MA International Relations

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MA in International Relations program from Cardiff University are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in the fields of diplomacy, international policy, global security, and international development. The program’s combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills enables students to work across various sectors.

Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer: Graduates can enter the diplomatic field, representing their country in embassies and consulates, engaging in negotiations, promoting foreign policies, and handling international relations on behalf of their government.

International Policy Analyst: With expertise in global politics, graduates can work as policy analysts, providing insights and recommendations on international relations issues for governments, think tanks, and international organizations.

United Nations (UN) Official: Graduates may find opportunities to work with international organizations such as the UN, contributing to peacekeeping missions, humanitarian efforts, and global policy initiatives aimed at promoting security, development, and human rights.

NGO and International Development Specialist: Many graduates work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), assisting in global development projects, humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution in regions affected by political unrest.

International Relations Consultant: Graduates can offer consulting services to governments, corporations, or international organizations, advising on political risks, international business strategies, and global security matters.

Global Security Expert: With a focus on international security, graduates can take on roles in risk analysis, counterterrorism, and conflict management for government agencies, private security firms, or international organizations.

Foreign Affairs Journalist: Graduates can work as journalists or media correspondents, specializing in international relations, global events, and foreign policy, reporting for major news outlets and publications.

International Trade and Economics Specialist: With expertise in international relations and economics, graduates can work in trade policy, international business, or global economic development, advising multinational corporations or government bodies on international trade agreements and economic diplomacy.

International Human Rights Advocate: For those passionate about human rights, graduates can work in advocacy roles, representing international organizations or NGOs focused on human rights protection, legal reform, and justice initiatives around the world.

Academic/Researcher in International Relations: Graduates can pursue academic careers, conducting research on international political systems, global governance, or conflict resolution, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in the field of international relations.