International Relations – Master’s with Thesis
The International Relations (English) Master’s with Thesis program at Istanbul University offers advanced graduate education in global politics, international law, diplomacy, global governance, and comparative political analysis. The program is designed for students aiming to deepen their understanding of international systems, foreign policy, global conflicts, global economy, and transnational issues through coursework, seminars, and a thesis project. With a comprehensive curriculum and academic research component, graduates are prepared to engage in academic, diplomatic, policy-oriented or international career paths.
Situated in Istanbul — a historically and geopolitically significant city bridging continents — the program benefits from a diverse academic and cultural environment. Taught in English, the program equips students with theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and research capabilities to study contemporary global challenges, international relations dynamics, and cross-cultural political contexts, making it a strong choice for those aiming for international careers.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Arts / Master of Social Sciences (M.A. / M.Sc.) in International Relations
- Standard period of study: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, English-taught)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: International Relations, Global Politics, Diplomacy, International Law, Global Economy, Comparative Politics
- Admission modus: Graduate admission process
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Global Politics & International Systems
- Theories of International Relations
- Global Governance & International Institutions
- International Law & Diplomacy Fundamentals
- Research Methods & Quantitative Methods for Political Science
- Elective or supporting course
Semester 2 – Contemporary Issues & Regional Studies
- Foreign Policy Analysis / Comparative Foreign Policies
- Conflict and Security Studies / Global Security & Conflict Management
- Global Economy & International Political Economy
- Regional Studies / Area Politics (e.g. Middle East, Europe, Asia)
- Elective or specialization course
Semester 3 – Research Preparation & Thesis Proposal
- Seminar on Contemporary Global Issues / International Relations Topics
- Thesis Proposal Development / Literature Review / Method Design
- Elective courses (e.g. diplomacy, global governance, international law, human rights)
- Optional internship or fieldwork preparation (if applicable)
Semester 4 – Thesis Research & Graduation
- Thesis Research: empirical, theoretical or policy-oriented study
- Data Collection, Analysis, Interpretation
- Thesis Writing, Defense / Presentation
- Optional Elective or Supporting Course
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in diplomacy, foreign services, international organizations (UN, EU, NGOs), governmental agencies, policy research think-tanks, international consultancy, global business strategy, journalism, academia, or global development and human rights work. They may also continue with doctoral studies (PhD) in international relations, political science, global governance or related fields.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the International Relations (English) Master’s program at Istanbul University provides a rigorous academic foundation in global politics, diplomacy, and international affairs — taught fully in English for global relevance. The curriculum blends theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, regional and global studies, and research training, enabling students to understand and analyze complex international dynamics and policy issues.
With Istanbul’s unique geopolitical position and cultural diversity, as well as the university’s academic resources, students gain exposure to multiple perspectives, cross-cultural insights, and global affairs — equipping them with skills required for international careers, policy analysis, research, and global engagement.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Department of International Relations
Faculty of Political Science / Social Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: intlrelations@istanbul.edu.tr
Graduate Student Affairs Office – Faculty of Social Sciences
Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: graduateoffice@socialsciences.istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – Istanbul University
Beyazıt Campus
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
