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Top UK universities for International Relations

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What is International Relations?

International relations is the study of states' interactions with one another, with international organizations, and with some subnational entities (e.g., bureaucracies, political parties, and interest groups). Political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy are some of the other academic disciplines that are related to it.

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Why take up an International Relations course?

International relations studies are an excellent method to obtain a better grasp of global challenges. It's a fascinating and vital subject that focuses on economics, culture, education, and political science, as well as the impact they have on society. 

Best Universities for International Relations

Needless to say, the UK has been one of the leading countries when it comes to quality education, and to help you decide which English institution to choose, here’s a list of the best international relations schools in the UK according to the 2022 World University Rankings by the Times Higher Education (THE)! 

University of Manchester

Studying IR at the University of Manchester allows you to experience the following:

  1. Develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of critically orientated international relations

  2. Conduct research into pressing global issues such as foreign policy, gender, global ethics, environmental politics, and terrorism

  3. Learn the specialist skills necessary for a range of policy-focused political careers.

Check out the British Chevening Scholarship available to all international students!

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh will provide you with expertise in several regional topics within world politics, such as US foreign policy, the Middle East, and Africa. Edinburgh ranked in the UK's top 15 universities for politics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.

Taking up a master’s degree in Edinburgh will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the changing nature of state power, the role of non-state actors spread of new norms and ideas, and the driving forces behind international cooperation and conflict. The University of Edinburgh will soon offer twelve scholarships for distance learning Masters’s programs. Check out the updates in Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarship.

University of Sussex

Ranked 7th in the UK for Social Sciences, studying IR at the University of Sussex will enable you to learn more from their multidisciplinary environment, interdisciplinary approach, cutting-edge research, and international faculty. Sussex hosts a specialized Centre for Advanced International Theory, Sussex Centre for Conflict and Security Research and, Centre for Global Political Economy.

For scholarships available this coming August 2022, check out Jesse White Masters Scholarship and Chancellor's International Scholarship.

University of Essex

MA International Relations at the University of Essex attracts students from all over the world as it is ranked first in the UK for political science research. You will experience one-to-one access to the best minds in politics and international relations in Essex.

The University of Essex is the only political science department to receive the prestigious Regius Professorship. Essex will help you develop essential employability skills, including analytical reasoning, research design, communication, and report writing. Recent graduates have gone on to work for high-profile organizations such as The World Bank, The United Nations, and NATO.

To know more about student fundings and scholarships for 2022-2023, check out Postgraduate Scholarships.

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