This article will highlight the best schools in Europe for studying international relations based on various factors such as academic reputation, research excellence, and graduate employability.
These factors were taken into consideration to determine the best schools. This list will surely provide helpful information on some of the best European universities for international relations, whether you are a prospective student looking to study abroad or a working professional considering a career change. The information that is provided here can help you in either situation.

10 Best International Relations Universities In Europe 2023
An excellent option is to get a degree in International Relations (IR) in Europe. Compared to educational establishments in the United States, universities and colleges in Europe have tuition prices that are not only more inexpensive (or even free), but they continue to uphold rigorous academic standards and accept students from all over the globe.
Nevertheless, not every college or University is the same as the others. Some schools have more advanced facilities, while others provide less tuition or have teachers with more years of expertise. Educate yourself If you’re thinking of enrolling in one of the top schools for International Relations in Europe:
#1. London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science offers an MSc in International Relations program.
You may also concentrate on certain nations like China, Russia, and the US or areas like Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Additionally, you must submit a 10,000-word dissertation that permits you to thoroughly research a subject of your choice and choose two units’ worth of elective courses.
12 months at full-time; 24 months at half time
MSc in International Relations awarded
Requirement: 2:1 degree or equivalent in history, politics, international relations, or a related field
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#2. Lund University
MSc in European Affairs
Internships at the European Commission and other organizations engaged in lobbying and consulting initiatives in Brussels are now available to program participants.
They provide a distinctive blend of courses on European governance, EU legislation, EU negotiations, Europe and international political economy, and the EU common foreign and security policy as the first European Affairs program in Sweden (founded in 1994).
They allow you to connect theory and practice by giving you a chance to complete a ten or 20-week internship course in a company of your choosing, in addition to providing you with a theoretical grasp of the subject.
#3. The American University of Paris
MA in International Affairs
With an MA in International Affairs, you may benefit from Paris’s prominence in global politics, economics, and social challenges. Through this program, you will be able to add internships, fieldwork for thesis research, and case study techniques for thesis creation to the demanding coursework and professional modules.
Their instructors and staff collaborate closely with their students to provide them with individualized intellectual mentorship and assistance so they may change the world.
You will get practical research and fieldwork experience as a student as you enhance your professional abilities throughout your study. This, along with your rigorous academic preparation, may open doors to employment in businesses, non-profits, and governmental organizations all around the globe.
#4. University of Portsmouth
MA in International Affairs
Their MA in International Relations can help you better understand the critical topics if you are interested in national and international organizations, conflict, and uncertainty as they create modern international relations.
You’ll examine the influence of social movements, political resistance, and revolt in addition to topics like weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorism, and political violence that pertain to civil society and security.
You’ll question accepted theories, create arguments, and participate in essential international relations and world politics discussions. You’ll learn to produce interesting reports, policy briefs, and essays and develop your analytical talents and critical evaluation skills.
After graduation, you’ll be well-positioned to develop original ideas that advance the development of international society and the global economy. You’ll be qualified for lobbying, media, social policy, governance, and security jobs. Previous alumni have held positions in government agencies, political parties, non-profit organizations, and civil society groups.
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#5. Central European University
MA in International Public Affairs (MAIPA)
The MA in International Public Affairs (MAIPA) is an interdisciplinary degree with a global profile designed for students who want to work in public administration, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, or related fields.
International Public Affairs encompasses two areas of study: first, the international, which covers regional, global, and transnational governance; second, the public, which covers interactions between the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Following their first term of public policy, politics, economics, and international relations requirements, MAIPA students must select one of two specializations from among democracy and the rule of law or policy and governance for the subsequent three terms of their MA. The mandatory thesis is completed during the last two terms of the second year.
Students with undergraduate degrees in social sciences, humanities, law, and related fields are eligible to apply for the MA in International Public Affairs.
#6. Maastricht University, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
MA European Public Affairs
Advanced professional training in the academic and practical aspects of European policy-making is provided through the master’s degree in European Public Affairs.
You will develop your ability to think globally and acquire experience working in multinational teams to find interdisciplinary solutions to challenges in European policy. Thanks to this, you will be well-prepared for a career in public service and European public affairs.
With a solid awareness of the intricate EU policy-making procedures and remarkable expertise in locating, assessing, addressing, and presenting complex issues in a global setting, you will be well-prepared for the working world as an EPA graduate.
#7. TU Wien Academy for Continuing Education
Science in Environmental Technology and International Affairs (MSc)
The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and the TU Wien worked together to create this postgraduate MSc program. On a local, regional, and international level, environmental challenges and conversations have gained relevance during the last several years.
This places new and greater demands on those who must deal with environmental issues’ political, legal, technological, and economic aspects.
The Master’s Program provides a strong foundation and enables graduates to meet problems in this industry. Additionally, environmental concerns have grown in significance and prominence within the project management community. Additionally, officials from ministries, non-governmental groups, and international organizations must deal with environmental issues more often. Graduates of this MSc program will be equipped to handle global concerns.
#8. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy
The importance of training and capacity development in international affairs and diplomacy is consistently developing in an increasingly linked, globalized, and complicated world where the necessity of multilateral discourse and collaboration is ever-growing.
This Master’s degree is tailored to the requirements of students and professionals interested in gaining the fundamental information necessary to comprehend international politics and enhance their diplomatic skills.
By integrating the finest aspects of university education with UN executive training, this Master’s degree will enable diplomats, government officials, students, and other stakeholders to further their studies and expertise.
#9. University of Sussex
MA in Geopolitics and International Affairs
Significant strategic and geopolitical redefinitions are taking place across the globe. Some powerful nations have begun creating ideologies aligned with their larger strategic goals in the twenty-first century.
You’ll discover how powerful nations interact inside the global system. You’ll concentrate on
- The development of geopolitics across time and its present resurgence. This covers issues including energy security, the spread of WMDs, the fight against terrorism, and advancing democracy.
- Expansive tactics. This covers American foreign policy, Russia’s comeback, and China’s ascent.
- Important regional dynamics The Middle East, European security, South and East Asian international security, and geopolitical conflicts in Africa are all included.
The Center for Advanced International Theory, the Centre for Global Political Economy, and the Sussex Centre for Conflict and Security Research are all housed there. Our multidisciplinary approach, cutting-edge research, subject-matter knowledge, international faculty, and diverse event schedule will help you learn.
#10. University College Dublin
MA in Journalism and International Affairs
The CNN Academy UCD Clinton Institute MA in Journalism and International Affairs is a one-year program that combines in-depth academic knowledge of international affairs with practical training in audio, video, digital, and social storytelling.
Journalists must be able to provide compelling material for a knowledgeable, digital-first audience in today’s media environment while also comprehending the structures and dynamics that determine global challenges and interactions.
This is the first English-languagMaster’s program that CNN has jointly developed with a university partner; it combines academic and journalistic quality in a creative curriculum that is demanding and career-focused.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is safe to say that the educational establishments included in our ranking of the ten best universities in Europe for studying international relations in 2023 are among the most prestigious schools on the continent.
Students and working professionals interested in pursuing a career in international relations will find many options available via these institutions, which are renowned for their academic reputation, research quality, and graduate employability of its graduates.
These colleges are sure to give you a first-rate education and the abilities you need to succeed in today’s globalized world, regardless of whether you are an aspiring student, a working professional, or just someone interested in the area.