Swansea University

International Relations (Extended), MA

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

The world is facing profound challenges, from conflict and climate change to new and unexpected global pressures. But alongside these difficulties, new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities for positive change are emerging. Understanding this fast‑moving landscape has never been more important.

Our Extended MA International Relations offers the same strong academic foundation as the standard MA, while giving you the opportunity to broaden your experience through a year abroad. You will explore the forces shaping global politics, examine how international institutions respond to change, and consider what a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world could look like. The Extended programme (EMA) includes a dedicated semester at our partner institution, The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, where you’ll immerse yourself in a new academic and cultural environment.

Located in Texas, USA, this international experience allows you to deepen your knowledge, build global networks, and develop the confidence and independence that come from studying overseas. Throughout this time, you’ll be supported by Swansea’s academic team, Careers and Employability staff, and the Go Global team, ensuring you feel fully prepared before you go, and well supported while you’re there. Across the full degree, you will gain the conceptual tools, detailed case studies, and advanced research skills needed to analyse international issues with confidence.

Whether you are looking to deepen your academic knowledge or prepare for a career in global policy, governance, or research, this programme is designed to equip you to engage thoughtfully and critically with the world around you.

Key highlights

  • Semester at The Bush School of Government, Texas A&M University
  • Year abroad option to build global networks and independence
  • Support from Careers, Employability and Go Global teams throughout
  • Examines how international institutions respond to global change
  • Develops advanced research skills and detailed case study analysis
  • Explores conflict, climate change and pathways to a more just world

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — 2.2

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • Policy analyst
  • Government affairs officer
  • International development officer
  • Research analyst
  • Diplomatic service officer
  • NGO programme officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £6,800 per year | International: £14,200 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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