where necessary).

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

How can I fund my course?

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Aziz Foundation Scholarship

A full fee waiver for British Muslim Masters applicants

Find out more
Chancellor's International Scholarships

Scholarships worth £5,000 available to international applicants

Find out more
Chancellor's Masters Scholarship

100 scholarships worth up to £5,000 are available for First Class graduates from UK or Irish universities

Find out more
Climate Leaders Scholarship

£3,000 scholarships available to environmental influencers bringing about real-world behaviour change

Find out more
Dr John Birch Music Scholarship (Organ)

£800 scholarship available to reward talented organ player studying on any course at Sussex.

Find out more
Dr John Birch Music Scholarships

Scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex

Find out more
Friends of the University of Sussex Scholarship

$10,000 USD scholarship for a national or citizen of the USA

Find out more
HESPAL (Higher Education Scholarships Scheme for the Palestinian Territories)

One full tuition fee waiver in conjunction with maintenance support from the British Council are available to a resident of Palestinian Territories

Find out more
Jesse White Masters Scholarship in International Relations

This scholarship, equivalent to US$5,000, is available for Masters courses in International Relations

Find out more
Mandela Scholarship

Full fee waiver and maintenance award for an applicant from South Africa

Find out more
Saïd Foundation Scholarships

5 full scholarships available for Masters students from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria

Find out more
Sanctuary Scholarship

Fully funded scholarships available to support a forced migrant seeking to study a Masters at Sussex

Find out more
Sports Scholarships Scheme

Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence

Find out more
Sussex Alumni Award

£2,000 award for previous Sussex graduates returning to study a Masters degree

Find out more
Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Bangladesh

Find out more
Sussex Egypt Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Egypt

Find out more
Sussex Graduate Scholarship

Scholarships up to £4,000 for 2024 Sussex graduates progressing directly to a Masters at Sussex

Find out more
Sussex GREAT Scholarship China

£10,000 scholarship for an applicant from China

Find out more
Sussex GREAT Scholarship Indonesia

£10,000 scholarship for an applicant from Indonesia

Find out more
Sussex GREAT Scholarship Mexico

£10,000 scholarship for an applicant from Mexico

Find out more
Sussex India Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of India

Find out more
Sussex Nigeria Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Nigeria

Find out more
Sussex Pakistan Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Pakistan

Find out more
Sussex Turkey Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Turkey

Find out more
Sussex Vietnam Scholarship

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Vietnam

Find out more

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Apply now

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Careers

This course is for you if you’re hoping to go on to postgraduate research, or a professional career in international relations or international affairs. We’ll help you identify study placements in these fields.

Graduate destinations

Recent Department of International Relations graduates have gone on to jobs including:

associate project officer, OSCE
deputy administrator, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
market research analyst, Qualifa.

(Department of International Relations careers database)

It developed my ability to think critically and debate intelligently. I can ask questions and offer my informed opinion with confidence.” Pippa Bates
Performance Projects Office, VSO

Apply now

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International Relations MA

Key information

Masters and PhD events

Entry requirements

Argentina

Australia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Cyprus

Denmark

Ecuador

Egypt

France

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Iran

Italy

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kuwait

Lebanon

Malawi

Malaysia

Mexico

Nepal

Nigeria

Norway

Oman

Pakistan

Palestine

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Qatar

Russia

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

USA

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

LanguageCert Academic SELT

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)