Beyond Academia: 3 Other Ways You Can Use an Advanced Degree in International Relations

An advanced degree in International Relations gives you many choices in your career

For students pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations, and perhaps considering a PhD, a career in academia may seem like the most obvious path. Earning a doctorate through graduate study is certainly the best path to an academic career in the field if this is your goal.

However, there are also many other engaging and lucrative careers available outside this field, which may be of particular interest to those who want a more team-oriented work life, or who are wary of the highly competitive academic job market.

Whatever your future goals, a thorough understanding of the many options available to you with an advanced degree in international relations will be greatly beneficial as you navigate your studies and prepare for your future career. Keep reading for just a few of the ways you can put your graduate level international relations qualifications to use beyond academia.

Apply Skills from International Relations University Courses at NGOs

Working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and in the non-profit sector is a suitable and popular option for individuals with advanced international relations university qualifications. International relations graduates tend to have subject area expertise that is relevant to organisations that do international development work.

For instance, MA students with Queen Mary Online complete a module on Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development, which among other things examines patterns of global inequality and the role of NGOs in development. Further, students who go on to pursue the subject at both MA and PhD level tend to have research and proposal writing skills that are very valuable to fundraising and advocacy efforts in NGOs.

An advanced degree in International Relations can make you a strong candidate for NGO work

Think Tanks Present Opportunities for International Relations Graduates

“Think tanks,” or other research institutes outside of the university sector, can be a good alternative path for individuals with advanced research skills. An analyst or researcher role at a think tank is not a position that students can generally walk into straight out of an MA programme. However, for those who intend to pursue a PhD, have completed projects or internships for a think tank during their studies, or who have substantial research experience under their belt, working with a think tank may be a viable option after completing their postgraduate studies.

Prepare for Policy Work With a PhD or MA in International Relations

Of course, an MA in International Relations and other advanced qualifications can put you in a great position for a career in one of the field’s most crucial areas: international and foreign policy. Whether you work for a government agency, privately as a policy consultant, or as a staff member of a legislator’s team, a policy-oriented career is an excellent way to apply your international relations knowledge.

Work as a policy analyst or consultant can help you contribute to international decision-making

Graduates of Queen Mary Online’s MA programme complete coursework on American foreign policy, and also examine the role of governments in shaping development. If you are particularly passionate about the study of policy or pursuing a career in policy upon completing your education, building your dissertation and potential PhD research around this interest can make you an even stronger candidate for roles in which policy expertise is needed. Overall, your career following an advanced degree in international relations largely depends on how you want to apply your specialised knowledge – it is certainly needed.

Are you ready to see where advanced graduate study can take you?

Contact Queen Mary Online to find out how our online Master’s in International Relations can get you started.