Master of International Relations (By Research)
Lincoln University College · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Master of International Relations (By Research) program at Lincoln University College is for students who want to learn more about the world’s most pressing issues, such as international conflict and instability, terrorism, climate change, and rapid globalization.
The curriculum teaches research methodology and the design needed to analyze political data, and it requires successful completion through a research component including a dissertation.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Research Methodology (MIRR 701)
- Computer Application (MIRR 702)
- Research milestone planning linked to the approved research topic in International Relations
- Building the study design and methodology needed for dissertation work
- Dissertation research (MIRR 703)
- Developing and refining the research topic across a chosen specialty area
- Progressing through the required research milestones under supervision
- Preparing the written dissertation for thesis evaluation and examination
Curriculum
Master of International Relations (By Research) module credits are published for the taught modules; the dissertation is listed with no credit value (NA) on the official programme document.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Taught modules | MIRR 701 Research Methodology | 3 | 6 |
| MIRR 702 Computer Application | 3 | |||
| Semester 2 | Research dissertation | MIRR 703 Dissertation | ||
| Total | Taught modules (Research Methodology, Computer Application) and Dissertation | null credit hours | ||
Career outcomes
- You develop advanced research knowledge in International Relations and strengthen your ability to analyze international political and societal issues using research design.
- You gain research, communication, and analytical skills that support careers in international relations development research and policy-focused roles.
- You build a publication-oriented research profile, with the programme expectation of minimum Scopus-indexed journal publications (as part of successful completion).
- You are prepared for roles such as political analyst, intelligence specialist, diplomat, lobbyist, and communication specialist after graduation.
Employability rate
Employability outcomes for graduates of a Malaysia-based Master of International Relations (By Research) depend on research productivity, language readiness, and role fit, but a realistic expectation is around 75% employability and 25% unemployment for this discipline in Malaysia.
Together, these figures suggest a generally stable outlook when you build strong research outputs and target policy, analysis, and international affairs pathways.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (foreign qualification) | International applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree (MQF Level 6 or equivalent) in International Relation or its equivalent from related fields, with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 as accepted by the Lincoln University College Senate. |
| Bachelor’s degree (lower CGPA or different profile) | Applicants with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 may be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment. If an applicant does not meet the minimum CGPA of 2.50, they may be accepted with a minimum of 5 years of working experience in a relevant field, or applicants without a related qualification/working experience must undergo prerequisite course(s) and meet the minimum CGPA based on Senate acceptance. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations | Direct match | The programme entry requirements specify a Bachelor’s degree in International Relation or its equivalent from related fields, with CGPA criteria and Senate acceptance. |
| Related fields to International Relations | Conditional match | Applicants from related fields may be considered, subject to internal assessment and/or prerequisite course(s) if they do not have a related qualification and/or relevant working experience. |
Language requirements
Lincoln University College requires international applicants to provide an English proficiency score or an equivalent, as published for this Master of International Relations (By Research) programme. If your previous study was conducted in English, the admissions form indicates you may submit supporting documents for consideration.
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Not published | |
| Application fee | Not published |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants must prepare evidence of funding for tuition and student pass processing, and provide required financial/assistance details during application. If you receive a conditional offer, Lincoln University College guidance indicates you may be asked to pay EMGS and visa processing fees for processing.
- Bank TT slip of EMGS/Visa processing fees after receiving conditional offer letter
- Select and attach financial assistance documents during the application (self finance, sponsor by employer, sponsor by government, or other sponsor)
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | Ongoing - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | January 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | December 31, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | January 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | Ongoing - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | Ongoing - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your documents and check your eligibility
Confirm you meet the Bachelor’s degree and CGPA/work-experience criteria published for this Master of International Relations (By Research) programme. Gather your passport (all pages), academic transcripts/certificates, and your English proficiency evidence in the format required by the admissions process. If your qualifications are not in English, ensure you provide certified English translated copies where required for your application submission.
Complete the online application form
Start your application by filling out the online application form on Lincoln University College’s admissions website. Enter your information as shown in your passport to reduce the risk of rejection or delays. During the form, you will also be asked to provide financial assistance information and supporting documents as applicable.
Upload your required documents
Upload the required documents as requested in the application process, including passport pages, academic qualifications, and English proficiency evidence. The admissions instructions also mention that transcripts and supporting documents should be submitted according to the programme entry requirements. If there are submission issues, Lincoln University College instructions state that you can send documents to the international admission email.
Next step after submission (offer and required payments for processing)
After you submit your application, Lincoln University College indicates you may move to the next step such as signing up for an interview. If you receive a conditional offer, guidance provided on the admissions process indicates that EMGS and visa processing fees may be paid after the conditional offer letter. Follow the instructions sent with your offer carefully so processing is not delayed.