ObjectivesThe MA in International Relations (Research Track) examines new developments in international politics and international relations theory. This degree aims to give you the methodological tools necessary to study international relations at advanced level. It is composed of three elements: -research training, which equips you with essential research methods skills; -subject-specific training, which provides an understanding of both the philosophical and practical basis of international political analysis, and examines new developments in international relations theory; -and generic skills training, which is available for those who are taking the MA as part of the four-year doctoral programme, providing students with training - in particular, software applications and career-related skills. The course has accreditation from the ESRC. The School has particular expertise in conflict and post-conflict management, humanitarianism and the international political economy. Areas of special interest include: -International Relations Theory -Research Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative methods -Philosophy of Social Science -Foreign Policy Analysis -Theory and Practice of Diplomacy -Terrorism and Conflict -International Political Economy -Globalisation and Global Justice -United States Foreign and Security Policy -Human Security and Humanitarianism
Academic titleMA International Relations (Research Track)
Course descriptionKey facts
-The course has full recognition from the Economic and Social Research Council as a research training MA, therefore applicants may be eligible to apply for an ESRC ‘1+3’ Studentship.
-The School of Politics was rated 24/24 for its teaching by the Quality Assurance Agency and ranked in the top ten of UK departments in the most recent Guardian Education guide.
Course Content
-This course requires that you take the following core modules:
-Theories and Concepts in International Relations
-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 modular credits (40 in total) by taking the generic training skills training module - Research Management and Personal Development Skills - and one further module from a list of modules available in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Your studies will culminate in the research and writing of a 15,000-word dissertation, which must contain a strong research element. You will register your dissertation on a subject of your choice and will be allocated with a Research Supervisor to oversee your progress.
Course Structure
The MA in International Relations (Research Track) 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 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.
This course is supported by generic and research skills training in order to prepare you for a further three years’ doctoral study at the end of the cours