Peking University

What you'll study

The MIR curriculum balances core international relations theory and methods with applied courses on contemporary global issues and China’s role in the world. Typical modules include:

• International Relations Theory – foundational perspectives on state behaviour, institutionalism, constructivism and critical approaches.
• International Political Economy – trade, finance, development and the politics of global markets.
• China’s Foreign Policy – historical development, strategic priorities, diplomacy and policy instruments.
• Security Studies – traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
• Regional Studies – focused seminars on East Asia, South Asia, Europe, Africa or the Middle East depending on student interest.
• Research Methods – qualitative and quantitative methods, case study design, and data analysis for policy-relevant research.
• Thesis / Capstone Project – a supervised research project demonstrating the student’s ability to carry out independent scholarship or policy analysis.

Delivery typically combines lectures, seminars, policy workshops and research supervision. Students may select elective courses to shape a specialist pathway (for example, diplomacy, development, or security), and have opportunities to attend talks by visiting diplomats and researchers based in Beijing.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, economics, law, history or a related social science, with strong academic records. Additional typical requirements include:

• Transcripts showing undergraduate performance.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Personal statement or research proposal outlining academic interests and intended focus during the master’s.
• Language proficiency – evidence of English ability where required (such as IELTS/TOEFL) for applicants whose prior instruction was not in English; some courses or tracks may require or benefit from Chinese language ability (HSK) but programmes often accept students without high-level Chinese, offering China-focused content in English.

Professional experience is not always required but can strengthen an application for policy-oriented or practitioner-track candidates. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MIR pursue a range of careers that leverage expertise in international affairs and China studies. Common pathways include:

• Diplomacy and government – roles in foreign ministries, trade and development agencies, and policy units addressing bilateral and multilateral issues.
• International organisations and NGOs – positions in the UN system, regional organisations, and civil society groups focused on governance, development and humanitarian issues.
• Think tanks and research institutes – research, policy analysis and commentary on geopolitics, security and economic relations.
• Corporate and consultancy – advisory roles in political risk analysis, international business strategy, and market-entry for firms engaging with China and Asia.
• Media and communications – research, reporting and analysis for specialised outlets covering international affairs.
• Academia and further study – progression to doctoral research in international relations, political science or area studies.

Why study at Peking University

Peking University offers MIR students access to one of China’s leading centres of social science research and a strong network of faculty who specialise in China’s international relations. The university’s location in Beijing provides regular interaction with government agencies, diplomatic missions and policy research centres, and frequent events with visiting scholars and practitioners. Students benefit from interdisciplinary opportunities across campus, language-learning resources for improving Chinese, and partnerships with international institutions that support exchanges and collaborative research.