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Postgraduate Taught Courses

At the School of Government and International Affairs, we offer six postgraduate taught courses for those who want to influence policy, work on the international stage, and pursue careers in diplomacy, non-governmental organisations and beyond. Learn from experts in their subjects and alongside students from all over the world, developing the knowledge and skills to take your next steps in your career or academia.

Explore our courses

MA International Relations

This course provides you with the systematic knowledge and intellectual tools to critically review developments in the theory and practice of international relations.
Virtual globe with flags and background map

MA Politics and International Relations (Political Theory)

This course helps you gain the knowledge and skills to analyse and review the complex relationships between government and society, regionally, nationally, and globally.
Houses of Parliament and the reflection in the River Thames

MA Politics and International Relations of the Middle East

This course provides you with the knowledge to critically review developments in the theory and practice of politics and international relations in the Middle East.

MSc Peace, Conflict, and Security

This course provides you with skills in negotiations, conflict mediation, conflict-sensitive programme design and management, and urban peacebuilding.
World ,map with virtual connections

MSc Defence, Development, and Diplomacy

This course explores violent conflict, conflict intervention and post-conflict reconstruction through the lenses of defence, development, and diplomacy.
Digital globe with virtual connections

MSc Public Policy

This course provides you with an understanding of policy-making processes across the world and skills in data analysis for evidence-based policy making.
Image of a laptop screen over someone's shoulder.

                                                                     

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Progress to Postgrad - 11 November 2026, TLC.

Stay one step ahead - progress from UG to PG study at Durham. An event designed exclusively for students who are considering continuing their studies at PG level. Don’t miss out on this chance to secure your future and potentially receive a provisional offer on the day.

Book your place

Hear from our students and graduates

 

University student
Pursuing a Master’s degree at SGIA not only provided me with a solid foundation for continued growth and success in my career, but also served as a catalyst, creating a strong sense of momentum and motivation to pursue new opportunities with enthusiasm.

Rachael Rhoades
MA International Relations

  

University student
The diversity of the staff and students in the MSc made the experience at SGIA extremely rich. Not only are you surrounded by people from around the world, but also by diverse academic and professional experiences.

Germán Otálora-Gallego
SGIA Graduate