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The MA in International Relations and European Politics provides students with:

* A unique postgraduate experience designed to train graduates pursuing international careers in administration, diplomacy, policy formation and research
* The opportunity to study in an internationally diverse postgraduate community
* An enthusiastic and approachable teaching team who are internationally renowned experts in their research fields
* A clear geographical perspective to international relations and a solid analytical framework in a unique blend of theory and empirical analysis
* Insight into contemporary international relations and the dimensions of political interactions.

The programme explores contemporary European politics and societies. It has a distinctive focus on European policies and policy making. You will study the interplay of multi-level governance between European and national institutions.

Careers

Graduates from our MA in International Relations and European Politics acquire broad knowledge about politics and policy-making in the contemporary international arena and about the role of Europe and the European Union within it, as well as essential skills to apply this knowledge in a wide variety of professional contexts. They are well-equipped to pursue successful careers in international organisations, multinational corporations, public bodies and think tanks.

The Masters in International Relations and European Politics (MIREP) may be taken full-time (one year) or part-time and includes PG Certificate and PG Diploma qualifications.

The first semester comprises an advanced introduction to the core elements of the field of International Relations.

The second semester encourages the student to focus on the departments key strengths in conflict and security, European studies, and politics and society.

Students prepare a dissertation during the final three months of the programme, drawing on core ideas in undertaking a more sustained piece of research on a question that they themselves identify.

Examples of themes for dissertations include peace resolution in the Balkans, the EUs external action agency, EU-China relations, international intervention and the right-to-protect, eco-politics and sustainability, ethnic belonging and desecuritization, bio-terrorism, and counter-terrorist policies.

Core units:

* International relations theories
* Comparative European Politics
* Scopes & methods of politics & international relations
* Masters dissertation

Optional units:

* The politics of sustainability: environmental security & international relations
* Resilience & national security
* The politics of migration
* Memory culture memory politics
* Europe in global politics
* Multilevel governance & multi-layered citizenship in Europe
* Social modernisation & the transformation of democracy
* European security
* Foreign policy analysis
* Comparative European social policy
* International organisations in world politics
* Global governance
* Britain and Europe

Learning and teaching

Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the examinations, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, classes and seminars. Lectures are quite formal, whereas classes and seminars involve interaction between the lecturer and a small number of students for study skills and discussion.

Methods of assessment

Assessment consists of a combination of coursework essays, class exercises, projects, oral presentations and examinations.

We also place strong emphasis on developing presentation and discussion/communication skills which, in many units, is part of the assessed work.

A good honours degree in a relevant subject. The Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies in considering applications, will take the following into account:Extended and responsible experience in a relevant field in commerce, or industry, or in teaching, or in a government establishment, together with authorship of papers or other work of an acceptable academic standard, e.g. published translation.English requirementsIELTS 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components).TOEFL 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test) with a score of not less than 4 in TWE or 92 (internet based test) with at least 21 in Writing, 21 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 23 in Speaking. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.