Key information
- Duration:
- 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Start date:
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- 1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)
![](/images/prospectus/banners/pgng/taught/geopoliticsandgrandstrategy-ma-large.jpg)
- =9th in the UK for Political Sciences
- 9th in the UK for Social Sciences
In today’s world intense and increasing Great Power tensions, there’s a renewed interest in geopolitical narratives. How do the new geopolitics of an emerging multipolar world order shape up? What does the return to Great Power politics look like?
On this MA, you’ll learn about:
- the rise of the new Great Powers, particularly China
- the re-emergence of Russia as an actor challenging a Western-dominated liberal order in the context of the current Ukrainian crisis
- the debate over American grand strategy and decline, and the shift to economic power away from the West
- the challenges to British foreign policy in a post-Brexit world.
Set in different geographical contexts, you’ll also explore a range of security issues. You’ll gain an advanced understanding of security topics and the new security challenges that have emerged.
You’ll be based in the School of Global Studies. We bring together Anthropology, Development Studies, Geography and International Relations. Your teaching is underpinned by the distinctive programme of events and interdisciplinary research strength in our School. We host the:
You’ll learn with students from across the globe, from various academic disciplines and with a wide variety of professional expertise. You’ll benefit from our strong working relationships with alumni, collaborators and partner organisations around the world. Studying in such an interdisciplinary and intercultural environment is great preparation for your future work environment. When you graduate, you’ll have the expertise and cultural background required in many jobs today.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
The MA was incredibly interesting, and I still use the frameworks and theory I learned in my papers and analytical work today.”Matt Batten-Carew
Geopolitics and International Affairs MA
Masters and PhD events
Meet us on campus or online
Entry requirements
Degree requirements | You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
Degree requirements | Licenciado/Titulo with a minimum final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
Degree requirements | Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81% |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+). |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
Degree requirements | A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.2/4.0 |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
Degree requirements | Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a minimum final mark of at least 7. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second class lower division or CGPA 2.7/4.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B). |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70% - 80% depending on your university. Sussex uses the Shanghai Best Chinese Universities Ranking to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
Degree requirements | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a minimum CGPA of 3.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 7 (Fair Performance). |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 15/20. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from a university with a minimum overall grade of at least 70%. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
Degree requirements | Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with a minimum final mark of at least 12. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a minimum final mark of 2.7 or better. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from a public university with a minimum second-class lower division. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
Degree requirements | Ptychion from an AEI with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a minimum final mark of at least 14. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
Degree requirements | Diploma di Laurea with a minimum overall mark of at least 101. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 3.75 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/CGPA 2,67. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
Degree requirements | Masters degree, depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
Degree requirements | A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.8-2.99/4.0, 3.0-3.49/5.0, or 4.0-4.6/7.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall grade of C. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
Degree requirements | Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum of at least 70% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
Degree requirements | Bachelors with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
Degree requirements | Masters degree with a minimum of 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0 |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4). |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
Degree requirements | Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CAP 3.5. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
Degree requirements | Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
Degree requirements | Bachelors Special degree with a minimum lower second honours. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Degree requirements | Licence or Diplôme with a minimum 4.5/6 or 7/10. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
Degree requirements | Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
Degree requirements | Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement. |
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English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We do not accept IELTS Online.
Alternative English language qualifications
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
Standard level (65 overall, including at least 60 in each component).
LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.
We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 36 in each component.
LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.
Pearson (PTE Academic)
Standard level (59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills).
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
Standard level (80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing).
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the ÄûÃÊÊÓƵ is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A - C in English language
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the ÄûÃÊÊÓƵ.
List of exempt countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- The British Overseas Territories
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Admissions information for applicants
How to apply | You will be able to apply from November 2024.
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Personal statement | Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. |
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
Pre-Masters
Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course?
Application deadlines
1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)
We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course
Modules
Full-time and part-time study
Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about the part-time course, contact us.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
Summer teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to the latest research.
Spring teaching
- Conflict, Peace, and the Places in Between
- Global Health: Development, Security and Inequality
- Managing Economic Instability
- Religions, Cultures and Civilisations in International Relations
- Russia, Eurasia and the Crisis of the Liberal West
- War and Security in North/South Perspective
Summer teaching
When you’re registered at Sussex, you may be able to choose from a range of additional options in place of the options listed above, subject to timetabling and student demand.
Field trip
This course offers self-funded optional field trips to London, UK and Brussels, Belgium. The field trips aim to foster your interaction and engagement with policy-makers and practitioners from a wide range of international organisations.
Placements
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. Research placements run for up to 12 weeks in the summer term and vacation. You can also write your dissertation based on your experience. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:
- find an employer
- draft an application
- prepare for interviews.
Find out more about Global Studies postgraduate placements
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t undertake your placement/internship in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about
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Fees and scholarships
How much does it cost?
Fees
- Home students:
- £11,025 per year for full-time students
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £11,025 per year for full-time students
- International students:
- £22,575 per year for full-time students
If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).
If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.
Field Trips
This course has two optional field trips to Brussels and London. These are not compulsory but if you wish to attend you must pay for your own travel and accommodation (where necessary).
Living costs
Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
How can I fund my course?
Scholarships
Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.
I’m really proud to be the University’s Mandela Scholar in the 50th year since the scheme started.”Ziyanda Dludla
Geopolitics and International Affairs MA
Mandela Scholar
Read Ziyanda’s story
Working while you study
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Careers
You’ll graduate with a thorough understanding of International Relations – expertise required in many jobs today. Alongside your academic knowledge, you’ll have the transferable skills to succeed in your career. This includes:
- interdisciplinary and teamwork skills. You’ll successfully collaborate and communicate with colleagues from different parts of the world, with different backgrounds and experiences
- problem-solving skills. You’ll understand key topics by breaking them down into smaller parts, identifying the key issues and debates, and finding different pathways to solutions
- critical thinking and research skills. You’ll challenge taken-for-granted assumptions, collect relevant information, and assess information for reliability and validity
- communication skills (written and verbal). You’ll communicate your arguments clearly and listen to others carefully and sincerely. There are training workshops to help you write concisely in any given formal format.
Your future role could include:
- foreign service, trade or other government departments
- international civil service such as the United Nations
- non-governmental organisations active in various fields, including development, environment, health and humanitarian assistance
- media organisations
- the private sector, where international political expertise is increasingly needed and valued.
You’ll also be well prepared to go on to a PhD and to pursue a career in academia.
Graduate destinations
Our recent graduates have gone on to jobs including:
- adviser, Department for International Trade
- area programme manager, Danish Refugee Council
- global research manager, ACLED.
(Department of International Relations careers database)
I took a sabbatical from working to study at Sussex. My MA has given me analytical tools and frameworks with real practical applications in the policy-making environment.”Tom George
Foreign & Commonwealth Office