Master of Arts - International Relations

Study this MA in International Relations to gain an understanding of the forces that shape global politics in the 21st Century. A postgraduate degree in International Relations provides a pathway to a range of careers from policy-related roles in NGOs and government to vocational positions in the media and the private sector.

This MA equips students with the knowledge, skills and tools to critically analyse and tackle global society’s most pressing issues. Innovative teaching methods, including simulations and panel-style debates, help establish a thorough grasp of the theoretical approaches and empirical methods used to study International Relations. Specialist modules allow students to study and analyse a range of topics, from traditional issues like war, peace and security to more contemporary debates on the international economy, global ethics, energy scarcity, and ecological changes. Lecturers are active researchers who will give insight into current debates, developments and perspectives within the discipline of International Relations. Students will undertake a dissertation, on a topic of their choice, and will be supervised through this task by one, or more, of the department’s dedicated research staff.

The MA is delivered with flexibility in mind, combining in-class activities with online learning provisions to ensure that studies can be balanced with other commitments, including work and family life. There are a number of different pathways on offer to fit with your individual needs and professional aims. The standard route MA is offered full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). Alternatively, students may wish to take a Sandwich option (two years full-time), which combines a year of university study with a year-long work placement, or the with Advanced Research route (two years full-time), where students will complete an extended, year-long research project in addition to one year of university study. 

Choosing the Sandwich route enhances students' employability as it gives them an additional year to work in a policy-related field, the media or private sector. The Sandwich option offers students the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills into practice, as well as enrich their personal network of contacts.