About this programme
Master in International Relations is a Master's Degree programme at Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Ås, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Ås as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. Norwegian University of Life Sciences is a state university in Akershus.
How it compares
Master in International Relations is one of 4 English-taught International Relations programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 3 institutions. 1 of them lists an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland. 4 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
What you study
The programme starts with an introduction course in international relations worth 5 ECTS, then two core courses in IR theory of 10 ECTS each. You also take a methods course of 15 ECTS. Electives cover security studies, international organisations, global political economy, foreign policy, policing and global cities. You can also pick courses from other departments at NMBU, if they are approved. The degree ends with a master's thesis of 30 ECTS, supported by a seminar.
How the programme is organised
It is a two-year, full-time study of 120 ECTS, taught in English. The third semester is flexible: you can go on exchange to a partner university, do an internship in Norway or abroad, or take more electives on campus. The programme uses case studies, guest lectures, group projects, problem-based learning and individual writing assignments. Exams include written and oral exams, term papers and student presentations. Exchange destinations include American University in Washington DC, University of Groningen, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Sciences Po Lille, Turkish National Police Academy and University of Erfurt.
Who it suits
You need a bachelor's degree with at least 80 ECTS in social sciences, history, area studies, media studies or similar subjects relevant to international relations. The programme gives priority to an interdisciplinary mix of students when ranking applicants. It suits people who want to combine theory with practice, since internships are part of the programme. The classroom mixes academic disciplines and cultural perspectives.
Admission, language and next steps
Applicants must meet NMBU's English language requirements. The application deadline is 1 December for applicants outside the EU/EEA, and 15 April for Norwegian, Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens. The programme had a required points score of C in 2024 and admits 35 students. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions; other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution. Check the programme page for details on how to apply and for the exact document requirements.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Public sector and international organisations
- Consultancy and media
- Non-governmental and humanitarian organisations
- Universities and think tanks
- Intelligence and security sector
- Diplomacy and policy analysis
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. The institution lists its deadline as: Nordic applicants: April 15 EU applicants: April 15 Non EU-applicants: December 1. The register shows 1 December 2026 as a deadline date for this programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Norway register, the official English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in International Relations taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Ås as the campus town for this programme at Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme, and some programmes require a minimum grade average. Norwegian University of Life Sciences publishes its requirements on the programme page.
When is the application deadline?
Each institution sets and publishes its own deadline for each programme, and the dates can differ between applicants from outside the EU/EEA, EU/EEA applicants and Nordic applicants. As Norwegian University of Life Sciences lists it: Nordic applicants: April 15 EU applicants: April 15 Non EU-applicants: December 1. The register shows 1 December 2026 as a deadline date for this programme. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
What does it cost?
No annual fee is listed for this programme. Degree students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition at Norwegian institutions, and the fees vary by institution and programme, so ask Norwegian University of Life Sciences what applies to you. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. Every student also pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation linked to the institution.
Do I need a permit to study there?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI asks for proof of admission, housing and funds of NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026/27), on top of any tuition fee. A study permit allows work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in the holidays. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland register with the police within three months of arrival instead.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Norway register at studyinnorway.no, the English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The programme page at Norwegian University of Life Sciences is linked from this page so you can compare.
Same subject and level at other institutions
See all →More at Norwegian University of Life Sciences
All programmes →Norwegian University of Life Sciences · Ås