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International Relations and Humanitarian Action MSci (Hons)

UCAS code: L249

Understand global crises. Respond with purpose. Build a career with impact.

Explore how power, conflict and inequality shape the world, while developing the skills to respond effectively to the world’s most urgent humanitarian emergencies on our unique, integrated MSci (Hons) International Relations and Humanitarian Action, delivered in partnership with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Overview

Course length: 4 years full-time
Start dates: September 2026
September 2027
Location: Edge Hill University
Subject(s): Politics and International Relations
Faculty: Arts and Sciences
Department: History, Geography and Social Sciences
Students sat in a lecture theatre

Are you curious about how global crises shape communities around the world? Do you want to develop the analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills needed to provide effective humanitarian responses to emergencies? The world needs professionals who can think critically, act ethically, and respond decisively in times of crisis. This integrated master’s degree equips you with the political insight and humanitarian expertise to do exactly that.

Our unique programme combines world-class teaching with real-world impact. For the first three years, you will study cutting-edge international relations and politics at our award-winning Ormskirk campus, building a strong academic foundation. In your fourth year, you will advance your learning at the internationally-recognised Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), where you will specialise in addressing humanitarian emergencies and contemporary global challenges. With LSTM’s unmatched expertise in real-world humanitarian response and strong connections to United Nations agencies, NGOs, and ministries of health, this course offers an unparalleled pathway to a global career making a meaningful difference.

Throughout the course, you will develop the skills needed to thrive in a competitive professional world, while gaining a deep understanding of international politics and the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

You will also build a wide range of discipline-specific and transferable skills, including analysis, critical evaluation, research, ethical decision-making, and communication, through a combination of independent study and collaborative teamwork. The programme also allows you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career ambitions, combining core learning with optional modules that reflect your passions and goals.

By studying in multidisciplinary environments, you will gain the confidence to exchange ideas, collaborate across cultures, and build lasting professional networks.

By the time you graduate, you will be well prepared to pursue careers in humanitarian action, international organisations, policy, research, or further study, equipped with the knowledge, practical insight, and confidence to make a meaningful global impact.

Course features

  • Sandwich year option available

  • Studying abroad option available

  • Work placement opportunity

  • International students can apply

What you'll study

In Year 1, you will build a strong foundation in the principles and practice of international politics. Through carefully designed modules, you will explore the theory of international relations, develop practical skills in political analysis and speech-writing, and gain insight into how policies are shaped at both national and global levels. This year equips you with the analytical tools and communication skills essential for navigating the complex world of international affairs.

Compulsory:

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Introduction to Political Concepts and Theory
Introduction to International Relations
UK Politics - Issues and Challenges Since 1979
Analysing Policy and Policy-Making

Two of:

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The Art of Political Rhetoric - from Pericles to Putin
Parliaments and Devolution in the UK
Language 1

In Year 2, you will deepen your understanding of global politics through focused study of European and US political systems. You will explore key political thinkers and ideas, and examine topics such as political ideologies, political economy, and psephology, the statistical analysis of elections and voting trends. This year combines theoretical insight with practical skills, helping you to analyse and interpret political developments in a comparative and informed way.

Compulsory:

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Political Ideologies
Contemporary US Politics
Global and National Capital and Labour in the 20th Century

Three of:

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Political Geography
International Law
Comparative European Politics
The Politics of Migration
Elections and Voting Systems
Preparing for Work in Politics
Party Politics at Home and Abroad
Research Methods for Politics
Politics and International Relations Self Directed Study

In Year 3, you have the flexibility to shape your learning through a wide range of optional modules. You will study statecraft and humanitarian responses, equipping you for your postgraduate year, while also having the opportunity to explore topics in depth, including the rise of China, global antisemitism and Islamophobia, strategic political communications, gender and power, and critical migration studies. Practical experience is a key focus this year: you can engage in hands-on projects, such as tackling a policy issue with a think tank or completing a work placement, building the skills and insights that will prepare you for a career in international relations and humanitarian action.

Compulsory:

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The Politics and Practice of Humanitarian Action
National and International Statecraft Challenges

40 credits from:

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Strategic Political Communications
Politics Work Placement
Advanced Parliamentary Studies
The Think Tank

40 credits from:

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Critical Migration Studies
British Rule in Palestine
Global Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Gender and Power
International Peace and Security
Advanced International Relations - Focus on Asia
Advanced Political and Ethical Theory
Britain and the European Union
Global and National Activist Movements
Global Capitalism and its Discontents

In Year 4, your studies take place at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, allowing you to benefit from their world-renowned expertise in health and humanitarian response, as well as their established links with UN agencies and international NGOs. This year provides a unique opportunity to combine academic rigor with practical, real-world experience in global humanitarian action. You will undertake an extended research project of your choice, working alongside leading researchers and humanitarian organisations. You will develop advanced research skills while studying complex humanitarian emergencies, relief operations, and the health and well-being of individuals and populations.

Subject to validation, the following modules will be delivered by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine:

Compulsory

TROP704 Context and Developments in Humanitarianism

TROP702 Research Methods in Public Health

TROP712 Complex Humanitarian Emergencies

TROP732 Research Project

 

How you'll study

In the first three years, teaching takes place at Edge Hill University’s Ormskirk campus, with your final year based at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The course combines a variety of engaging learning experiences, from lectures, seminars, and workshops to debates, scenario-based exercises, guest speakers, case studies, and field trips. You will typically attend three half-days per week, leaving ample time for independent study, research, or hands-on opportunities such as volunteering with the Politics Lab. This approach ensures you gain both the knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in international relations and humanitarian action.

How you'll be assessed

The course contains a wide range of assessments, from essays and reports to speech-writing, scenario responses and submissions to Parliamentary work groups. There are a limited number of examinations.

Who will be teaching you

Our tutors are experts in political communication, the impact of technology on the relationship between states and citizens, comparative international politics, democratisation, trade union politics, global activism, migration and diasporas, humanitarian practice in complex emergencies, global health and disaster management. We have built a wide network of speakers that include politicians, diplomats, NGO and think tank members, and representatives of international and humanitarian organisations.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.

Entry criteria

112-120 UCAS Tariff Points. No particular subjects are required.

Example offers

Qualification Requirement
A Level BBC-BBB.
UCAS Tariff points 112-120 points.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications) Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

 

How to apply

Apply full-time

Apply through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

Did you know?

If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.

Discover our accommodation

Facilities

Our award-winning Ormskirk campus incorporates modern learning and recreational facilities. The impressive Catalyst building houses a comprehensive library, learning and training spaces, as well as student support services and a careers centre. A brand new Student Union building is the home of numerous student groups and societies, including the African-Caribbean, Arab, Middle Eastern and North African, Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières, and Student Radio Societies.

At Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities in an exciting research-active environment. You will also benefit from LSTM’s specialist library as well as the immersive technology and connectivity at their flagship learning and training facility, Pembroke House. This has flexible working spaces with high-quality simulation and immersive reality suites and digital learning common rooms.

Finance

Tuition fees

UK Full-Time

£9,790

a year

International

£18,000

a year

For the academic year 2026/27 the UK Full-Time tuition fee is currently set to £9,790. Please note this is subject to Parliamentary approval and is likely to be increased in line with inflation (RPIX). There may be further inflationary increases in your subsequent years of study. Further details can be found at ehu.ac.uk/fees.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

Scholarships


We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.

Money Matters


Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

Graduates of this degree can pursue a wide range of careers across public, private, and third-sector routes. Career paths include:

  • Roles within international, political, and humanitarian organisations
  • Positions in NGOs, charities, and civic associations
  • Opportunities within the Civil Service
  • Work in policy research and think tanks
  • Roles in education and training

With further study, you could also qualify to teach or continue into research and academia, opening doors to specialist or leadership roles in your chosen field.

Discover Uni: Full-Time Study

Download our course leaflet