Geopolitics

How does climate change reshape global politics? Are international conflicts shifting the international balance of power? What will the world look like with the rise of China as a new superpower? Will technology save us? How will a mainly urbanised world sustain itself? As the international scene becomes increasingly complex, understanding the fundamentals of how people, governments, international institutions and the environment interact is becoming increasingly important. If you are interested in understanding the intersections of space and politics, then the MA in Geopolitics is specifically designed for you.



Contemporary issues require advanced analysis that recognises the intersections of space, power and politics. From security challenges to cultural practices or climate change; from the global to the everyday, the connections between politics and space are increasingly complex. Integrating historical, cultural and political perspectives, the MA Geopolitics at QUB is an innovative interdisciplinary programme that seeks to build the knowledge and skills needed to engage these challenges.



Taught by academic experts in Human Geography, Politics and International Relations, with a broad range of regional expertise and research perspectives, this new MA enables students to explore the questions which are shaping our lives. It is not just for geographers, international relations students, and political scientists but anyone with an interest in the core course themes. You will come to understand these intersections through a range of themes developed across the modules. These include nations, states, landscapes, mobilities, urban spaces, environmental change, sovereignty, identity, gender, empire and postcolonial relations, territory and bordering, the politics of human rights and others. You can either specialise or learn across a range of issues such as culture, media, ethics, security and conflict, environmental politics, and democratic participation. You will be taught by experts in regions including East Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and the UK and Ireland.



As you engage the intersections of space, power and politics, you will develop advanced conceptual and analytic skills and subject knowledge needed to explore their intersections in a range of historic and contemporary issues. These skills will enable you to investigate problems shaping environments, places and landscapes and to challenge accepted wisdom. They are also particularly important skills for those pursuing careers in all sectors of government and the public sector, NGOs, international corporations, regional and international agencies, media and information industries.

Core Modules

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH DESIGN (20 credits)

Critical Geopolitics (20 credits)

Geo-power: States, Sovereignty, Territory (20 credits)

Culture and the Geopolitics of the Everyday (20 credits)



Optional Modules

The Politics and Institutions of Northern Ireland (20 credits)

Conflict Intervention (20 credits)

Global Political Economy (20 credits)

The Politics and Political Economy of Energy and Low Carbon Energy Transitions (20 credits)

Contemporary Security (20 credits)

Institutions and Politics of the European Union (20 credits)

Religion, Power and Peacebuilding (20 credits)

The UK and Europe (20 credits)

Democratic Challenges and Innovations (20 credits)

Anthropology of Conflict: Ireland and Beyond (20 credits)

Social Injustice (20 credits)

Global Development (20 credits)

Leadership and Decision Making (20 credits)

Uncovering Political Patterns using Data (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject or a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.



Applicants who do not meet these entry requirements may, at the discretion of the relevant programme convenor, be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and/or an assessed piece of work.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

9 months (Full-time), 3 years (Part-time).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

PGDip Geopolitics can lead to an MA in Geopolitics and/or a PhD in Geography, Politics, International Studies or environmental studies. It would also train you for employment in all sectors of government and the public sector, international agencies, NGOs, international corporations, media and information industries.