Overview
Across the world there is an increase in tensions, conflict, instability and political change. There is a high demand for graduates who can propose solutions to global conflict. The British Academy reports that Politics and International Relations graduates are earning up to £9,000 more on average than their peers 10 years after leaving university.
Study contemporary global issues
On our MSc International Conflict and Cooperation, you will study:
- the dynamics of international conflict and cooperation. You will analyse major events such as the war in Ukraine, the Syrian civil war, the rise of China, the Gaza/Israel conflict;
- the relationship between climate change and conflict;
- dilemmas surrounding the politics of civil war and ethnic tensions, human rights, global security and international political economy.
We will prepare you to work with government agencies, NGOs and international organisations. You'll learn vital research skills required to help resolve the world’s most pressing challenges. You’ll be taught by experts, whose research on international conflict and cooperation was classed as world-leading in the Research Excellent Framework (2021).
Gain experience while you study
Experience the workings of organisations engaged in conflict prevention and management. Meet professionals working in international relations on a study trip to Geneva and see what your future career could look like.
We also host regular guest lectures, and have welcomed speakers including
- Dr Andrei Gomez-Suarez, a Colombian Government Negotiator,
- Dr Yixian Sun who spoke about his work on the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign.
You will benefit from our connections to voluntary organisations. We have helped previous students gain internships with organisations such as The World Health Organization and the United Nations Department for Safety and Security.
International relations is an exciting and meaningful career. Our MSc International Conflict and Cooperation will prepare you to make a difference.
Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities we have a dedicated Employability and Skills Officer. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
This course will help you to develop the transferrable skills that employers are looking for. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- critically read and comprehend texts and other source materials critically and empathetically;
- appreciate the complexity and diversity of global situations, events, mentalities and institutions;
- recognise there are ways of testing statements, and that there are rules of evidence that require integrity and maturity;
- reflect critically on the nature and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline;
- organise an argument, be self-disciplined and be intellectually independent;
- express yourself orally and in writing with coherence, clarity and fluency;
- gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information;
- analyse and solve problems;
- use ICT effectively for information retrieval and presentation skills;
- exercise self-discipline, self-direction and initiative;
- work with others, and have respect for others’ reasoned views;
- work collaboratively and participate effectively in group discussions;
- show empathy and imaginative insight;
- prepare for further academic research such as a PhD.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Our research in Politics resonates far beyond the University. It has an interdisciplinary focus on international organisations, global security, global environmental politics and climate change, international negotiations, Middle East politics, global migration and human rights. Our work makes an impact on society and government policy. It focuses on challenges that matter – from environmental sustainability to humanitarian assistance, international conflict resolution, diplomacy and foreign policy. It also provides an insider’s view and develops skills on how international negotiations actually work.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), our History research was ranked top 15 in the UK and 3rd in Scotland for outputs and impact, with 83% of our research impact classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The course contains core modules related to International Conflict and Cooperation, as well as a range of optional modules designed to help you explore issues in more depth. It also features a research skills module.
Modules
Teaching
A range of different teaching delivery is offered based on student needs. Some modules will be delivered online and in the evenings, typically in a two-hour seminar - although emphasis will be placed on student participation and discussion, workshop sessions and a variety of both formal and informal presentations.
There are experts briefings and discussions and guest lecturers with key figures involved in international organisations.
Fieldwork
As part of our focus on employability, there’s a study trip to Geneva that will give you the opportunity to interact with policymakers and potential employers.
Assessment
Assessment is conducted via presentations, blog posts, policy papers, essays and your dissertation.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
These scholarships are for candidates from developing Commonwealth countries, looking to study selected postgraduate Masters courses. Find out if you could be eligible for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduates with knowledge of conflict prevention and international relations are well placed for a range of professional opportunities.
The types of roles you may expect to find employment in include:
- Government and Diplomacy – Roles in civil service, diplomatic affairs, and intelligence analysis.
- Human Rights and Development – Working with NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, and humanitarian agencies.
- Security and Risk Analysis – Assessing geopolitical risks, conflict zones, and global security threats.
- Media and Journalism – Reporting on international conflicts, diplomacy, and global affairs.
- Legal and Policy Research – Advising on international law, policy development, and regulatory affairs.
Salaries in roles related to international relations roles vary depending on your career pathway, but could range from £27,000 to £53,000 per year (source: Indeed).
Graduates from the course have launched careers in the NGO sector, journalism, public affairs and political research. Others have gone on to pursue further postgraduate study in the field, with a group of graduates going on to pursue PhD study at a range of universities including Stirling.
Our graduates have gone on to roles in:
- Reuters (London): Journalism
- Action Against Hunger (NGO)
- Home Office (Government)
- French Interior Ministry (liaison with UK Home Office on migration)
- Scottish Government (climate officer)
- Local councils (refugee work)
- Scotland's International Environment Centre
- Funded PhDs in Stirling (on resource conflicts) and Queens University Belfast
