Skills You Develop By Studying An International Relations MA

The breadth of skills developed whilst studying for an MA in International Relations makes it one of the most attractive degrees around.

In addition to opening up a wide variety of career opportunities, the course at Queen Mary Online equips you with transferable personal skills that may change the way you think, feel, and perceive issues in everyday life.

A career in International Relations will involve wide-ranging interaction with a variety of people working at different levels, including NGO leaders, government officials, and the public. Those working in international relations will need to ensure they can convey information effectively to all involved parties, amending their communication style accordingly. You will need to understand how nuances such as body language, facial expressions, and listening skills affect how information is perceived by different audiences.

Communication has arguably never been more complex than in the twenty-first century, with a whole host of different mediums available, from video conference calls and texts to social media posts and instant messaging, each with their own unique audience. Having the aptitude to adapt tone and style to each of these audiences will continue to be one of the key parts of building international rapports.

Negotiation and compromise

Building strong relationships is essential in cultivating your career in International Relations and it’s critical to remember that communicating effectively to gain what your party or organisation is aiming for is as important as the ability to reach compromises.

In some instances, negotiations may not result in a settlement that favours the parties involved; professionals must understand the cases in which walking away from an agreement will provide a better outcome and have the patience to go back to the drawing board to advance such negotiations at the right time in the future.

Research and analytical skills

As a masters student in International Relations, you’ll be a keen researcher and enjoy studying trends and analysing theories, applying this knowledge to past, present, and future issues. Having a creative approach to problem solving will allow you to stand out and lead your team to unconventional and potentially revolutionary solutions. You won’t be afraid to take risks but those risks will be informed by an ability to see the bigger picture.

You will need to be able to consider domestic issues as part of the wider international context and how both affect one another, especially in the current climate of ever-shifting globalisation and deglobalisation.

What kind of careers are open to me after my masters?

A masters in International Relations is a gateway to a diverse range of careers – here are a few examples.

Jobs directly related to your degree:

• Political Aide
• Diplomat/Embassy Officer
• Foreign Aid Worker
• Public Policy Analyst
• Human Rights Officer
• Speech Writer
• Immigration Officer
• Social Compliance Analyst
• Lobbyist

Jobs where your degree would be useful:

• Forensic Accountant
• Market Researcher
• Marketing Executive
• Stockbroker
• University Relations Officer
• Lawyer

Find out more about the type of careers associated with a masters in International Relations by reading our blog, ‘Where Will An Online International Relations MA Get You In The Real World?’

The online Masters in International Relations at Queen Mary Online exposes students to a community of like-minded individuals, easy-to-use online resources, and world-class tutors who will support and encourage you during your two-year course.