University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

English and International Relations, MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA in English and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen offers you a unique opportunity to explore the intricate connections between literature, language, and global politics. This postgraduate degree is ideal for students passionate about understanding how cultural expression shapes and is shaped by international events, power dynamics, and societal structures. You will delve into critical analyses of texts and political theories, developing a nuanced perspective on historical and contemporary global challenges. This programme equips you with the analytical rigour and interdisciplinary knowledge essential for a career at the intersection of culture and international affairs.

Over your studies, you will engage with a rich curriculum, including compulsory courses in Academic Writing, Acts of Reading, and foundational Politics and International Relations modules, alongside optional advanced studies in areas like Renaissance Writings, Romanticism, or Global Politics. The programme is studied full-time on campus over two years, culminating in a significant dissertation where you can independently research a topic drawing from both English and International Relations. You will graduate with enhanced critical thinking, research, and communication skills, prepared for diverse career paths in diplomacy, policy analysis, journalism, publishing, and academia.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA program offers a comprehensive exploration of both English literature and International Relations. Students will engage with foundational concepts in academic writing, literary analysis, and political theory, examining themes of power, conflict, democracy, and global dynamics. The curriculum progresses through various literary periods and delves into contemporary international issues, culminating in a dissertation in either discipline.

1 YEAR 1

Academic writing for language & literature Compulsory
Acts of reading Compulsory
Politics & international relations 2: power and conflict Compulsory
Getting started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Politics & international relations 1: democracy and governance Compulsory

2 YEAR 2

Encounters with Shakespeare Compulsory
Ideas and ideologies in politics and international relations Compulsory
Global politics: equality and inequality Compulsory

3 YEAR 3

Page and stage: renaissance writings 1500-1640
Knights, virgins and viragos: chaucer and medieval writing
Romanticism
Britain and the nineteenth - century world
Sympathy for the devil: scottish short stories
Haunted texts
Modernism: make it new
American voices: self and society, 1850 - 1930
Art and atrocity: representations of violence and trauma

4 YEAR 4

Dissertation (international relations)
English dissertation
Contemporary french politics: race, religion and social change b
Science, technology & international relations
War and peace in international politics
International political psychology
Scottish politics
Comparative constitutional systems
Extreme right in western europe
Maritime security
Political islam: Islamist ideologies and practices
International migration and europe
Gender and politics
Northern ireland: small, dirty war

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,115.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 112,461.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Broadcasting & TelevisionEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducation Policy & AdministrationEvent Promotion & ManagementFilm & Television ProductionHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingQuantity Surveying & Cost EstimationSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Elite linguistics

European commission

Global language solution

NHS

Warner Bros

Why Study English and International Relations, MA at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about English and International Relations, MA at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this program.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English proficiency requirements, candidates can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Minimum scores vary by test, so be sure to verify specific criteria for your chosen exam.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Policy Analyst, International Relations Specialist, Diplomat, Language Consultant, and Academic Researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program merges English literature and creative writing with the study of international relations, focusing on the political and social context of literature. Students will gain insights into both historical and contemporary global events.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The English and International Relations MA program at Aberdeen has an intake in September each year. Ensure you're prepared to apply ahead of this period.
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