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Politics Masters Degrees

We offer a number of masters degrees and innovative teaching across global development, international relations, and politics.

Why choose Newcastle for your Politics Master's degree?

Whether you want to take the next step in your career or go in a new direction, our postgraduate degrees offer routes into international relations and public policy.

Our research informs our teaching, so you'll learn about the latest approaches and how they help us understand a complex political world.

Our degrees have a mix of compulsory and optional modules, so you can shape your degree to fit your interests. You can try a Geography or Sociology module, or interdisciplinary modules in gender or security.

See what our students have to say about studying here:

I see myself maybe working for the U.N. so I think all of these experiences put me on a good path for my future.

Neil - MA in International Politics

We're part of the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology and are proud of our interdisciplinary environment.

You’ll join a welcoming department of world-leading experts from all over the world. Based in the Henry Daysh building at the heart of the main campus, we have plenty of spaces for study and socialising.

We also offer a range of activities to make the most of your degree. These range from tailored induction activities to strengthening academic skills, academic talks, careers talks and social activities.

Our city

Newcastle is an attractive, friendly and compact city with a vibrant student population. Newcastle was voted in the top 5 student cities in the UK (QS Best Student Cities 2024)

It's easy to get around with the main shopping area only a 3 minute walk away. In our historic city centre you can:

  • explore the thriving cultural scene
  • visit shops, galleries, theatres and music venues
  • take in the vibrant Quayside and the green spaces of our parks and Town Moor.

Newcastle is well-connected too, with the Metro rail network running across the city, from the airport, to the North Sea coast.

Newcastle is famous for its friendly locals and their hospitality. Living here will be friendly on your bank account, too. Read more about the cost of living in Newcastle

The city has a proud reputation for sport, and is home to several professional sports teams, such as: Newcastle United, Newcastle Falcons and the Newcastle Eagles. It has an unrivalled, eclectic nightlife where there's something different to do every day of the week.

Read more about living in Newcastle

Your career

Roles

Recent graduates from our MA programmes have taken up roles in:

  • government ministries
  • local government
  • policy and user research / analyst posts in business
  • third sector organisations and interest groups
  • further and higher education

Organisations

Our graduates have moved to roles in international organisations like:

  • the UN
  • the World Trade Organization
  • the European Investment Bank
  • national diplomatic services and ministries
  • political parties and foundations

Who we work with

Our Politics staff work closely with external organisations. Recent collaborations have included working with:

  • the Electoral Commission
  • IPSOS
  • the UN
  • OECD
  • Scottish Government
  • NATO
  • the Norwegian Ministry of Defence

We’ve also worked with third sector organisations like:

  • BOND
  • Save the Children
  • Norwegian Refugee Council
  • Carers Northumberland

As well as arts organisations like:

  • Cap-a-Pie
  • Harrow Arts Centre
  • GemArts

You can access support in achieving your career goals from our award-winning Careers Service, which is one of the largest and best in the UK, and we have strong links with employers. Find our more about our Careers Service

We also provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ Award. Read more about the ncl+ Award

We offer specialised support for international students through the International Student Pathway and the China Career Gateway.

Read more about the International Student Pathway

Read more about the China Career Gateway