Course Overview
The M.A. in Political Science and Public Affairs at SLU-Madrid gives students a focused postgraduate education in international relations, political science and public affairs. The Madrid program includes an International Relations and Crisis concentration, with study in international relations theory, European Union politics, contemporary political challenges and crisis studies. Students complete 30 credits through required subjects, research methods, electives and a graduate internship.
The required internship gives students practical experience with a government or non-government organisation. The university lists possible internship settings such as the Elcano Institute, American Embassy in Spain, European Parliament and other public, private and civil society organisations. Students can use the degree as preparation for diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, research, think tanks and doctoral study.
The program has grown as part of SLU-Madrid's graduate offering and gives students the chance to study political issues from an international setting in Spain. The combination of research, classroom study and professional experience gives graduates several options for further study and employment.
General Eligibility
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related field from an accredited university. The program strongly encourages applicants to have at least 18 undergraduate credits in political science or a related social science subject. Successful applicants usually have an overall and political science GPA around 3.40.
Application Requirements
Applicants normally submit:
- Online graduate application
- Official academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- A 500-word statement of purpose
- CV or résumé
- An 8–10-page writing sample with citations and references
- Proof of English proficiency when required
- English translations of academic records for international applicants
GRE and MAT scores are optional. A faculty committee reviews completed applications, and a Zoom interview is part of the admission review process.
Part Time Work Details
International students with the relevant Spanish higher-education study authorisation may work up to 30 hours per week when the work is compatible with their studies.
Language Requirement
English proficiency is required for international applicants unless they meet an approved exemption. The current SLU-Madrid English requirements page gives TOEFL scores for its Madrid admission process.
| English Test |
Minimum Score |
| IELTS |
SLU-Madrid's current English requirements page does not list a minimum IELTS score for this Madrid graduate program |
| TOEFL iBT |
63 |
| TOEFL ITP + TWE |
500 + 3.0 |
| PTE |
The current Madrid English requirements page does not list a PTE minimum |
| Duolingo |
The current Madrid English requirements page does not list a Duolingo minimum |
SLU-Madrid recommends TOEFL for applicants who need to prove English proficiency. The broader Saint Louis University 2026–27 graduate English policy lists IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL PBT 550, TOEFL Essentials 8.5, Duolingo 110 and PTE 54 as university-level minimums, though individual graduate programs may set different requirements. Applicants should confirm which score applies to this Madrid M.A. before submitting an application.