About
The MA in International Relations is a well-established and internationally recognised degree that examines new developments in international politics and international relations theory. It goes beyond a superficial reading of international political affairs, by studying the complex relations between and among states, societies, individuals, identities and cultures in such areas as politics, security, economics and law. It considers some of the most burning questions of the day:
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How power and resources are allocated on the international stage
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How, where and when is power exercised and justified; who is it exercised for and why is it exercised in the way it is?
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And deeper questions relating to how we understand and conceptualise contemporary global transformations
These issues are critical at the international level where the apparent monopoly of the nation-state is increasingly being challenged by other actors such as international institutions, transnational social movements, terrorist groups and multinational corporations.
'IR' scholars approach their subject from a number of different perspectives including:
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a state-centric approach, exploring the strategic interaction of states on issues such as war, peace, conflict and cooperation;
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the perspective of complex inter-dependence, which considers the totality of cross-border transactions,
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a 'globalisation' perspective, which focuses attention on the increasingly integrated global system of economic, social, technological and political processes
Programme
The course is delivered in English and available in either full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months) format. Students are required to complete 180 credits of work over the course of their studies: 120 credits of taught modules, some compulsory, others elective, and a 60 credit dissertation, based on their own original research.
The degree is open to students of any discipline or career background; the diversity of our students’ experience and education adds to the breadth of our classroom discussions. This degree attracts applicants from across the world – ensuring that the issues debated are rarely arid or inconsequential, but bear directly on the lives of those in the class.
Compulsory modules
Theories & Concepts of International Relations (20 credits)
How should we conceptualise the international domain? What are the key actors and issues in International Relations? What is the interplay between power, interest and ideas?
Designing International Relations Enquiry (20 credits)
A problem-based research-training module which prepares students for their own research.
International Relations Dissertation (60 credits)
The centre-piece of the degree: a 12,000 word dissertation on a topic chosen by the student and conducted under the supervision of a member of the school staff.
Elective modules
All school staff are research-active and recognised experts in their fields. The modules offered reflect the changing research interests of our staff, and ensure that our students are exposed to the very latest debates in the field.
Modules topics include:
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Theory and Practice of Diplomacy
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Global Security
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Global Political Economy
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Terrorism and Low Intensity Conflict
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Intelligence and National Security
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International Development Studies
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International Relations of South East Asia
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International Business
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War and Resistance in the Contemporary World
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Modern Languages (currently French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean)