Geopolitics and International Affairs
(MA) Geopolitics and International Affairs
Entry for 2025
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
The aim of this programme is to investigate the geopolitical relationships and long-term strategies of the major states within today's international system. Students will achieve a deeper understanding of three aspects:
1. The historical evolution and current revival of the concept of geopolitics, including global economic rivalries, energy security, competition over resources, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the war on terrorism, democracy promotion, etc
2. The grand strategies developed by the major powers including the foreign and security policy of the United States, the debate over American grand strategy, the re-emergence of Russia and its foreign/security policy, and the rise of China with its grand strategy
3. The key regional dynamics of contemporary geopolitics including the international security of the Middle East, NATO and the future of transatlantic security, European security, international security in south and east Asia, and geopolitical rivalries in Africa
Course learning outcomes
Understand the different approaches to geopolitics and the analysis of the international system.
Understand a wide range of contemporary international security issues.
Comprehend the grand strategies and foreign policy practices of the major powers of the international system.
Understand some of the key regional dynamics of contemporary geopolitics.
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 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 | Geopolitics and International Affairs (915M1) | 30 | 7 |
| Core | New Security Challenges (919M1) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Spring Semester | Core | Research Methods and Professional Skills (IR) (006L2) | 15 | 7 | |
| Option | Environment, Resources, Security (709IR) | 30 | 7 | ||
| Finance and the Future of Capitalism (906M7) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Forced Labour, Trafficking and Global Mobility (351D7) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Managing Economic Instability (716IRS) | 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 Middle East in Global Order (952M1) | 30 | 7 | |||
| Summer Teaching | Core | Dissertation (Geopolitics and International Affairs) (922M1) | 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.