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University of Nottingham Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
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Course overview

Our academic staff are active researchers, pursuing cutting-edge, policy-relevant and curiosity-driven research. This extends across a broad spectrum of international development, international relations and politics. Our research and teaching activities are enhanced by the resources from our associated schools in the UK and the Division of International Studies at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

We host our own seminars in which academics and practitioners share their research findings and work experience. The school’s student society, PHIR-NOTT, supplements these formal activities with its own round-table discussions, guest speaker series and other events.

International Relations investigates the complex relationships between and among states, societies, individuals, identities and cultures both theoretically and empirically. The discipline covers such areas as economics, law, politics and security. It considers deeper questions relating to how we understand and conceptualise contemporary global transformations. Throughout the programme, you will approach the subject from several different perspectives; from a state-centric approach, from the perspective of complex interdependence and from a globalisation perspective. The degree is open to students of any discipline or career background but is popular for those working in or wishing to work in a government or diplomatic service, international organisations or the media.

 

Why choose this course?

We provide a dynamic learning environment that offers you the opportunity to challenge yourself, to question assumptions and to contribute to the way we understand, conceptualize and engage with global political phenomena.

Course content

You will be required to complete 180 credits over the period of your studies: 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation, based on your own original research. The full-time and part-time evening class variant of the degree is taught at our city centre facility, The Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre, at the Chulan Tower, Jalan Conlay – a great option for those based in Kuala Lumpur and in full-time employment.

Typical core modules

  • Dissertation: International Relations
  • Global Perspectives on International Relations
  • Research Methods and Design

Typical optional modules

  • Asia in Transregional Perspective
  • Civil Society and Global Development
  • Contemporary Security Challenges
  • Global Political Economy
  • Human Security
  • The International Relations of South East Asia
  • Field Technologies
  • Introduction to International Development

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

A relevant second class honours degree (or international equivalent). Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

If deemed necessary, applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

Malaysians applying as a matured student without the standard entry requirements but with substantial and relevant work experience (and have successfully passed APEL’s assessment through Malaysian Qualifications Agency) at an appropriate level may be considered. Admission is at the discretion of the School.

Applicants must have graduated from an approved university. Other equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Entry requirements in the prospectus and website may not always apply and individual offers may vary.

IELTS (Academic):

6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

 90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

71 (with no less than 65 in each element)
MUET: Band 4.5

IELTS, TOEFL and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test. MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Practical classes
  • Field trips
  • Supervision

In addition to lectures, some modules have lab sessions, some have workshops and some drop in sessions. Each module is run with the aim of providing best learning experience for students and module objectives are achieved by devising the most appropriate delivery and assessment methods.

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Examinations
  • Dissertation
  • Presentation

Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM47,900 per programme
International studentsRM58,200 per programme

Funding

Find out about scholarships, financial assistance and specific research funding available to all malaysian and international students.

Scholarship funding

Where you will learn

Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre

KLTC is a UNM facility located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Select postgraduate programmes from business, politics and applied psychology are delivered here to support the flexibility of postgraduate students.

The centre also served as a supplementary venue for the University’s external events, seminars and conferences.

KLTC is located on the second floor of Chulan Tower, near the Petronas Twin Towers and the Bukit Bintang district. It is easily accessible via the city’s train system, with the building located next to the Conlay MRT station. Free shuttle bus services are also available from the UNM Semenyih campus to KLTC.

Careers

The University’s Career Advisory Services (CAS) support students with the necessary skills and career opportunities using its strong relationship with various employers and industries. The CAS will provide students with essential resources and guidance for career choices offering many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills as well as providing essential resources and guidance that will assist you with job/course applications. They will facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers and training opportunities.

A master’s degree in International Relations provides a springboard to further study or pursuing your professional career. Postgraduate study will equip you for careers in a range of fields. We currently have graduates working in foreign ministries, international business and finance, international journalism and media, international organisations, local and national government, non-governmental and aid sectors, teaching and academic research, think tanks as well as policy advice and lobbying. The school’s alumni network builds year on year allowing graduates to remain in contact with each other and to put current students in contact with alumni to explore employment opportunities.

This content was last updated on 26 February 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.