A 2:1 in politics, history, IR or similar
The minimum entry requirement is an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in politics, history, international relations or similar disciplines.
Master's · LSE International Relations
LSE MSc International Relations: an academic degree, with a Research variant to weigh
LSE's MSc International Relations is a 12-month full-time course for 2027/28, or 24 months part-time for Home students, described as an advanced, academic study of the subject from a global perspective. Its page asks for a 2:1 in politics, history, international relations or similar disciplines, and the English language requirement is Higher. There is no fixed deadline, a 10,000-word dissertation is compulsory, and the page points to a separate MSc International Relations (Research).
2027-28 entry · Official information
What LSE asks for in LSE MSc International Relations
Taken from the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc International Relations (application code M1UR, academic year 2027/28) and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
Higher English requirement
The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Competition is strong, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee an offer.
No fixed deadline
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full. To be considered for funding, applicants must submit by the funding deadline. The start date is 27 September 2027.
A 10,000-word dissertation
Students complete a 10,000-word dissertation and choose one unit from four half-unit core courses, plus options to the value of two units.
A Research variant exists
The page points to the MSc International Relations (Research), which has a different core course and a compulsory methodology course.
Four items assessed
Academic achievement, a statement of academic purpose, two academic references and a CV.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc International Relations (application code M1UR, academic year 2027/28), which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific entry table, the English language requirements page, the supporting-documents page, the option lists, the funding deadlines and the fees were not read and are not stated.
Fit
Which backgrounds the page names
The page names disciplines rather than a skills list. The readings below mix LSE's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
A politics, history or IR graduate
Named disciplines. The programme covers foreign policy, international organisations, international law, conflict and peace-making, empire and revolutions, and gender and international relations.
A graduate from a similar discipline
The page says similar disciplines. Show the international relations or politics content of your degree.
A professional-policy applicant
The page describes an advanced, academic study. If your aim is professional policy practice, compare it with professional policy courses before choosing.
Decision
General IR or the Research variant
The page offers two related programmes with different cores.
This programme
A core course in international politics plus the four half-unit course choice, options and a dissertation. The core offers theories and debates, global applications, critical perspectives and a research-design course.
MSc International Relations (Research)
A different core course, Theories of International Relations, and a compulsory methodology course. The page lists it as an option you may also be interested in.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
If you expect to progress to a research degree, read the Research programme's page and compare the compulsory methods content before choosing, because the page's application statistics combine both programmes.
Application
Rolling admissions
The page lists the items considered and the rolling process.
Items assessed
Academic achievement including predicted and achieved grades, a statement of academic purpose, two academic references and a CV.
Rolling process
There is no fixed deadline and applications close once the programme is full. Funding consideration requires submission by the funding deadline, which this guide does not state.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
Rolling admissions favour a complete early application. Name the regions or issues you want to study, since the programme lets you focus on specific regions or countries.
Planning
Planning for 2027/28 entry
The page describes the 2027/28 academic year, and the rules here belong to that year.
What to do now
Check your degree against the named disciplines, decide between this programme and the Research variant, prepare the statement and two references and note the funding deadline if relevant. Re-read the page before submitting, because LSE says programmes can change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What degree does LSE MSc International Relations ask for?
A 2:1 or equivalent in politics, history, international relations or similar disciplines.
Is there a deadline?
No fixed deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full.
How long is the dissertation?
10,000 words.
How does it differ from the Research variant?
The MSc International Relations (Research) has a different core course and a compulsory methodology course.
Can I study part-time?
The page lists a 24-month part-time mode for Home students.
Students and families
Talk to us about the LSE MSc International Relations
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.