ObjectivesThe general aim of this programme is to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of international relations theory, and to give them the tools they need to use this knowledge in the speciality of their choice.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements The degree may be taken full-time (one year) or parttime (two years). To apply, students require a bachelors' degree and two letters of recommendation.The medium of instruction is English, and those who do not speak English as a first language must achieve a score of 6.0 or higher on the TOFEL or achieve comparable results on a comparable test.
Academic titleMA in International Politics
Course descriptionProgramme Structure
Core
IR Theory - Classical and Post-Classical Approaches
(Semester 1)
The aim of the module is to introduce students to
different theoretical approaches in the study of International Relations (IR) and to examine the extent to
which these theories can offer explanations of, and
practical guidance to, the contemporary international and
political environment. This course will address the
conventional policy concerns and dilemmas, but it will do
so from a critical perspective and with the expressed
intention of moving beyond the sovereign, state-centric
frameworks of IR.
Students will also choose forty credits worth of modules
from but not restricted to the following list, subject to
availability.
• Strategic Thinkers - Precursors to the information Age
• Strategic Studies and Security I - The Dimensions of
Strategy
• The International Politics of the Environment I
• Security Studies Seminar
• The EU - Political Integration and Policy Analysis
• Maritime Strategy
• Philosophy of Social and Political Science
• Political Economy in Perspective
• Political Economy in Competitiveness
Core
IR Theory - Practical Applications and Case Studies
(Semester 2)
The aim of this second module is to build upon the
theoretical foundations of the IR Theory: Classical and
Post-classical Approaches module, and to demonstrate
how the theoretical framework provided in the first
module can be applied to practical situations.The module
explores the inter-related nature of political, legal and
strategic discourse.
Students will also choose forty credits worth of modules
from the following list, subject to availability.
• Strategic Thinkers - The Information Age
• Strategic Studies and Security II - Strategy Applied
• European Union - National and International
Perspectives
• Contemporary Maritime Security
• Qualitative Training for IR and Security Studies
• Methods in Political Research
• British Defence Policy since 1945
• Intelligence and Statecraft
Period Three
Students will write a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic
approved by the course co-ordinator.