University of Bristol Master of Science [M.Sc] International Relations Fees, Deadlines, Eligibility Etc.

The University of Bristol's MSc International Relations is a 12-month full-time postgraduate program offered by the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS). It explores global politics, security, international law, and contemporary challenges like climate change and migration, with core modules in International Relations Theory, Research Methods, and electives like China's International Relations or Gender and Security. Designed for graduates in social sciences or related fields, it emphasizes critical thinking, policy analysis, and research skills through seminars and a dissertation. Ranked #1 in UK for Politics & International Studies (REF 2021) and #76 globally (QS 2025), it achieves 92% employability within 15 months (average salary £45,000/₹5.1M in policy/NG O roles). Ideal for Indian students (over 1,000 Indians on campus), with ties to recruiters like UN, Foreign Office, and Indian think tanks. Taught at the Faculty of Social Sciences & Law campus; intake: September 2026. Apply via university portal.

Key Highlights – MSc International Relations, University of Bristol (Sep 2026)

• Duration: 12 months full-time
• School: School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS) (REF #1 UK for Politics & International Studies 2021; QS #76 global 2025)
• Type: Broad assessment of contemporary IR, integrating theory with case studies (trade, security, environment, ethics)
• Core modules (all compulsory): – International Relations Theory – Research Methods in International Relations – Contemporary Issues in International Relations
• Electives (choose 3): China's International Relations, Gender and International Relations, Security Studies, Global Governance, etc.
• Capstone: 15,000-word dissertation on an IR topic (supervised research)
• Teaching: Seminars, lectures, workshops, group discussions; emphasis on critical analysis and policy debate
• Location: Faculty of Social Sciences & Law campus (central Bristol)
• Class profile: 40–60 students, 60%+ international, 10–15 Indians/year
• Career outcomes: – 92% employed within 15 months – Average salary £45,000 (₹50–70 lakh in India for returnees) – Top employers: UN, Foreign Office, NGOs (Oxfam), think tanks (ORF, IDSA), Indian Ministry of External Affairs, BBC World Service
• Post-study work visa: Full 2-year UK Graduate Route

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

Tips and Tricks for Indian Students Applying to Bristol MSc International Relations

Bristol's program is competitive (~25% acceptance)—show global awareness.

1. Apply Dec 2025-Mar 2026: Secures scholarships (£6.5k-£13k Think Big; 70% Indians get some). Use IDP for free statement reviews.
2. Social Sciences Edge: Non-IR bachelor's? Highlight essays/internships (e.g., "Analyzed India-China relations in thesis")—60% admits from diverse fields.
3. English Waiver: 75%+ Class 12 English skips IELTS—saves ₹15k; PTE quick.
4. Funding Stack: SBI loan £25k (9% interest); 28-day proof for visa. Bristol jobs (20 hrs/week) earn £500-700/month (retail/policy).
5. Visa Prep: TB test in India (₹7k); sponsor OK. Bristol living £900-1,100/month (halls via portal).
6. Network Early: Join Bristol India webinars (Jan 2026); Indian Society for Diwali/IR events.
7. Post-Grad ROI: 2-year Graduate visa; grads at UN/FCO (avg ₹25-40L salary back home).

FAQs

Ques 1: Can I apply with a non-IR bachelor's like History or Political Science?

Ques 2: How much scholarship for Indian IR students?

Ques 3: Respected in India for jobs at think tanks?