Oxford MPhil Politics and MPhil International Relations at St Antony’s
Choosing the right Oxford college plays a meaningful role in shaping your Oxford graduate experience. For students studying an MPhil in Politics or the MPhil in International Relations, St Antony’s offers an exceptional combination of global outlook, academic depth and a welcoming graduate community. Our strengths in political science, area studies and international affairs create a natural home for graduate students studying Politics or International Relations at Oxford.
Why MPhil Politics and MPhil International Relations students thrive at St Antony’s
Close relationship with the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR)
St Antony’s maintains a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the Department of Politics and International Relations, creating a natural bridge between students’ academic work and the wider intellectual life of the University. The College regularly welcomes DPIR academics, researchers and visiting fellows to speak at seminars and workshops, and many of our own Fellows contribute actively to teaching and research in the department. This close connection ensures that MPhil Politics and MPhil International Relations students feel deeply embedded in Oxford’s political science community from the moment they arrive, with frequent opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research, policy discussions and leading figures in the field.
The College’s close relationship with DPIR is reflected in the jointly hosted Visiting Parliamentary Fellowship, which brings parliamentarians to Oxford each year. MPhil students benefit from discussions, seminars and informal exchanges with practitioners who offer unique insight into current political decision-making, legislative processes and global governance.
A leading hub for Politics and International Relations
St Antony’s is internationally recognised for its expertise in comparative politics, political economy and international relations, bringing together scholars whose work spans the globe. This creates a stimulating environment for both MPhil Politics and MPhil International Relations students. Our community of students has a common focus, but are from varied backgrounds and in different academic disciplines, creating an unparalleled environment for discussion, idea exchange and collaboration. Our mission is to promote international understanding in a complex world: St Antony’s is a place where academic inquiry meets real-world impact.
Exceptional access to global practitioners and high-profile visitors
St Antony’s is known for attracting influential international voices for weekly seminars, lectures and events. In recent years, speakers such as Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union, have delivered major addresses at the College, offering students the chance to engage directly with senior policymakers and global leaders. These events enrich the academic experience for both Politics and International Relations students and bring cutting-edge international debate into the heart of College life.
A uniquely international, graduate-only community
With students from more than seventy countries, St Antony’s offers a global learning environment. And as a graduate-only Oxford college, we offer a focused environment where everyone is engaged in advanced study or research. Students find peers who share their intellectual interests, support their research journeys and bring diverse perspectives to discussions of politics and world affairs. The College’s events, networks, and support systems are all designed around postgraduate life, creating the perfect complement to the Oxford MPhil Politics and MPhil International Relations programmes.
Regional expertise through world-leading area studies centres
Hosting the University’s major centres for African, Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern and Russian & Eurasian studies, St Antony’s offers unparalleled access to regional scholarship. Students working towards these MPhil courses can enrich their research by drawing on these Centres’ seminars, workshops and specialist resources, allowing political and international questions to be explored through diverse global lenses.
Integrated campus living designed for graduate study
St Antony’s has an integrated campus, with accommodation, study spaces, dining and social areas located on site or within a short five-minute walk. This encourages a strong sense of community and makes everyday life easy to navigate during an intensive two-year MPhil programme.
What our students say
‘When applying to Oxford, I specifically chose St Antony’s because I knew of its strong reputation in International Relations and the Social Sciences. The College’s global focus—spanning modern history, politics, economics, and area studies—stood out to me as uniquely aligned with my academic interests. Since arriving, St Antony’s has absolutely matched my expectations. Its international community, rich intellectual life, and supportive academic environment have made it an ideal place to pursue graduate study.
St Antony’s is exceptionally well suited for MPhil International Relations students because it combines world-class research and teaching with a vibrant, interdisciplinary academic culture. The College hosts numerous research centres and area studies institutes, which provide invaluable opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scholarship on global issues. The highly international student body enriches discussions and broadens perspectives, while the frequent seminars and special lectures create an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom. Altogether, St Antony’s offers the ideal setting for anyone pursuing advanced study in international relations or regional studies.‘
Yoonki Lee, MPhil International Relations
‘I didn’t initially choose St Antony’s (mainly because I had never really heard much about it!) but if I were to have my time again there is no where else I would want to be than here! I chose Jesus College because of its central location and on-site postgraduate accommodation.
St Antony’s is very well placed for MPhil in Politics students. The range of talks have been an excellent part of the experience. In particular, the Visiting Parliamentary Fellowship series provides a hands-on applied understanding of politics outside of the academic focus of the course.’
Edward Anders, MPhil Politics (Comparative Government)
A college that complements your MPhil Politics and MPhil International Relations journey
From research expertise to community spirit, St Antony’s offers an environment that supports every aspect of the Oxford MPhil in Politics and Oxford MPhil in International Relations experience – academic, professional, and personal. Students leave not only with a world-class qualification but also with a network of global peers and mentors. That’s why we think we’re the best Oxford college for MPhil in Politics and MPhil in International Relations students.