ObjectivesThe MA in International Relations is a well established and internationally recognised degree that examines new developments in international politics and international relations theory. It is an exciting programme with a high staff concentration and a large array of modules. Core modules will provide you with a solid grounding in international political analysis. You will also choose from a variety of optional modules which draw upon the research expertise in the School, including conflict, human rights and global governance. The School has particular expertise in conflict and post-conflict management, humanitarianism and the international political economy. Areas of special interest include: -Foreign Policy Analysis -Terrorism, Guerrilla War and Low Intensity Conflict -International Relations Theory -United States Foreign and Security Policy -Intelligence and National Security -Diplomacy in Middle East and Asia -International Political Economy -Globalisation -Global Civil Society and Global Justice -International Human Rights and War Crimes -Human Security and Humanitarianism -Justice Beyond Borders
Academic titleMA International Relations
Course descriptionCourse Content
As well as the foundational Theories and Concepts in International Relations, you must choose at least 20 credits (one module) from the following three core modules:
• Quantitative Political Analysis
• Philosophy of Social Research
• Designing Political Enquiry
Studying this degree will allow you to draw upon a range of modules that will deepen your understanding and develop your own interests.
You will accumulate the remaining number of modular credits from a wide range of options offered by the School of Politics and International Relations and from modules offered by other schools and departments. These include:
• Terror and Counter Terrorism
• Ethnic Conflict and Counter Resolution
• Understanding New Labour
• Art & War
• War, Peace and Terror
• Negotiation and Bargaining
• Justice Beyond Borders
• Controversies in European Politics
• Air Power and Modern Conflict
• Non-Governmental Organisations
• Narcoterrorism Drugs, States & Security
• Global Development
• Globalisation and Its Discontents
Your studies will culminate in the research and writing of a 15,000-word dissertation. You will register your dissertation on a subject of your choice and will be allocated with an appropriate Research Supervisor to oversee your progress.
Course Structure
The MA in International Relations can be studied on a full-time basis over 1 year or part-time over 2 years.
Teaching is spread across two semesters: Autumn, which begins in September and ends in January, and Spring, which begins in January and ends in June. The summer months between June and September are spent writing a dissertation.
The MA consists of 180 credits - 120 credits from modular taught study and 60 credits from the completion of a dissertation of around 15,000 words in length.
Assessment is typically by a mixture of coursework and examination, both of which will usually be assessed in the Semester in which the module is taught.
Modules are offered usually as 20 or 15 credit versions