Master's Programme in International Relations
The Master's Programme in international relations (IR) at Stockholm University aims to introduce and provide in-depth knowledge of the subject of IR as well as the main debates and theoretical starting points used in the field of research.
Within the programme, students are given the opportunity to critically discuss and analyze issues related to how states, organizations (governmental and non-governmental) and others act in the international system and its consequences nationally, regionally, globally and locally.
Central questions for students are: How do conflicts arise and how can they be resolved, how is power and resources distributed and what significance do norms, institutions and national identities have for international cooperation?
Central themes are international security, international institutions and international political economy.
The master's programme prepares students for a future academic career and professional activities with qualified positions in private and public activities, in various interest organizations and international organizations. The programme develops students' ability for independent and critical assessment, ability to independently solve problems and ability to follow the development of knowledge at the research front.
The programme provides both breadth and depth within the scientific study of international relations, and develops the student's analytical ability and methodological skills.
The master´s programme gives eligibility for doctoral studies in International Relations.
All instruction is in English.
As a general rule, the programme's classes are held on-campus in Stockholm, with no hybrid option. However, one or more of the elective courses may be offered online only.
For details on the programme's structure, see the programme overview below and the Student's Guide (451 Kb) (PDF).
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Programme overview
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Year 1
Term 1 (autumn)
- Introduction to International Relations (15 credits). Mandatory course.
- Qualitative Methods (7,5 credits). Mandatory course.
- Quantitative Methods (7,5 credits). Mandatory course.
Term 2 (spring)
- Elective Courses (30 credits in total). For the spring term of 2025, we offer the following electives:
- The Global Political Economy of Development (15 credits)
- International Institutions and International Cooperation (15 credits
- International Security (15 credits)
- Gendering Global Political Economy: Contemporary and Historical perspectives (15 credits)
- Capitalism: A Global History (15 credits)
- Migration and Economic Structures: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (15 credits)
- Internship in Economic History / International Relations (15 credits) Internship in Economic History / International Relations (30 credits).
Year 2
Term 3 (autumn)
- Elective Courses (15 credits in total). Preliminary course offerings for the autumn term of 2025 are:
- Introduction to Global Political Economy (15 credits)
- Introduction to Global Economic History (15 credits)
- Internship in Economic History / International Relations (15 credits)
- Research Design (7,5 credits). Mandatory course.
- One of the following mandatory courses: Advanced Qualitative Methods (7,5 credits) OR Advanced Quantitative Methods (7,5 credits).
Term 4 (spring)
- Mandatory Master's Thesis Course in International Relations (30 credits).
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How to apply
For application details and further information, visit the Swedish Council for Higher Education's University Admissions' home page:
Selection process
Additional eligibility criteriaThe following refers to the admission round of 2024:
The ranking and selection of eligible* applicants is based on academic credits.
*See seperate section on eligibility criteria. -
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