International and European Politics MSc

A programme on Europe in a global context

This programme offers a comprehensive and advanced understanding of key theories and debates in the field of European and International politics in a contemporary context. 

You will gain profound insights into the policies and workings of the European Union and how the organisation interacts with global and national politics. 

This programme draws insights from a diverse range of disciplines, including:

* European Studies

* International Relations

* Comparative Politics

* Political Science

* Area Studies

You will be given the opportunity to tailor your experience of the programme to specific career outcomes, by shaping your own contribution to student-led aspects of the programme as well as immersive and hands-on learning experiences as we offer throughout the programme.

You can also draw on our network of Brussels-based alumni and build on these connections in the context of undertaking a placement-based dissertation and beyond.

Be part of a tight-knit cohort within an interdisciplinary powerhouse

Each year, this programme will admit 25 to maximum 30 students who will then be taught, supported and supervised by academic staff from across the Politics and International Relations subject area. 

The School of Social and Political Science is a large and diverse community of more than 3,000 students and 400 staff. Students seeking to broaden their academic scope can access courses across the School, including:

* Anthropology

* International Development

* Sociology

* Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

* Public and Social Policy

The programme also provides exclusive prioritised access to European law courses delivered by the Edinburgh Law School. 

Join a vibrant research department

You will become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community with abundant opportunities to network and socialise with peers, attend guest lectures and research seminars. 

The programme is housed within the Politics and International Relations (PIR) subject area - one of the most diverse and largest of its kind in Europe, with substantive expertise in International Relations, European integration, Territorial and Comparative Politics. 

Together with colleagues in the Edinburgh Law School, PIR directs the Europa Institute, which is the UK's longest-existing centre for excellence in the study of European integration politics, law and economics. PIR also directs the Centre on Constitutional Change - a renowned cross-disciplinary research hub for the study of governance and public policy.

Politics and International Relations at Edinburgh

* 7th in the UK, 31st Globally, by Subject according to 2025 QS World University Rankings

* 93% score in the 2026 Complete University Guide

* 5th in the UK for Research Impact