MA International Relations

The Department of International Relations offers the one-year and two-year MA programmes. The two-year MA programme offers a unique learning opportunity for students interested in global politics, with its attention both to the themes that have been central to the study of International Relations (IR) as well as cutting-edge developments that correspond to emerging concerns and issue areas. In addition to classroom-based learning, the dissertation component of the programme prepares students to conduct independent research within and outside academia. In keeping with the university’s mandate, we pay particular attention to facets of the discipline that have a bearing on the overall texture of politics in South Asia; relatedly, we foreground South Asian perspectives in our engagement with IR.

The one-year MA programme offered by the department is beneficial for the students seeking a fast-paced but substantive and rigorous introduction to the dynamic discipline of International Relations (IR). The complex terrain of global politics, with crises (from armed conflicts to pandemics) and responses interwoven into it, deeply affect our everyday lives. It has become increasingly important to have the necessary background knowledge and skills to navigate the information, sometimes conflicting, that comes to us about the world. The course is designed to facilitate students’ ability to engage meaningfully with different dimensions of IR, and to serve as an entry point for careers that value in-depth understanding of contemporary global politics.

A candidate must have passed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and Humanities under 10+2+4 pattern or equivalent from a recognized institution or an examination recognized by the University as its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks (or an equivalent grade).

A candidate must have passed a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline degree under 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern from a recognized institution or an examination recognized by the University as its equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks (or an equivalent grade).

Note: The case where Master's Programme is available in one as well as in two-year format, the candidates are advised to choose the programme appropriately as per their eligibility. In case, a candidate has opted for one year programme and later it is found that he/she is not eligible for one year programme but is eligible for two year programme, he/she will be offered two year programme. Moreover, if eligible for both, at the time of admission, the switch between one year and two year programmes is allowed.

Modes of Admission

Admission to various Master’s programmes is offered through two modes:

1. SAU Entrance Test Mode:

• For Indian Candidates: Center-based online tests conducted by the University.
• For other SAARC Candidates (excluding India): Proctored online tests on stipulated dates.

2. Direct Admission Mode (Without SAU Entrance Test):

• In India: Based on scores from national-level tests (Like JEE/CUET/NEET/CAT/CLAT/NET/GATE etc).
• In Other SAARC Countries: Based on national-level test scores or qualifying examination results from recognized institutions.
• For Non-SAARC Candidates: Based on scores obtained in their qualifying examination.

For more information – Click Here

Note: Vacant seats in one category will be transferred to another category.

• The duration of the Entrance Test will be 2 hours.
• The question paper will consist of 70 multiple choice questions.
• There will be no negative marking.

The question paper will consist of multiple-choice questions that will test the applicant’s understanding of the subject area and his or her general awareness about South Asia and the world.

For a sample test paper, click here.