Master in International Relations - part time

Master in International Relations - part time 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.

The Master's in International Relations at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in Ås is a two-year, full-time programme taught in English. It gives you the theories and methods to analyse global politics, with room to shape the degree around what interests you.

What you study

The programme starts with core courses that build your grounding in the field. You take an introduction course in international relations worth 5 ECTS, two core courses in IR theory worth 10 ECTS each, and a methods course worth 15 ECTS. These are compulsory. On top of that you choose electives from topics such as security studies, international organisations, global political economy, foreign policy, policing and global cities. You can also take courses from other departments at NMBU, as long as they are approved. The degree ends with a 30 ECTS master's thesis, supported by a seminar where you develop your research with guidance from staff.

How the programme is organised

Teaching mixes lectures with interactive work: group projects, problem-based learning, individual writing assignments and guest lectures from people working in the field. You also get out of the classroom through field trips, internships and chances to join ongoing research projects. The third semester is flexible. You can go on exchange to one of NMBU's partner universities, take an internship in Norway or abroad, or stay on campus and take more electives. Exchange destinations listed by the programme include American University in Washington D.C., University of Groningen, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Sciences Po Lille, the Turkish National Police Academy and University of Erfurt. Assessment varies: written and oral exams, term papers, presentations and reports from activities.

Who it suits

This master's is for students who want to understand why states and other actors behave as they do, and who are ready to read theory and apply it to real cases. The programme gives priority to an interdisciplinary mix of students when ranking applicants, so a background in social sciences, history, area studies, media studies or similar is expected. You need at least 80 ECTS in those fields from your bachelor's degree. If you like discussion, writing and working in groups with people from different countries, you will fit in. The programme also states that many students secure positions in the organisations where they intern.

Admission, language and next steps

You apply through NMBU. The deadlines are 1 December for applicants outside the EU/EEA and 15 April for Norwegian, Nordic, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens. The programme requires English language proficiency, and you must document it according to NMBU's rules. The programme is taught in English. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions, while other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution. Check the programme page for the exact requirements and how to apply. The programme has 35 places, and the required points for admission were C in 2024. Student housing is offered through NMBU's Student Welfare Association (SiÅs), and international students are prioritised, though it is not guaranteed. Apply for accommodation as soon as you accept your offer.

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.