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An image to illustrate the MA in International Relations
This masters degree will equip you with the tools to understand and analyse a range of contemporary global issues. You’ll look at real-world challenges, including international division, rising powers, national and global security threats, the rise of populism, and worldwide ethical dilemmas. This will give you a comprehensive grounding in core conceptual, empirical and theoretical debates in international relations. Both mainstream and critical approaches are used in covering a range of practical cases and perspectives from around the world. In addition, you'll deepen a number of skills that are crucial to enhancing your career development and research ability.
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You'll study two compulsory 90-credit modules. You must pass part 1 before progressing to part 2.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
MA International relations part 1 (D818)
This module explores key dilemmas of interest to international relations, including international divisions, rising powers, security and global challenges, democratic crisis, and global ethical dilemmas.
Next start date: 05 Sep 2026
See full description
9005 Sep 2026
MA International relations part 2 (D828)
This module equips you to conduct a research project on key international relations issues. The masterclasses and interactive activities will prepare you for the final dissertation.
Next start date: 05 Sep 2026
See full description
9005 Sep 2026

By studying the MA in International Relations, you’ll:
Your learning is supported through online tutorials, discussion forums and access to expert tutors.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Arts in International Relations upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA (IR) (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the MA in International Relations part-time, completing 90 credits per year over a two-year period. Typically, this translates to 20–25 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

You must complete the MA in International Relations within 10 years.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
You must hold a UK honours degree or equivalent to be accepted for the MA in International Relations. A degree in International Relations, International Studies or a closely related subject would be ideal. If your degree is not in International Relations, you will be required to show some knowledge of the subject and the study skills expected of a graduate in this field. You should be aware that a degree of at least 2.1 or equivalent will greatly increase your chances of successfully completing the MA.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.
If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£8,800*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
This masters degree will give you advanced knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary global changes, preparing you for jobs relating to international relations. It develops your social science research skills, applying these across multiple projects and an independently researched dissertation. Students graduating from this degree will have demonstrated analysis of complex situations, finding, evaluating and using various sources, and presenting work to different audiences.
The MA will be relevant to International Relations jobs in a range of sectors, including the civil service, international organisations and charities, think-tanks and policy research, and serves as excellent preparation for further academic research (e.g. a PhD).
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
Select the module you will study first, read the full description, and follow the instructions to register.
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