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Published: 27 February 2025

Top jobs with a masters in international relations and public affairs

Find out what you could do with a masters in international relations and public affairs, and discover some of the jobs our graduates have secured over the past few years.  

Be confident in our exceptional outcomes

100 per cent against a blue/green background

One hundred per cent of our Politics and International Relations postgraduate students are in employment or further study after they graduate from the University of Surrey taking home an average salary of £48,043 (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA).

Whilst you’re at Surrey we’ll support you in navigating your way to your chosen career path. 

The support that the University offers to students is priceless and far-reaching. I would say I do have not enough hours in the day to attend all the courses, activities, workshops, and events that the University puts at the service of the students.

Beatriz, International Relations (International Intervention MSc student

How Surrey sets you above the crowd in the jobs market

Whatever your plans, our masters programmes are a great stepping stone in your career development. They offer an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills to kick-start your career and to build personal networks.

We are actively involved with politics at a local, national and international level and we hold events throughout the year, including hustings for general and council elections, round table discussions and public lectures. 

We frequently invite guest speakers from all sides of the political spectrum and international scene to talk on relevant and ongoing political matters. Guest speakers in the past have included the Australian High Commissioner, the UN special envoy to Somalia, the Deputy Head of Mission and Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK, Eduard Fesko, Federica Mogherini, former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and political activists such as Gina Miller.

The course that Surrey offered for International Relations with an opportunity for a 12-week placement was unique and it is the only course like it in the UK. This really stood out for me because work experience and putting into practice what I had learnt was something I wanted.

Ella, International Relations (International Intervention) MSc graduate

Surrey is home to outstanding academic minds, many of whom are active researchers or have years of professional experience in the political arena, keeping our programmes career-relevant to give you a clear advantage.  

Both the International Relations (International Intervention) MSc and Public Affairs MSc programmes give you the option to complete a placement so you'll be able to stand out to employers and give yourself a huge employability boost by taking a professional placement. You’ll gain real-world experience that will set you apart from the crowd and as well as making you a more competitive job candidate.   

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