MSc Gender and International Relations
- MSc
Overview
Undertake a rigorous, master’s-level examination of how gender shapes and is shaped by world politics. Engage with feminist, gender, cultural and sexuality studies alongside interdisciplinary work in international political economy, international security, international development and the study of masculinities.
By combining these perspectives, this programme equips you to interpret current events, critique foreign policy practices, and explain the power dynamics that cut across borders, institutions and identities.
Build a tailored pathway through the degree through taught units. Core teaching introduces the concepts and debates that underpin gender-aware analyses of world politics – optional modules then let you focus on themes such as climate change, transitional justice, development, the digital economy, and advanced research methods. Develop the analytical vocabulary and methodological tools needed to track gendered practices not only in global governance, diplomacy, and development, but also in the everyday.
Design and complete an independent research project that showcases your command of theory and evidence, with one-to-one guidance from an academic expert. Demonstrates your ability to investigate complex international issues and communicate your findings clearly with your dissertation – skills that are valued by government departments, NGOs, think-tanks and academia alike.
Be challenged and inspired by internationally recognised scholars whose work addresses some of the most urgent questions facing contemporary politics, and whose expertise fosters a stimulating classroom environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and debated.
Join a vibrant, diverse, and innovative postgraduate community committed to understanding and changing the world, where workshops and guest lectures provide additional opportunities for intellectual exchange and professional development.
Start your academic or professional journey with a nuanced, intersectional understanding of international relations and the specialised skills required to analyse policy, influence debate, and contribute to more equitable global outcomes. Whether your next step is doctoral research or a career in diplomacy, advocacy or development, the MSc Gender and International Relations prepares you to engage confidently and creatively with the challenges of twenty-first-century world politics.
Programme structure
You will take a combination of mandatory and optional taught units within the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Each unit is delivered and assessed by an essay (or equivalent form of written submission). The taught section of the programme is followed in the summer term by a dissertation.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Gender and International Relations.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of significant, relevant work experience in one of the following sectors: NGOs, Government Departments, Think Tanks, Social Research Institutes (minimum of six months in a paid or voluntary role);
- a postgraduate qualification in any discipline.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £18,800 per year
- Home: part-time
- £9,400 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £30,400 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation. Students of our MSc programmes go on to pursue varied and interesting careers.
Many sectors – such as the civil service, NGOs and charities – require an MSc and some volunteering or internship experience.
Graduates from our programmes have gone on to work for Refugee UK, Shelter, Barnardo's, Amnesty International, government departments and the European Parliament, among others.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk