Master of Arts - International Relations with Placement Year

Students opt for an MA in International Relations to gain an understanding of the forces that shape global politics in the 21st Century. This postgraduate degree 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 programme equips students with the knowledge, skills and tools to critically analyze 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 analyze 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.

Keeping flexibility in mind, the course is delivered by combining in-class activities with online learning provisions. This ensures that studies can be balanced with other commitments. 

Students can opt for an additional work placement year in order to enhance their employability as it gives them an additional year to work in a policy-related field, the media or private sector. It also offers students the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills into practice, as well as enrich their personal network of contacts.

A postgraduate degree in International Relations will hone and improve students' communication, organizational, and critical analysis skills, providing them with tools that are appealing to future employers. Previous graduates have joined NGOs, government institutions, and large multinational organizations as policy advisers, communications managers, and researchers.