International Relations

The programme will provide you with the ability to deploy strategic foresight and encourage you to engage in the spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

Study a postgraduate degree at Nankai University, Tianjin. The University's English-medium degree programmes allow students to study for an internationally recognised Master's degree qualification at a prestigious world-ranked Chinese university.

The MA in International Relations at Nankai University’s Zhou Enlai School of Government is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in the field of international relations. The programme provides the academic and analytical skills necessary to understand the contemporary world and the rapidly changing context in which international relations and foreign diplomacy are conducted.

What will I study?

International relations is the study of how countries form relationships with and interact with each other. China’s foreign policy and strategic thinking is highly influential, so studying this subject in China itself will provide some fascinating insights.

As well as developing your academic and problem-solving capabilities, the programme will equip you with the tools to make sense of the complex world around us, to think on your feet and to consider international issues and events from a global perspective.

The 2-year course at Nankai University's prestigious Zhou Enlai School of Government will give you a complete understanding of international relations, with an in depth focus on China’s relations with the world.

Why study in China?

As one of the most prestigious schools in the People’s Republic of China, the Zhou Enlai School of Government is an elite centre for research and teaching in the fields of politics, political science, international political economy, international relations and Sino-Foreign diplomacy. The School is named after Premier Zhou Enlai, one of China’s most revered leaders of the 20th century, holding the position as Chinese Premier.

• The Zhou Enlai School of Government is ranked number one in China
• Programmes designed and delivered by leading academics with extensive international study and work experience
• Modules incorporate international relations from a Chinese perspective

This highly respected programme is designed to provide you with varied career opportunities and has proven high rates of employability.

Lifestyle: An ancient culture, modernising fast

• By the end of 2012, there were 1.1 billion mobile phone users in China – double the combined number of people in the United States and Japan
• By 2020 it is predicted that China will account for 19% of the global demand for all luxury goods
• More than 300 million people use blogs and social networking sites – that’s approximately the combined population of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom
• China’s first Starbucks opened in 1999 – 14 years on, there are now 850 outlets across 70 Chinese cities
• In the past year China has overtaken the UK to join the list of the world’s top five wine-consuming nations
• Learn about China – living in China is the best way to learn about its fascinating culture, language (all students learn mandarin alongside their medical studies) and history whilst studying towards an internationally relevant degree
• Embrace the exciting opportunity and experiences

Compulsory modules - 3 credits

• Introduction to International Relations
• The Evolution of World Politics
• Contemporary China Studies
• Chinese Language (Listening and Writing)
• Theories of International Relations
• International Political Economy
• Chinese Foreign Policy

Optional modules - 2 credits

• Issues in International Security
• International Relations of the Asia Pacific
• China-Europe Relations
• China and The Global Economy
• Chinese Government and Politics
• Research Methods for International Relations
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Globalisation and Global Governance

Optional modulescontinued

• China-US Relations
• China and Africa
• China and Latin America
• American Foreign Policy Since 1945
• Introduction to the European Union
• International Relations of The Middle East
• China-Russian Relations
• Masters Thesis Workshop

All classes will be taught in English, for core Chinese language modules there will be a variation of Chinese and English, for student benefit.

Master classes

To provide an insight into what it is like working in China the course incorporates a series of master classes from professionals, who have many years experience of working with in China and with Chinese companies.

• Master class speakers include key university alumni and leading professionals in China.
• Small group sizes provide opportunities for group discussion and interaction.
• Develop your network of potential employers in China.

Academic requirements:Bachelor's degree or equivalentIELTS 6.0 or equivalentAdditional requirementsApplicants must also submit a personal statement outlining why they wish to study International Relations and why they would be suitable for the courseAge21 years and above English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6