International Relations with Quantitative Methods

International relations is the study of how states, international organisations, non-governmental actors, and transnational forces interact in a world defined by interdependence, conflict, cooperation, and inequality. It draws on political science, history, economics, and philosophy to address fundamental questions about war and peace, human rights, global governance, trade, migration, and the environment. Quantitative methods as a specialism within the degree reflects the growing importance of data-driven analysis in how international phenomena are studied, bringing statistical tools and empirical research skills to bear on questions about international behaviour and outcomes.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year full-time programme takes you through the major theoretical frameworks of international relations, including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical approaches, alongside substantive study of contemporary global issues and regional dynamics. The quantitative methods strand develops your ability to design empirical research, work with datasets and statistical software, and critically evaluate quantitative evidence about international affairs. A year abroad is embedded in the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution in another country and deepen your comparative understanding of international politics from a different national vantage point.

Graduates with expertise in both international relations and quantitative methods are particularly well placed for careers in government, foreign and development ministries, international organisations such as the United Nations, research institutes, think tanks, and NGOs working on global issues. The analytical skills are also valued in finance, consulting, and the private sector in roles that require understanding of geopolitical risk and international markets. Postgraduate study in international relations, political science, development studies, or data science is a natural continuation for many graduates.