International Relations master programmes are attractive degrees that will enable you to pursue an interesting and active career. From NGO work to international business, graduates can become influential actors in their industry. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to introduce you to the worth of such a degree and the professional perspectives it will provide you with.
Is a Masters in International Relations worth it?
Following a master’s degree in International Relations will enable you to quickly acquire a comprehensive overview of our world. This is crucial in our fast-changing societies and international professional world. However, unlike a bachelor’s in International Relations, which can be quite broad, master’s programmes in this field are a lot more specific and include field trips to acquire practical experience, network, and get ready for a great career. Moreover, these programmes tend to attract international students with diverse background. This enhances the classroom experience by enabling you to grow with the ability to understand people with a different point of view.
What will I learn in a Masters in International relations?
Masters in this field focus on the combination of first-hand experiences, theoretical knowledge, economics, and politics in order for you to understand their connections. In other words, you will not only learn about political history but also about international stakes in negotiation, global affairs, social entrepreneurship and many other subjects. In addition, you will learn to analyse, reflect and take action in a variety of situations that relate to our international world.
What can I become if I study a Masters in International Relations?
A degree in International Relations can lead you to take on a great variety of jobs. For example, you could work as a diplomat, as a consultant, as a policymaker, as a political analyst, in international aid and development, or even as an intelligence specialist. Your international perspectives and know-how will be valuable to your employer and your career.
Devex conducted a study in 2017, according to which three-quarters of graduates felt ‘satisfied’ or ‘strongly satisfied’ with their first job, and up to 86% with their long-term career options. Similarly, CareerExplorer found that the satisfaction of students in this field is high.
What is the average salary for International Relations jobs?
It is difficult to say what the average salary for international relations jobs is because it greatly varies by position, experience and country. For example, in the US you could have a first job with a salary of USD30,000 but eventually make USD160,000 as your career developed. In the UK, the average salary for international relations graduates is GBP31,000
EDUopinions’ list of international relations masters
MBA in International Relations at Swiss School of Higher Education (Switzerland)
The Swiss School of Higher Education, in Montreux, offers a programme that takes place over three semesters. You will follow multiple courses that cover a variety of topics such as diplomacy and foreign policy analysis. Moreover, since this is an MBA there will be an important focus on business courses. Therefore, you will also learn about international management, business development, entrepreneurship and private sector services. You will benefit from a very international, yet small classroom in this high-quality degree accredited by EduQua.
Master of International Management, specialization in International Relations at Geneva Business School (Switzerland)
The Master of International Management with a Specialisation in International Relations at the Geneva Business School can be followed in three locations: Geneva, Barcelona and Madrid. It lasts three semesters, during which you will learn to identify threats and opportunities for markets through international relations. Hence, you will be able to build diplomatic strategies and gain useful skills for jobs such as international management, journalism, intelligence analyst and diplomat.
MA in International Relations at University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
The University of Groningen offers a 12-months master in International Relations. All students are required to follow a course of Advanced Theory of International Relations. Then, you will have to choose to pursue one of the following six concentrations:
- International Security
- International Political Economy
- European Politics in a Global Perspective
- Geopolitics and Connectivity
- International Relations and International Organisation
- East Asian Studies
Students often go on to have careers in HR, lobbying, research, government, NGOs, and communication.
MSc in Management and International Relations at the University of Lincoln (United Kingdom)
At the University of Lincoln, you will learn how to work in various environments, such as the private sector, governments and non-profit organisations. Thanks to the master in Management and International Relations, you will be on the right path to pursue a career in international organisations. Additionally, this programme offers original and insightful experiences, such as study trips to escape rooms or a simulation exercise about climbing Mount Everest.
MSc International Relations and Diplomacy at Leiden University (The Netherlands)
The master of International Relations and Diplomacy at Leiden University is taught in The Hague. As you might already know it, this city is filled with international institutions such as Europol, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and another 170 NGOs from all around the world. In other words, by following this programme you will spend two years in the heart of all of that activity, learning about international negotiation and diplomacy. Moreover, you will enjoy a diverse education with lectures from professors and practice-oriented seminars from professionals during guest lectures.
MA in International Relations at Eötvös Loránd University – ELTE (Hungary)
In the beautiful city of Budapest, ELTE offers a two-years master in International Relations. This programme is taught in English and welcomes a maximum of 40 students to ensure that students and teachers can interact. Furthermore, the focus of the programme is on globalisation, international institutions, security, development studies, and human rights. In other words, you will learn to analyse situations on a global scale, beyond cultural and national factors. Moreover, you will be required to specialise in one of the following tracks:
- Citizenship Studies
- European development and foreign policy
- Human Rights
- Security Studies
If you are interested to learn about politics through intercultural perspectives, this programme is for you.
Master in Comparative International Relations at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Italy)
Following the master in Comparative International Relations at the Ca’ Foscari University, you will have the opportunity to study in the beautiful city of Venice. The programme requires you to choose one of these tracks:
- Americas
- East Asia
- Eastern Europe
- European Union Studies (fully taught in English)
- Global studies (fully taught in English)
Additionally, this programme has an original way to approach International Relations: it focuses on language. Therefore, while preparing you to work in international economics, politics and international law, this programme is in the linguistic section of the university. Furthermore, you will have the chance to go on exchange or follow an internship abroad.
Master in International Relations and International Business at ESEI International Business School Barcelona (Spain)
At the ESEI International Business School in Barcelona, the master in International Relations and International Business is taught through evening classes. During one year, you will achieve a variety of applied and conceptual objectives through PBL (Problem Based Learning). PBL programmes require students to consistently collaborate to resolve problems though which they will improve their skills while acquiring relevant knowledge.
The various modules are ideal for people who want to have a career in global business. Moreover, several graduates go on to work in foreign trade and think tanks.
Conclusion about Masters in International Relations
In conclusion, we hope that this article provided some answers to your questions. However, if it is not the case you can directly get in touch with one of our experts for free. Additionally, you can narrow down your international relations focus by learning about international business degrees.
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