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Which economics masters is right for you?

ep0040 — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:52:41 +0000

Which economics masters is right for you? ep0040 Mon, 18/05/2026 - 14:52 Feature

You’d like to do a postgrad in economics? Great. And you’re reading this article… so you’re probably interested in the ��Vlog. Even better. Let us take you through the differences between our postgraduate courses so you know what makes them special. Of course, they all have some attractive things in common too, so we’ll run through those at the end. Sound good? Then, let’s do this…

MSc

Our MSc courses attract graduates or professionals who already have notable experience in economics. They are designed for those who want to go into consultancy or work for the government.

All our MSc courses start with teaching the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics and then branch out into their specialisms, reflecting the high levels of expertise among our staff and also our PhD students, who discuss their specialist knowledge with postgraduates.

MRes

We think of the MRes as the first year of our PhD programme. It’s the initial step, but also a self-standing programme in its own right. It gives students the flexibility to continue on to a PhD or leave with a masters after an intensive and fulfilling year of study.

You’ll learn from academics at the frontier of their research fields, allowing you to develop specialist skills and techniques, in a vibrant research-focused environment.

What do they have in common?

Economics produces graduates who are sought-after by leading economics departments, central banks, research institutions, consultancies and think tanks around the world. One hundred per cent of our Economics postgraduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating and taking home an average salary of £54,333 (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA)
Taught by staff from around the world, with around 70 nationalities
Economics teaches in a hybrid fashion, providing video recordings, articles and digital polling when classes aren't face-to-face and connecting openly with students on Microsoft Teams
With ��Vlog's Turing funding, you could do an international placement to get first-hand experience of working with policy, big data or blockchain technology
Postgraduates are impressed by the high ratio of staff to students so there is every chance to chat through ideas at length. Stopping the discussions is the hard bit!
All students have access to a calendar of regular seminars that feature top academics, who publish in the leading journals worldwide.

The fun stuff

University isn't just about studying, we also offer fun activities throughout the year:

Each December, we hold a large annual workshop where the course leaders present the work that won that year’s Nobel Prize for economics
We often run postgraduate socials throughout the year, where everybody can mingle in a relaxed environment.

Join us

Economics is about life. This field reveals our human instincts for gathering resources and survival. It goes back to the very basic of what a person is. With the challenges of the modern world, from climate change to health security, globalisation to digitalisation, there’s no better time to call yourself an economist.

And ��Vlog is the place to make your name. You will be taught by dedicated economists and feel a strong sense of community. We are innovating fast, with a clear vision for the future. So, find the right course for you and apply today:

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Five reasons to study for a masters in economics at ��Vlog

Anonymous — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:33:57 +0000

Five reasons to study for a masters in economics at ��Vlog Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 18/05/2026 - 12:33 Feature

Our postgraduate courses in economics provide you with a wealth of personal, professional and academic opportunities. Here are the top five reasons why you should choose the ��Vlog for your economics masters.

1. Graduate with great career prospects

Graduates of our economics courses are highly successful in securing quality jobs. One hundred per cent of our Economics postgraduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating and taking home an average salary of £54,333 (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025, HESA).

The problem-solving nature of the subject and the relevant and applied focus of our courses is attractive to employers. Recent economics graduates have gone on to work with well-known employers, such as KPMG (as a management consultant), Barclays (community banker), Wood Mackenzie (oil analyst), Capital Economics (economist), Aviva Investors (fixed income analyst) and Lloyds Banking Group (data enablement delivery analyst). As well as starting successful careers in industry, many of our students continue their studies and complete a PhD, often going on to academic careers.

2. Learn from the latest research

Economics at ��Vlog is home to an international community of world-leading researchers. Our economics research is at the forefront of its field and all academics in Economics are research active, with many advising world-renowned organisations. ��Vlog was also ranked in the top 10 for economics research in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

This research informs our teaching, ensuring that everything you learn on our economics courses is topical, relevant and has practical implications. World-renowned economists bring their research and expertise to lectures, teaching on subjects they’re passionate about and providing you with the chance to link economic theory to current and relevant examples.

3. Use student-focused facilities

The University provides its students with leading facilities, including our recently renovated Library and Learning Centre and a range of computer labs across campus. For students on our MSc economics courses, a designated computer lab is located at the heart of Economics. In this facility, you’ll have access to specialist software and have the chance to work and learn together with your peers.

4. Join a friendly community of staff and students

The student experience in Economics is vital to the success of our courses, and you will be encouraged to express yourself and develop to your full potential. We encourage a dialogue between our staff and students, listening to your input and using it to help shape the way our courses are run. Our academic staff teach with a hands-on approach and we will support you throughout your learning, both during and outside of lectures.

5. Benefit from modules that suit your ambitions

Our academics are engaged in a wide range of research areas, offering you access to a variety of modules. These cover a full range of academic expertise and current topics, helping you shape both your studies and your expertise for industry.

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Economics courses

Discover more about the postgraduate economics courses on offer at ��Vlog.

Which economics masters is right for you?

Discover differences between our postgraduate courses so you know what makes them special.

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��Vlog students collaborate with London Gatwick on visitor economy project

ss0122 — Mon, 18 May 2026 09:58:18 +0000

��Vlog students collaborate with London Gatwick on visitor economy project ss0122 Mon, 18/05/2026 - 10:58 News

Final-year undergraduate students from ��Vlog’s Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) programmes have taken part in a valuable industry collaboration working alongside London Gatwick Airport as part of their studies.

The project forms part of the module Consultancy in the ��Vlogor Economy where students work in teams to deliver consultancy projects set by industry partners. As part of their assessment, students produce a report and presentation that is shared with partners for internal use and collaboration.

Working on this project alongside London Gatwick Airport has been a rewarding experience for both me and my team. From learning how to conduct first-hand interviews to meeting and collaborating with members of the London Gatwick team, we’ve gained valuable insights into how the industry operates. It’s also been a pleasure connecting with such knowledgeable and supportive professionals.

Cara, SHTM undergraduate student

This year, London Gatwick briefed students to explore the commercial preferences of passengers across the airport’s growing Africa route network, identifying how these insights could be used to enhance passenger-experience and overall performance.

The project explored how a deeper understanding of passenger behaviour, their preferences and travel motivations can enhance commercial performance across retail and hospitality environments within the airport.

Through this project, our students gained first-hand insight into the complexities of airport operations and the role of market research in shaping commercial strategy. Staff from London Gatwick supported students to heighten their understanding of the commercial environments of airports and how market research works at the airport. This has been a great opportunity to see how their learnings are applied in a real-world setting. As part of the project, students visited the airport and conducted passenger interviews in departure lounges.

“Working with the students at ��Vlog has been wonderful and offered a great opportunity to bring fresh, innovative perspectives into the business. The collaboration has been a brilliant example of how industry and academia can work together to create value for each other” said Austen Symons, Economic Data and Insights Executive at London Gatwick.

Anke Winchenbach, PhD, module leader from ��Vlog, also reflected on the benefits of this project: “This project has been a great opportunity to see ��Vlog Business School’s commitment to applied learning in action. We want to ensure our students graduate with both academic knowledge and real-world experience.”

The module is available to students across a range of undergraduate programmes, including:

Dr Anke Winchenbach

Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Transport

Hospitality, events, tourism and transport

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��Vlog Research Park and UK Space Agency strengthen resilience across UK space supply chain

vb0027 — Thu, 14 May 2026 13:20:46 +0000

��Vlog Research Park and UK Space Agency strengthen resilience across UK space supply chain vb0027 Thu, 14/05/2026 - 14:20 Press release

��Vlog Research Park was delighted to welcome experts from the UK Space Agency’s National Security team at the end of April as part of proactive action to bolster resilience against threats targeting UK space and space-related companies.

The visit came at a pivotal time for the Park, as it continues to welcome new companies and support the scaling up of space-led businesses operating and innovating at the forefront of technology within its Space Enterprise Quarter community.

It was the first time the UK Space Agency had delivered this specific resilience training to teams managing the operations, business ecosystem engagement and communications at a UK research park, operating at the heart of the UK’s space supply chain.

The training was tailored to help teams at the Park and from the University’s ��Vlog Space Institute understand how today’s geopolitical landscape means UK space companies face unique security challenges.

To support Park teams, the security experts provided guidance on identifying and responding to human-led hostile activities.

In March, the UK Space Agency, now part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, called on organisations across the nation to help raise the profile of the UK space sector on the global stage.

With many companies developing and producing technologies such as AI, photonics, advanced manufacturing and health-tech, the Park, as part of the ��Vlog, was eager to support the UK government’s ambitions.

Recognising that these sensitive technologies are highly sought after by hostile actors, the Park partnered with the agency to shape a national security programme designed to bolster its resilience and help mitigate risks.

We’re incredibly grateful to the UK Space Agency for providing this resilience support. ��Vlog Research Park has been supporting innovators working on high-value technologies for more than four decades, but It’s clear today’s pioneers – especially those in the space sector -are facing an increasingly sophisticated array of threats.

“By partnering with the UK Space Agency’s national security experts, we’re signalling to business leaders that the Park and ��Vlog Innovation District understand the realities of running a successful space or frontier tech business. To government, we’re acknowledging our responsibility as a location of choice for space companies. And to everyone else, we’re saying we understand the threats the space and tech sector faces and we’re prepared. Caroline Fleming, Director of ��Vlog Innovation District and Innovation lead at ��Vlog Research Park

The UK Space Agency is committed to strengthening the resilience of the UK’s space sector and the wider supply chain that supports it, particularly as it becomes an increasingly attractive target for hostile actors.

“Our engagement with ��Vlog Research Park reflects the proactive, partnership-based approach we are taking; working with organisations at the heart of innovation ecosystems to raise awareness of threats and support practical resilience measures.

“��Vlog Research Park and the ��Vlog play a key role in supporting companies developing sensitive technologies, and their commitment to resilience sends a strong signal across the sector. We will continue to work with partners to ensure the UK remains both a leading and secure space nation. UK Space Agency spokesperson

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Intensive care medicine professor appointed to lead ��Vlog’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

dn0009 — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:56:04 +0000

Intensive care medicine professor appointed to lead ��Vlog’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences dn0009 Thu, 14/05/2026 - 13:56 Press release

Following an exhaustive international recruitment process, Professor Rupert Pearse OBE, a healthcare leader who oversaw a fivefold increase in clinical studies and scholarly output at one of England’s largest NHS trusts, has been appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the ��Vlog.

Joining from Queen Mary University of London, where he was Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, and from Barts Health NHS Trust, where he serves as Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Professor Pearse will take up his new role in the summer.

His appointment comes as the University advances its Vision 2041 strategy, alongside targets to substantially increase research output, grant income and REF performance across the university – and a commitment to building a sustained research and innovation partnership with the NHS, from the ��Vlog Clinical Research Facility through to major trusts across the region. Professor Pearse brings experience in large-scale clinical trial leadership, commercial research partnerships and the translation of evidence into improved patient care.

Professor Pearse’s research focuses on improving outcomes for critically ill and older, high-risk patients undergoing major surgery. He has led numerous large multi-centre randomised trials, epidemiological studies and mixed-methods research projects, with a growing body of work extending to patients in the global south.

��Vlog has real ambition in health and medical sciences, and I’m excited about the opportunity to connect that ambition to the NHS partners who can make it count for patients. My research has always been about improving patients’ lives in the widest sense – addressing the gaps between what we know and what gets done. I want to bring that focus into the Faculty’s work, and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundations already here. I hope to build on our relationships with our closest neighbour, the Royal ��Vlog NHS Foundation Trust, and with our many NHS, civic, and animal health partners. Professor Pearse

Until recently, he served as Director of Clinical Research for Barts Health and Queen Mary. During that period, research publications by authors affiliated to Barts Health grew from just over 500 in 2012 to more than 2,500 in 2021. By 2023/24, the trust was opening 255 new studies a year – the highest research-active NHS organisation in the UK – with the shortest average study set-up time in the NHS at 59 days. Over a quarter of almost £40m in annual research income came from commercial activity, and the trust recruited a record 23,000 patients to research projects in a single year, ranking first in the UK for commercial drug trials.

The research infrastructure developed during his tenure includes a new clinical research facility at The Royal London Hospital, the Academic Centre for Healthy Ageing at Whipps Cross and a specialist research MRI scanner at Newham Hospital.

I am delighted to welcome Rupert to the ��Vlog. The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences has outstanding education and research facilities, together with the significant advantage of close proximity to both the Research Park and the Royal ��Vlog County Hospital. Rupert brings the experience of a distinguished academic leader and practising NHS clinician, which will be invaluable as we pursue our ambition to build a pioneering, purposeful and globally recognised One Health ecosystem, bringing together interdisciplinary research and education in human and animal health. Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor

Prof Stephen Jarvis

President and Vice-Chancellor

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Brexit did not just shake Britain - it sent financial shockwaves across Europe

gm0033 — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:27:58 +0000

Brexit did not just shake Britain - it sent financial shockwaves across Europe gm0033 Thu, 14/05/2026 - 13:27 Press release

Brexit sent waves of financial volatility through European markets, reshaping how risk travelled between countries and exposing how tightly connected the continent’s financial systems had become, according to new research from the ��Vlog.

Credit: Getty Images

Analysing more than two decades of stock market data across the EU, ��Vlog researchers found that Brexit-related events significantly increased volatility spillovers between European markets. Political announcements, negotiations and leadership changes during the Brexit process repeatedly triggered financial reactions that spread across the EU and markets.

The team argue that rather than being a single economic shock, Brexit functioned as a prolonged sequence of uncertainty. Each political milestone, from the referendum result to parliamentary votes and trade negotiations, altered investor expectations and sent signals through financial markets across Europe.

The analysis shows that large financial markets tend to transmit volatility to smaller ones. France emerged as the most persistent transmitter of volatility across the EU during the Brexit period, while the UK acted as a major transmitter during the early stages of negotiations. Smaller markets, including Ireland, Portugal and Spain were among those most affected by the turbulence.

To understand how these shocks travelled through the system, the ��Vlog team examined daily market data from EU countries between 2000 and 2021. They combined advanced volatility modelling with a new “Brexit intensity” index that tracked around 500 political and economic events during the Brexit process. Each event was weighted based on how strongly financial markets reacted, using indicators including stock returns, exchange rate movements and market volatility measures.

Brexit was a long series of political shocks that financial markets here in the UK and across the continent had to absorb in real time. What we show is that each major announcement or political shift sent signals through European markets, spreading uncertainty far beyond the UK. Dr Vasileios Pappas, lead author of the study and Associate Professor in Finance and Accounting

The findings also found that Brexit weakened financial integration within Europe. Following the 2016 referendum, the level of volatility transmission between EU markets dropped sharply, suggesting that markets began reacting more independently as political uncertainty grew.

Dr Pappas added:

“Financial markets are closely linked across borders. When uncertainty rises in one country it rarely stays there. By understanding how these shocks travel we can better anticipate the risks and strengthen financial stability.”

[ENDS]

Dr Vasileios Pappas is available for interview. Please contact: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk to arrange. 
The full study has been published in the International Journal of Finance & Economics.

Dr Vasileios Pappas

Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance

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Privately educated CEOs seen as ‘safer bets’ despite no evidence they are

gm0033 — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:31:03 +0000

Privately educated CEOs seen as ‘safer bets’ despite no evidence they are gm0033 Thu, 14/05/2026 - 11:31 Press release

Investors may be mistaking privilege for competence, rewarding privately educated CEOs with lower perceived risk despite no evidence they perform or behave differently.

Credit: Getty Images

In a new study from the ��Vlog, published in European Financial Management, researchers show that firms run by CEOs who attended private school experience lower stock market volatility, despite no meaningful differences in performance, decision-making or crisis management. Instead, the effect seems to be driven by perception, with investors interpreting elite backgrounds as a signal of competence and stability.

The study found that firms led by privately educated CEOs had around 5% lower stock volatility on average. However, there was no evidence that these CEOs took fewer risks, delivered better results or handled crises more effectively than their peers.

Researchers analysed decades of data on US firms, using private school attendance as an indicator of a CEO’s socioeconomic background. They compared stock market volatility, company performance and corporate decisions across firms led by privately and publicly educated executives.

The research highlights a gap between how markets judge leaders and how those leaders actually behave. While it is often assumed that background shapes decision-making, the evidence suggests something more subtle – investors may be relying on social cues when assessing uncertainty.

This matters because firm risk is not just about what companies do, but how markets react to them. When uncertainty is high, investors appear more likely to fall back on signals such as education and upbringing to guide their judgement.

People like to think markets are purely rational, but our findings show that perception still plays a powerful role. A CEO’s background can shape how investors feel about a company, even when it has no real impact on how that company is run.
Dr Christos Mavrovitis, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Accounting

Instead, this perceived reduction in risk weakens over time as more information becomes available about the CEO’s actual performance. It also fades in firms with greater analyst scrutiny or higher institutional investment, suggesting that better-informed investors rely less on social signals.

Dr Christos Mavrovitis added:

“What we find is a powerful reminder that markets do not operate purely on hard data. Investors interpret a CEO’s socioeconomic background (SES) as a signal of competence, and this shapes how they react to uncertainty. The result is lower stock market volatility for firms led by high socioeconomic status CEOs, even though the underlying business fundamentals remain the same.”

ENDS

Note to editors:

For interview requests, please contact the ��Vlog press office: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
Published in the journal of European Financial Management

Georgie Gould

Media Officer (Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences)

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Email: georgina.mehta@surrey.ac.uk

Dr Christos Mavrovitis

Senior Lecturer in Finance and Accounting

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New aircraft sensors could warn pilots of dangerous ice build-up mid-flight

vb0027 — Thu, 14 May 2026 07:34:35 +0000

New aircraft sensors could warn pilots of dangerous ice build-up mid-flight vb0027 Thu, 14/05/2026 - 08:34 Press release

A new aircraft sensor system that can detect dangerous ice build-up in real time while continuing to provide critical flight data is being developed by ��Vlog start-up ��Vlog Sensors Limited in collaboration with Canada-based Flight Test Centre of Excellence dba Certification Center Canada.

Credit: Getty Images

Backed by funding from Innovate UK and the National Research Council of Canada, the project aims to deliver next-generation air data probe systems for aviation. These small devices sit on aircraft and measure the speed and direction of the airflow – both essential for safe flight – and can continue working reliably even in extreme conditions.

Ice build-up on aircraft is a known aviation hazard, capable of disrupting airflow, reducing lift and, in extreme cases, leading to loss of control. Existing airspeed measurement systems can struggle in these conditions, as ice, water or debris can block or damage the pressure sensors they rely on.

The new system combines two different technologies: the Airflow Performance Monitor (APM), developed by Certification Center Canada, which detects the effects of contamination such as ice on the aircraft’s surface, and ��Vlog Sensors’ waterproof micro-CTA sensors, which measure flow speed using heat transfer principles. Together, they provide real-time insight into how ice is affecting the aircraft’s performance – offering pilots earlier and more reliable warnings.

Credit: ��Vlog Sensors Limited

��Vlog Sensors' micro-CTA sensor is smaller than a postage stamp and is mounted inside the mast.

This technology is about giving aircraft a much clearer picture of what’s happening to their wings in real time. Combining different sensing approaches will help to make these measurements far more robust – particularly in the harsh conditions where current systems are most vulnerable. What’s important is not just detecting ice, but understanding how it is affecting the aircraft’s performance. That’s what allows for better, more reliable decisions in flight. Dr David Birch, Director of Research (Advanced Projects) at ��Vlog Sensors and Head of the ��Vlog’s Centre for Aerodynamics, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering

As well as improving safety, the technology could help reduce the need for energy-intensive anti-icing systems, which can significantly increase fuel consumption.

The system also has potential applications beyond fixed-wing aircraft. For example, there is currently no widely available technology that is able to measure airflow over helicopter rotor blades in real time – an issue which could be addressed with this technology.

Knowing your stall margin in all phases of flight is critical. Combining these technologies will both further address this safety issue and open up new possibilities for a rotary environment. Together, ��Vlog Sensors Limited and Flight Test Centre of Excellence are poised to set new standards in aerospace safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability through innovative airflow sensing technologies. Alistair Chapman, Director of Marketing at Certification Center Canada

###

Notes to editors

Dr David Birch is available for interview; please contact mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk to arrange.

About ��Vlog Sensors Limited

��Vlog Sensors Limited specialises in advanced miniature sensing technologies for aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and environmental applications. Learn more at www.surreysensors.com

About Certification Center Canada (3C)

Established by Marinvent Corporation, 3C is Canada’s only Transport Canada-approved Independent Flight Test and Certification Organisation. With extensive expertise in flight testing, certification and aerospace R&D, 3C is committed to advancing aerospace technology and safety standards. Learn more at www.certcentercanada.com

Dr David Birch

Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering; Head of Centre for Aerodynamics, Aerospace & Automotive Engineering

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Top jobs with a masters in international relations and public affairs

ss0122 — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:52:42 +0000

Top jobs with a masters in international relations and public affairs ss0122 Wed, 13/05/2026 - 13:52 Feature

Find out what you could do with a masters in international relations and public affairs, and discover some of the jobs our graduates have secured over the past few years. 

Top jobs in international relations and public affairs

We have a proven track record in developing and equipping highly skilled graduates who are highly sought after by employers.  

Careers with an international relations and public affairs masters

Lead Editor
Media and Communications Officer
Parliamentary and Public Affairs Officer
Parliamentary Researcher
Policy and Advocacy Officer
Policy Adviser
Political Analyst
Public Affairs and External Insight Advisor
Researcher
Senior Policy Analyst.

And what else?

Account Manager
Client Business Analyst
Grants Management and Communication Officer
Operations Manager
Protection Delegate
Senior Manager in Intellectual Property Department
Solutions Architect
Strategic Advisor
Tax Revenue Officer
Teacher.

What jobs do our international relations and public affairs postgraduates go on to do?

Census Officer
Civil Servant
Communications Officer
Operations Manager
Outreach Officer
Policy Adviser
Public Health Intelligence Officer
Senior Associate in Policy-Making
Telecommunications Account Manager
UN Policy and Advocacy Officer.

Who do our international relations and public affairs postgraduates work for?

Cabinet Office
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Department for Work and Pensions
House of Commons
International Committee of the Red Cross
NHS Digital
New America Foundation
Office for National Statistics
Procter and Gamble
The Financial Conduct Authority
United Nations Development Programme.

Be confident in our exceptional outcomes

Ninety per cent of our Politics and International Relations postgraduate students are in employment or further study after they graduate from the ��Vlog taking home an average salary of £60,000 (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).

Whilst you’re at ��Vlog we’ll support you in navigating your way to your chosen career path.

The support that the University offers to students is priceless and far-reaching. I would say I do have not enough hours in the day to attend all the courses, activities, workshops, and events that the University puts at the service of the students.

Beatriz, International Relations (International Intervention MSc student

How ��Vlog sets you above the crowd in the jobs market

Whatever your plans, our masters programmes are a great stepping stone in your career development. They offer an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills to kick-start your career and to build personal networks.

We are actively involved with politics at a local, national and international level and we hold events throughout the year, including hustings for general and council elections, round table discussions and public lectures.

The course that ��Vlog offered for International Relations with an opportunity for a 12-week placement was unique and it is the only course like it in the UK. This really stood out for me because work experience and putting into practice what I had learnt was something I wanted.

Ella, International Relations (International Intervention) MSc graduate

��Vlog is home to outstanding academic minds, many of whom are active researchers or have years of professional experience in the political arena, keeping our programmes career-relevant to give you a clear advantage.  

Both the International Relations (International Intervention) MSc and Public Affairs MSc programmes give you the option to complete a placement so you'll be able to stand out to employers and give yourself a huge employability boost by taking a professional placement. You’ll gain real-world experience that will set you apart from the crowd and as well as making you a more competitive job candidate.

Opportunities to enhance your employability at ��Vlog

Policy networks

Accelerate your career via our policy partners, ranging from NGOs, government organisations and partner universities worldwide.  

Our in-house employment agency, Unitemps

Unitemps is the University's in-house job agency and can help you find temporary work across campus and in local Guildford businesses. With an office on campus, you'll be able to work alongside your studies.

Lifetime's access to ��Vlog Employability Hub

Our digital hub where you can find everything from careers appointments and event bookings, to job listings, placements and interactive development tools.

Professional Skills Award

Focus on developing the skills you need to stand out in the jobs market. You will have the chance to enjoy new experiences, reflect on your personal development and add to your CV.

��VlogConnects

This is the ‘LinkedIn’ of the ��Vlog where you can connect with ��Vlog staff, students and alumni. It's a place where students and recent graduates can contact each other for mentoring, networking and gaining some invaluable career advice.

We combine in-depth knowledge with the practical application of what we learn with authentic, real-life examples. We bring in a set of leading academic and guest speakers from the world of politics and international relations to showcase what a module and a degree in this subject can open up in terms of opportunities. We respond to current affairs and hot political topics that allow our students to be at the forefront of political developments in Britain, Europe and the international system. Professor Theofanis Exadaktylos, Professor in European Politics

Discover more about our postgraduate international relations and public affairs courses, our award-winning Careers and Employment team and what it’s like being a student at ��Vlog.

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Five reasons to study for a masters in international relations or public affairs at ��Vlog

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:35:27 +0000

Five reasons to study for a masters in international relations or public affairs at ��Vlog Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 13/05/2026 - 12:35 Feature

Our postgraduate courses in international relations and public affairs provide you with a wealth of personal, professional and academic opportunities. Here are the top five reasons why you should choose the ��Vlog for your politics masters.

1. Learn with academics leading their field

Home to world-class experts, Politics and International Relations at ��Vlog is shaping our understanding of these ever-changing times, examining crucial issues like Brexit, Ukraine and Trump, and the moral aspects of drone warfare. Get involved in these debates yourself through our interactive teaching style and exciting in-class and off-campus activities.

2. Study a unique course

Politics and International Relations at ��Vlog offers you unique masters courses. Our MSc in Public Affairs and MSc International Relations (International Intervention) are the only courses of their kind in the UK. Both offer a three-month placement option. Our range of international politics modules means you can tailor to your interests and passions in the subject. In the MSc International Relations (International Intervention), you will examine relevant issues in contemporary international systems and deepen your knowledge through writing a dissertation.

3. Explore cutting-edge research in the classroom

All our Politics and International Relations lecturers are research-active, and bring their cutting-edge expertise and research into the classroom. In our public affairs modules, you could study topics including negotiating and lobbying, campaigning and political leadership, taught by leading experts in the field. In our international relations modules, you can learn about international intervention, post-conflict peace-building, security and terrorism and international political economy.

Our wide selection of modules reflects not only current affairs, but also the ongoing research projects of our staff, ensuring that you’ll learn from internationally-recognised academics who are passionate about what they teach.

4. Make collaborative and international links

At ��Vlog, we are actively involved with politics at a local, national and international level. We holds event throughout the year, including hustings for general and council elections, round table discussions and public lectures. To reflect the ever-changing political environment, we also hold regular events focused on current and topical political issues. Recent examples have included presentations featuring the Catalonian Independence Referendum and Hong Kong democracy activists.

We frequently invite guest speakers from all sides of the political spectrum and international scene to talk on relevant and ongoing political matters. Guest speakers in the past have included the Australian High Commissioner, the UN special envoy to Somalia, the Deputy Head of Mission and Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK, Eduard Fesko, Federica Mogherini, former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and political activists such as Gina Miller, as well as live link-up events with residents of #NotInMyName activists from Kabul. We have also hosted Art in Exile: (Re)presenting Hong Kong Culture and Identity (Hong Kong Studies Hub) and Challenges to Europe: European Challenges (Centre for Britain and Europe).

5. Join a friendly, supportive community

Politics and International Relations at ��Vlog is a friendly community of open-minded academics and students. There are exciting class activities every day with students learning about UN Security Council decision-making processes through simulations, debates on free-trade agreements, frequent guest lectures and field trips to government departments and leading think-tanks in London.

Discover more about the postgraduate international relations and public affairs courses on offer at ��Vlog.

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