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MA International Relations: Admission, Eligibility, Colleges & Careers

Epil Gagrai's profile picture

Updated on Jun 11, 2025

Epil Gagrai

Master of Arts in International Relations is a 2-year postgraduate program that focuses on complex interactions between countries, governments, organizations, and global actors in the international arena.

 

Those who hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to apply for the course. The admissions are either based on entrance examinations conducted by the institution or through a personal interview. The course fees range between INR 92K - 6.86 Lakhs.

 

The international relations graduates can apply for various job roles in government organizations, international organizations, nonprofits, and the private sector. Some of the job roles the graduates can apply for are Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Relations Expert, Intelligence Analyst, Political Risk Analyst, Foreign Correspondent / Journalist, etc. The average salary one can expect as a fresher is around INR 2.28 - 6.37 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. MA International Relations Highlights
  2. What is MA International Relations?
  3. Why Study MA International Relations?
  4. Who Should Pursue MA International Relations?
  5. MA International Relations Eligibility
  6. MA International Relations Entrance Exam
  7. MA International Relations Colleges in India
  8. MA International Relations Admission Process
  9. MA International Relations Syllabus
  10. MA International Relations Job Opportunities
  11. MA International Relations FAQs

 

MA International Relations Highlights

The table below includes the key details of the Master of Arts in International Relations course:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

MA International Relations

Course Level

Postgraduate

Duration

2 years

Admission Process

Entrance Exam/ Personal Interview

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks in aggregate

Course Fees

INR 92K - 6.86 Lakhs

Top Colleges

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Pondicherry University, Symbiosis School of International Studies, Jain University, University of Mumbai, Amity University, Gujarat University, etc.

Job Profiles

Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Relations Experts, Intelligence Analyst, Political Risk Analyst, Foreign Correspondent / Journalist, etc.

Top Recruiters

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Embassies, Consulates, NITI Aayog, Observer Research Foundation, UNDP, Centre for Policy Research, etc.

Average Salary in India

INR 2.28 - 6.37 LPA

 

What is MA International Relations?

The Master of Arts in International Relations is a field of study that focuses on the complex interactions between countries, governments, and organisations in the international arena. It focuses on understanding the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that influence global affairs, diplomacy, conflict, and cooperation.

 

The course will cover theories of international relations, global governance, security issues, international law, and the impact of globalisation. The degree will prepare the students to analyse global challenges such as war, peacekeeping, human rights, trade, and environmental policies, equipping them with critical thinking and research skills.

 

Why Study MA International Relations?

A Masters in International Relations is a valuable course for those interested in politics, global issues, and diplomacy. Here are some of the benefits of pursuing this course:

  • The course will offer a deep understanding of international politics, global economics, diplomacy, conflict resolution, human rights, and international law.
  • Opens up career opportunities in government & diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, international business, and media & journalism.
  • The course also builds a strong foundation for a career in academia.

 

Who Should Pursue MA International Relations?

An MA in International Relations is ideal for those are are interested in studying this field or want to build a career in this field. Here are the types of people who should consider pursuing this degree:

  • Those who plan to build a career in embassies, consulates, or foreign ministries.
  • Those who are working as reporters and analysts want to deepen their understanding of international issues to be able to report better on topics like global conflicts, negotiations, and events.
  • Those who have completed their undergraduate degree in law, especially international or human rights law.

 

MA International Relations Eligibility

The candidates interested in applying for the MA in International Relations program should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

  • The candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized institution.
  • They should have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in graduation. A 5% relaxation is offered to the ST/ SC candidates.

 

MA International Relations Entrance Exam

The institutes usually conduct their own exams for admission into the MA in International Relations. Here are some of the university entrance exams that are considered for admission into MA International Relations program:

University Level Entrance Exams

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

SIRSS Entrance Exam (University of Mumbai) 2025

Till June 15, 2025

June 20, 2025

-

 

MA International Relations Colleges in India

There are very few institutes that offer a master's degree in International Relations. Here are some of the institutes that offer an MA in International Relations:

Institute Name

Location

Total Fees

NIRF Ranking 2024 (University)

Admission Process

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal

INR 3.5 Lakhs

4

Interview

Amity University

Noida

INR 3 Lakhs

32

Personal Interview

University of Mumbai

Mumbai

INR 92,342

61

SIRSS Entrance Exam

Jain University

Bangalore

-

65

Jain Entrance Test

Gujarat University

Ahmedabad

-

76

Merit Based

Pondicherry University

Puducherry

-

Not Ranked

Entrance Test

Symbiosis School of International Studies

Pune

INR 6.86 Lakhs

Not Ranked

Written Test/ Personal Interaction

 

MA International Relations Admission Process

The admission to the MA in International Relations course is based on entrance examinations or a personal interview conducted by the institute. Here is the admission process for the MA Geopolitics and International Relations program of Manipal Institute of Higher Education:

  • Registration - The Interested candidates will have to visit the official website of Manipal Institute of Higher Education and submit the online application form. The candidates will have to provide their personal and academic details, upload their documents, statement of purpose (SOP), and pay the application fees.
  • Interview - The applicants will be called for the personal interview round.
  • Merit List - The merit list of selected candidates will be released on the official website of MAHE. The candidates will be selected based on their SOP and their interview performance.
  • Offer Letter - The selected candidates will be sent a provisional admission notice, and based on that, they will have to accept the offer within the given date and pay the admission fees to confirm their admission.
  • Admission - The selected candidates will have to physically report to MAHE to complete the admission formalities, which include verification of documents and payment of fees.

Documents Requires:

  • 10th Marksheets and Passing Certificate
  • 12th Marksheets and Passing Certificate
  • Graduation Marksheet and Degree Certificate
  • Aadhar Card
  • Transfer Certificate from the institution last attended
  • Character Certificate from the institution last attended

 

MA International Relations Syllabus

The MA in International Relations is a 2-year course divided into 4 semesters. The course includes core courses, electives, internships, and dissertations. Here is the syllabus for the MA in International Relations offered by Pondicherry University:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Political Theory

Political Thought

Contemporary Issues in International Relations

Theories of International Relations

Origin, Evolution, and Determinants of India’s Foreign Policy

India’s Foreign Policy

International Peace and Security

Continuity, Changes, and Emerging Challenges

 

Internship - (During summer vacation)

Semester 3

Semester 4

Political Institutions and Practices in India

International Organization

Political Processes and Governance in India

Dissertation

Comparative Politics and Government

 

Modern Diplomacy

 

Research Methodology

 

 

MA International Relations Job Opportunities

The MA in International Relations opens job opportunities in government, international organizations, nonprofits, academia, and the private sector. Some of the job roles available for the MA International Relations graduate are mentioned below, along with the average salary as per PayScale:

Job Roles

Experience

Recruiter

Average Salary

Diplomat

0 - 4 years

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Embassies, Consulates, etc.

INR 2.5 - 5 LPA

Policy Analyst

0 - 4 years

NITI Aayog, Observer Research Foundation, UNDP, Centre for Policy Research, etc.

INR 3.36 - 5.04 LPA

International Relations Experts

0 - 4 years

United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, ICWA, etc.

INR 2.28 - 3 LPA

Intelligence Analyst

0 - 4 years

Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), DRDO, etc.

INR 4.12 - 6.37 LPA

Political Risk Analyst

0 - 4 years

KPMG, Deloitte, Control Risks, Eurasia Group, PwC, etc.

INR 3.9 - 5.56 LPA

Foreign Correspondent / Journalist

0 - 4 years

The Hindu, Times of India, Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters, The Diplomat, etc.

INR 3.62 - 3.95 LPA

 

MA International Relations FAQs

What career paths are available after completing an MA in International Relations?

After completing a master's in International Relations, the graduates will be able to work in various settings like government, international organizations, nonprofits, academia, and the private sector. Some of the job roles they can apply for are policy analyst, foreign service officer, international affairs advisor, etc.

What skills will I develop while pursuing the MA in International Relations?

Students gain strong analytical, research, writing, negotiation, and critical thinking skills. They also develop a deep understanding of global political systems, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication.

What are the typical admission requirements for admission to MA in International Relations?

Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree (often in political science, history, or a related field), a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement. Students will also have to appear for the entrance test or interview.

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