The London School of Economics and Political Science
History of International Relations MSc
The London School of Economics and Political Science

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

The MSc History of International Relations, delivered by the Department of International History, is an intensive one year degree designed to develop your intellectual skills and knowledge of global history which will advance your career prospects across a wide-range of sectors

This popular taught programme is unique and distinctive. It is aimed at students wanting to enhance their understanding of the forces that have shaped the world to date. You will study these at one of the most renowned departments globally for international history, nestling within the world’s leading institute for social sciences, in the heart of cosmopolitan London. The programme can offer a bespoke set of courses for students who have studied the subject at undergraduate level and who want to specialise further. Equally, it has foundational courses that are especially suitable for students wanting to transition from related subjects including political science, languages, economics, law, journalism, sociology and psychology.

Whatever you choose, you will develop your analytical skills and ability to critically assess dynamics, events and individuals that have shaped the modern world. You can take two specialised history options that are geographically global, and also range chronologically from the Renaissance to the post-Cold War period. Teaching is delivered by academic staff who are at the cutting edge of the field often incorporating their most recent research.

Additionally, you have the unique opportunity to take a relevant course offered by other world leading LSE departments, enabling you to further widen your intellectual skills, challenge your perspective and to engage with some of today’s complex issues being tackled head on. Finally, you have the opportunity to hone your research and writing skill-set, by compiling a detailed, research-based 10,000 word dissertation, supervised by an expert in your area of choice.

To help you navigate your options, we have put together the following thematic pathways. You can, of course, opt to develop your own bespoke set of options. Pathways are not prescriptive offering suggestions only, to help you focus your course choices.

Current pathways include:

  • War, Conflict and Peace
  • The History of the Cold War
  • The History of Africa and the African Diaspora
  • The History of Europe
  • The History of the Americas
  • Transitions to Modernity

Entry Requirements / Admissions

LSE Graduate Support Scheme; other scholarships and awards are available.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study History of International Relations, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Visit the website for full details

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of The London School of Economics and Political Science in top UK and global rankings.

See all 35 university rankings of The London School of Economics and Political Science

About The London School of Economics and Political Science

London School of Economics (LSE) is a Russell Group university, and is one of the member institutions of the University of London. Situated in the Westminster area of Central London, LSE is home to a diverse student body that comes from around the country and overseas to be a part of the experience.

List of 139 Bachelor and Master Courses from The London School of Economics and Political Science - Course Catalogue

Student composition of The London School of Economics and Political Science

Total number of students enrolled at The London School of Economics and Political Science by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
undergraduates:
5500
postgraduates:
6695
Total:
12195

Where is this programme taught

London School of Economics and Political Science
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