International Relations
(MA) International Relations
Entry for 2024
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
1. To provide a Masters level understanding of the nature and importance of international relations in the contemporary world.
2. To enable students to develop an advanced critical understanding of the major theoretical approaches in the field of International Relations.
3. To develop students' abilities to critically analyse international events, ideas, institutions and practices both in the past and in the present.
4. To provide students with opportunities to develop their intellectual, personal and interpersonal skills so as to enable them to participate meaningfully in their societies.
5. To provide students with the core skills and knowledge required for a possible transition to higher levels of research.
6. To enable students to employ their understanding actively through the completion of a research project in the field of IR.
7. To enable students to develop a specialised knowledge of a particular sub-field of IR.
Course learning outcomes
An understanding of the core concepts and questions that define the discipline of IR.
An advanced knowledge of the key theoretical traditions of IR as an academic discipline.
An in-depth knowledge and understanding of a specialist area within the discipline.
The ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.
The ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.
The ability to work together with others as well as independently, including to manage time effectively.
The ability to apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.
The ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.
The ability to communicate effectively with others, and present information both orally and in writing.
The ability to undertake a substantial research project.
Full-time course composition
| Year | Term | Status | Module | Credits | FHEQ level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autumn Semester | Core | Foundations of World Politics (941M1) | 30 | 7 |
| Core | International Relations Theory (903M1) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Spring Semester | Core | Research Methods and Professional Skills (IR) (006L2) | 15 | 7 | |
| Option | Global Health: Development, Security and Inequality (967M1) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Religions, Cultures and Civilisations in International Relations (957M1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Russia, Eurasia and the Crisis of the Liberal West (998M9) | 30 | 7 | |||
| The Political Economy of Development (944M1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| War and Security in North/South Perspective (761M9) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Summer Teaching | Core | Dissertation (International Relations) (913M1) | 45 | 7 | |
| Option | Dissertation with Placement (Global Studies) (003L7) | 45 | 7 |
Part-time course composition
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.