MSc Theory and History of International Relations

Undergraduate study at LSE is designed for students who are keen to engage critically with their chosen discipline and who want to apply their learning to real world situations. This means you’ll be taught core theory related to your programme of study alongside specialist disciplinary and research skills, and have opportunities to use those skills in real world contexts as you progress through your degree. 

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, often through teaching from the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have opportunities to participate in projects, discussions and events that are part of LSE’s daily intellectual life. 

Whichever degree programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond. This will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help equip you, professionally and personally, for whatever you do after you graduate.

Visit our Virtual Open Day to find out more.

Our degrees

Our degrees are intended to provide students with a sound intellectual background rather than professional training. LSE graduates go on to a range of careers which are rarely restricted by the choice of degree subject. Success in your degree and in your subsequent career is best achieved by choosing subjects that interest you and that you are good at.

Financial support

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. That’s one of the reasons we provide such generous funding for undergraduate students. Help isn’t limited to UK students. Our funding is available to eligible UK, EU and overseas students, such as the funding awarded by the Uggla Family Scholars Programme. You may also be able to apply for funding from your own government.

How to apply

You need to make your application through UCAS. We don’t consider applications made in any other way. Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our undergraduate programmes.

Graduate study at LSE is designed for students who want to engage critically with their chosen discipline and apply their learning to real world situations. Our postgraduate programmes are shaped to equip students, professionally and personally, for whatever they want to do afterwards.

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, and the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue your interests in an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to the LSE community’s daily intellectual life, participating in projects, discussions and events with fellow students, academics, alumni and key contributors from across the disciplines.

Whichever programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond that will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help you develop life-long skills and knowledge.

Visit our Virtual Graduate Open Events to find out more.

Types of study

LSE has developed graduate programmes to fulfil your needs whether you intend to pursue a career in industry, business, government, NGOs or academia, and whatever your background. 

The School offers a broad selection of postgraduate degrees, including:

• MRes, MPhil, PhD, visiting research
• Taught master’s (including LLM)
• Diplomas
• Double and joint degrees
• Executive programmes
• MPA

Financial support

LSE offers generous financial aid to its graduate students each year. Awards range from a contribution to tuition fees to full coverage of all expenses.

At master’s level, the value of support given by LSE ranges in value from 10 per cent of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award. Most master's programmes are eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

At doctoral level, LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities. These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted online from mid-October in the year prior to entry and most are considered on a rolling basis until all the available places are filled.

Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our postgraduate programmes.