Master International Relations and Contemporary Political Theory
ObjectivesThis course offers an innovative, intellectually challenging, and integrated approach to issues relating perspectives from political and social theory to international relations and areas of academic enquiry.
Entry requirementsYou will require a good Honours degree, First Class or Upper Second Class or equivalent. Equivalent qualifications from overseas are welcome; if you hold or are expecting to gain a good first degree in an unrelated subject, you may be required to complete the University’s Summer School module in international relations or an equivalent approved by the course admissions tutor. You will need fluent written and spoken English to study at postgraduate level. If your first language is not English, an attainment of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent must be demonstrated. The University offers presessional summer programmes if you need to improve your English before starting your course. Your application must be supported by a reference written on institutional notepaper by an academic familiar with your abilities. Applications from mature candidates are welcomed.
Academic titleMA International Relations and Contemporary Political Theory
Course descriptionIntroduction
This course is hosted by the internationally recognised Centre for the Study of Democracy. It offers an innovative, intellectually challenging, and integrated approach to issues relating perspectives from political and social theory to international relations and areas of academic enquiry.
Course Content
The course considers various aspects of local, regional and international politics, as well as the dynamics of national and international social and political power relationships and Conflicts, and such phenomena as changing patterns of war and revolution, political economy, social movements, communications media and public life. Comparisons of various historical continuities, discontinuities and contrasts are employed within the contexts of social processes and international relations.
Core modules:
Dissertation and Research Methods
Human Sciences: Perspectives and Methods International Relations Theory I: Theoretical Perspectives
either Democracy: Global Perspectives
or The State, Politics and Violence
Options, choose three from:
Controversies in United States Foreign Policies and Processes
Democracy and Islam
Environmental and Urban Governance: International Perspectives
Governance of the European Union
International Humanitarian Law International Relations Theory 2: From a World of States to a World State?
International Security
International State-Building: Exporting Democracy?
Introduction to Contemporary Chinese Societies and Cultures
Latin America and Globalisation
Modernity, Postmodernity and the Islamic Perspective
Perspectives on Post-Cold War Chinese Foreign Policy
Politics, Public Life and the Media
The European Union as an International Actor
One of your options may be an approved free choice module hosted by another Masters course. The dissertation module must be taken either following the completion of all other modules, or concurrently with modules in your second semester.
Teaching and Assessment
The hallmark of this course is a strong, student-centred approach to teaching and learning, rooted in seminars and tutorials. Although the course includes some formal lectures, the emphasis is on learning through close, interactive group work focusing on a range of student and staff presentations in structured seminars. Each module has its own characteristic delivery features that are appropriate to the particular subject matter. During all stages of study, you will be offered close support as part of a strategy designed to facilitate your acquisition of appropriate learning skills and derivation of maximum academic benefit from the course. There are no formal exams. Continual assessment methods include project work, marked presentations and essays.