university of Dundee academic transcript record keeping

Description

The University of Dundee, a distinguished public research university in Scotland, is celebrated for its interdisciplinary excellence in social sciences, humanities, and global studies, nurturing critical thinkers to tackle contemporary global challenges. Established in 1967 as an independent university after separating from the University of St Andrews, Dundee is situated in the vibrant city of Dundee—a UNESCO City of Design—hosting over 17,000 students from 120+ countries on its compact, welcoming Perth Road campus. Globally ranked 456th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and top 20 in the UK for Politics (Complete University Guide 2026), Dundee’s School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law is a leader in international relations research, with 90% of outputs rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” (REF 2021). The Master of Science (MSc) in Politics and International Relations is a flagship postgraduate program, offering advanced training in global governance, security, and policy analysis. This one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) qualification (180 UK credits at Level 7) awards a prestigious Dundee degree certificate or diploma with classification (Distinction: 70%+), equipping graduates with analytical expertise for careers in diplomacy, NGOs, think tanks, and academia, with 95% securing professional roles within six months.

A Legacy of Global Politics and Policy Research

Dundee’s Politics and International Relations program, rooted in its 1970s establishment, has become a hub for addressing critical issues such as humanitarian intervention, sub-state nationalism, and EU-China relations. Faculty experts, including Professor Matthew H. Kohrman (sub-state politics) and Dr. James Markin (human rights), drive research that informs policy, supported by collaborations with the Scottish Government and NGOs like Oxfam. Ranked top 10 in Scotland for Politics research (REF 2021), the MSc integrates real-world applications, analyzing topics like Brexit’s geopolitical impact or Russian foreign policy. Its interdisciplinary ties with energy and environmental studies, bolstered by the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, reflect Dundee’s coastal context and commitment to sustainable global solutions. Alumni, including UN policy advisors and analysts at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, highlight Dundee’s influence on Scotland’s £2B+ public policy sector.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

The MSc in Politics and International Relations is designed for flexibility, welcoming graduates with a 2:1 undergraduate honors degree (or equivalent, e.g., US GPA 3.3) in Politics, International Relations, or related social sciences. Delivered through seminars, workshops, and guest lectures at the Perth Road campus, it includes access to resources like the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy, culminating in a classified diploma. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure: Semester 1 focuses on International Relations Theory (realism, liberalism, constructivism), Research Methods in Social Sciences (qualitative/quantitative tools), and Globalisation and International Political Economy; Semester 2 offers electives such as Human Rights and Humanitarian Intervention, Sub-state Nationalism, or EU Foreign Policy, alongside a 12,000–15,000-word Dissertation on topics like Middle East security or Scottish independence. Compulsory elements include ethical research, policy brief writing, and critical debates, with assessments via essays (50%), exams (20%), and the dissertation (30%). Students can customize their studies with modules from related programs in energy or environmental policy for interdisciplinary depth.
• Admission Requirements: 2:1 honors degree in Politics, International Relations, or a cognate field; relevant experience considered for 2:2 holders. English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, no subscore below 6.0). Applications via Dundee’s portal require a personal statement and references; deadline for September 2026 entry: July 2026. Up to 20 places annually, with interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• Variants and Pathways: Options include the MSc International Relations (greater global emphasis), MSc by Research in Politics (two-year research-intensive pathway for PhD preparation), or joint programs with History. Shorter Postgraduate Certificates (60 credits) in International Policy serve as entry points, stackable toward the full MSc. Study abroad opportunities via Erasmus+ enhance global perspectives.

Why Pursue an MSc in Politics and International Relations at the University of Dundee?

Enrolling in the Dundee MSc in Politics and International Relations immerses you in a tight-knit, research-driven community with small seminars (average 15 students) and access to specialized centers like the UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science. The program’s focus on real-world policy challenges—praised for its “engaging, globally relevant” curriculum (NSS 2024)—fosters connections through guest lectures from diplomats and optional internships, preparing graduates for roles such as policy analyst or international development officer at organizations like the Scottish Parliament or global NGOs. Dundee’s top-20 UK ranking for Politics graduate prospects (Guardian 2026) and diverse cohort (50% international) ensure robust global networks, enhanced by the university’s vibrant setting in Dundee’s cultural and design-led hub.

In summary, the University of Dundee Master of Science in Politics and International Relations is a transformative degree certificate that equips scholars to navigate and shape global political landscapes. For those passionate about policy and international affairs, Dundee’s MSc offers critical insight and professional impact.