Prospects after master’s in IR

Pervin Malhotra  

Q. I am in BBA second year at present. I am very keen to pursue a PG degree in International Relations (MA in International Relations). Is it necessary to have subjects like history and political science in graduation to get admission in the MA course in IR? Should I switch to bachelor's in these subjects or in mass communication to be eligible for the master's course or continue with BBA? I am ready to lose one year of my BBA degree for this purpose. Which are the top colleges /universities for Masters degree in International Relations in India and what will be the job prospects for me post this degree? — priyanka khanna

A.International Relations is a field of study that combines political science with the intricacies of globalisation, terrorism, ecological sustainability and global finance.

Which means that besides political history your programme in IR will be a dynamic mix of political history, economics, foreign policy, anthropology and sociology with a major focus on nations, states and governments. Although International Relations forms part of the Master’s in Political Science programmes offered at a large number of universities, a relatively fewer number of universities offer a specific Master’s in IR:

Selection to most of the reputed university departments is done on the basis of an entrance test. As long as you can tackle that, you should be fine. If you’re already in the second year, there’s no need to drop a year. Just get hold of the previous year’s papers and start reading up on the subject.

As for career prospects, many top foreign correspondents and political journalists, diplomats, teachers, area study experts, researchers and analysts in MNCs hold a degree in this subject.

And as the world becomes smaller and more interconnected place, the field of IR has increased in scope and gained greater significance.

As a consequence, those aspiring to work in the areas of Peace & Conflict Resolution, Area Studies, International Justice, International Economic Development, Humanitarian Relief, Human Rights Advocacy, Political and Economic Risk Analysis would also find it useful.

Some of the better places to pursue your masters in IR would include:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of International Studies,  New Delhi (www.jnu.ac.in)

Course: MA in Politics (specialisation in International Studies). , MA Economics (with specialisation on World Economy)

Selection process is very competitive: 2000+ students compete for the 50-odd seats

• South Asian University (SAU) D/o International Relations (www.sau.int)

Course: Master’s programme in International Relations (2-yr)

• Jadavpur University, Kolkata (www.jadavpur.edu)
• Jindal School of International Affairs, Jindal global University (www.jgu.edu.in)
• Course: Master’s in Diplomacy, Law & Business (2-yrs)
• Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra (www.brauagra.ac.in) Course: Master’s in International Affairs.
• Jiwaji University, Gwalior (www.jiwaji.edu)
• Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (www.mguniversity.edu)
• Pondicherry University, Puducherry
• Pt Deendayal Petroleum University, School of Liberal Studies, Gandhinagar (www.pdpu.ac.in)   

Course: Master’s in Political Science (with International Relations / English Literature)

• Stella Maris College, University of Chennai, Chennai

Course: Master’s in International Relations