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Politics and International Relations by Research

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Politics and International Relations by Research

MA by Research
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Apply by 28 June for a decision by 17 July, or 31 July for a decision by 14 August. Final deadlines: 21 August (international applicants) and 28 August (home applicants). Read more.

Key information

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

UK fees*: £5,238

International/EU fees**: £22,300

The course

Politics and International Relations by Research (MA by Research)

The MA by Research (Politics and International Relations) is a flexible programme that allows you to undertake in-depth study under the supervision of international experts, on a broad range of subjects within Politics or International Relations.

The core of the MA by Research is a maximum 40,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choosing, intended to give you the scope to explore your area of interest in real depth and to develop sophisticated critical and analytical research and writing skills. 

Our research

The department has a robust research profile, having been placed 2nd in the country for research by The Times Higher Education, following the most recent REF framework. We foster a supportive and inclusive research culture with 100% of our research environment being classified as 4* or 3*. REF also recognised our impact work addressing real-world challenges with 100% of our research impact judged to be 4* or 3*, with 50% being world-leading.

Before applying you will need to identify one of our academic researchers to work with. You should also prepare a 1,000-2,000 word research proposal that outlines the main aims and objectives of your planned research, the proposed method and approach of the research, and a timeline for the production of the thesis within the timeframe of the degree (one year for full time, two years for part time).

We research within a broad range of issues and geographical areas and our research centres include the below: 

  • Jean Monnet Chair (include links to all these)
  • The Democracy and Election Centre
  • The Centre for International Security
  • The Centre for Islamic and West-Asian Studies
  • The Global Politics and Development Centre
  • The Contemporary Political Theory Research Group
  • The New Political Communications Unit
  • The Gender Institute

See a full list of our academic staff here.

The degree is research only but you are welcome to audit any modules from within the taught postgraduate programmes when available.

We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

You will work closely with a member of the Politics and International Relations team who will provide one-to-one supervision during your studies. 

Dissertation

A maximum 40,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice. The dissertation is assessed both internally and externally. 

Normally, we require a UK 2:1 within a Bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a humanities or social sciences background.

W ay consider other backgrounds within the natural sciences alongside relevant professional experience. 

Before applying you'll need to contact the academic researcher you want to work with and prepare a 1,000 - 2,000 word research proposal. 

International & EU requirements

English language requirements

All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.

The scores we require
  • IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
  • Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. Writing 76 no other subscore lower than 59.
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
  • TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
  • Duolingo: 120 overall, 135 in Literacy, 135 in Production and no sub-score below 100.

Country-specific requirements

For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please see here.

Our postgraduate degrees help to hone the knowledge and transferable skills that will enable you to pursue a variety of potential careers in the public and private sectors, civil society and international organisations.

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £5,238

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £22,300

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding.

** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

Department Politics and International Relations

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