ObjectivesTo ensure that students have a thorough grounding in the history of International Relations and its main schools of thought; To introduce students to the most advanced debates in the discipline of International Relations; To teach students the importance of testing hypotheses derived from International Relations theory empirically; To introduce students to a range of issues currently important in international politics, to familiarise them with the academic arguments about these issues and to make them aware of policy choices and their implications. To develop a capacity for independent study and research in the area of international relations.
Entry requirementsEntry Qualifications BA degree of Upper Second class standard or above. For students whose native language is not English, the usual minimum language entry requirement is either an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88; Cambridge Proficiency of English C or above.
Academic titleMA International Relations
Course description
Course Description
MA International Relations is a wide-ranging and comprehensive degree that opens the way for rigorous research into international conflict and cooperation, as well as international political economy.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
BRITISH POLITICAL PARTIES
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF CENTRAL EUROPE
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF JUSTICE
Core: DISSERTATION - MA SCHEMES
Core: POLITICAL EXPLANATION
Core: THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
DEMOCRACY BEYOND THE NATION STATE? THE CASE OF EUROPE
DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONS
ECONOMETRIC METHODS AND APPLICATIONS
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
EUROPEAN POLITICS
GLOBAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
GLOBALISATION AND WORLD POLITICS: APPROACHES, ORIGINS, TRENDS
HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL THEORY
HUMAN RIGHTS IN POST-COMMUNIST DEMOCRACIES
IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
PANEL DATA METHODS
POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR
POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC POLICY
POLITICAL THEORY
POLITICS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
RATIONAL CHOICE THEORIES OF POLITICS
RESEARCH SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODS
RULE AND RESISTANCE: POLITICAL THEMES IN LITERATURE AND FILM
THE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OPINION
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in international relations or related fields at an appropriate level.
A2 : Understanding the main political science methods for using quantitative and qualitative evidence to support arguments.
A3 : Critical awareness of the use of concepts and arguments in political science.
A4 : Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in one or more sub-fields of international relations or related fields.
Teaching Methods
A1-5 Lectures, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.
A1 specifically in GV902 Theories of International Relations and the optional modules.
A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation, GV902 and option.
A3 specifically in GV902, GV958 and in supervision of individual dissertations.
A4 specifically in GV902 and options chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
Assessment Methods
Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of the modules.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : To question received thinking.
B2 : To develop independent thinking.
B3 : To muster evidence.
B4 : To evaluate and analyse evidence.
B5 : To reason critically.
B6 : To argue coherently and concisely.
B7 : To communicate ideas effectively in writing.
B8 : To carry out independent research.
Teaching Methods
B1-7. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer
B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation.
B8 especially in supervised dissertation.
Assessment Methods
B1-7. Written assignments and essays, written examinations
B8. The dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Organize and structure an extended argument.
C2 : Use concepts correctly.
C3 : Compile systematic bibliographies.
C4 : Provide references according to accepted conventions.
C5 : Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources.
C6 : Sift and synthesize complex information.
Teaching Methods
C1-6. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.
C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use.
Assessment Methods
C1-6. Written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.
C1 especially in dissertation.
C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.
C2 essays, examinations, and dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
D2 : Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources.
D3 : Understand the use of quantitative evidence.
D4 : To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
D5 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political economy or related fields at an appropriate level.
D6 : Positive response to feedback and criticism.
Teaching Methods
D1-5. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.
D3 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation, GV902 and the option.
D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.
D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.
Assessment Methods
D1-4. Written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation
D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays