International Relations

The MA in International Relations is dually accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and validated by The Open University.

The aim of the Master of Arts degree in International Relations at Richmond University is to equip students with in-depth knowledge of the discipline of international relations, key analytical and research skills, together with an opportunity to gain practical experience through an optional internship.

We offer a rigorous curriculum encompassing theoretical and practical developments in the dynamic field of global politics, set in the vibrant context of cosmopolitan London, in an international classroom, which gives graduates distinct advantages in developing vital inter-personal and intercultural communication skills. The programme examines a range of theories and approaches to international relations, questions of international political economy, and offers courses on international diplomatic practice, international law and institutions, studies of specific regions, international migration, media, and many others.

The core courses on this programme aim to deconstruct conventional views of post-Cold War and post-9/11 international politics by advancing an interdisciplinary understanding of global politics and employing critical narratives and tools across the sub-disciplines of IR, geared towards innovative interpretations of central questions in the discipline such as conflict, security, development, agents, structures, power and influence. The MA in International Relations prepares students for further graduate study in the discipline or for careers in the fascinating world of local, national, regional, and international politics, in governmental and non-governmental organisations. Students can choose electives from a variety of courses that are shared with the two other Masters programmes the MA in International Conflict and Security and the MA in International Development. This approach best reflects the interdisciplinary nature of international relations and provides students with an opportunity to explore a field of interest in greater depth.

The MAs in International Relations, International Conflict and Security and International Development are closely associated with the newly established Institute for the Study of Conflict, Security and Development. The institute is an inter-disciplinary centre for research excellence and scholarship at Richmond University providing an intellectual forum for the discussion of some of the most vital and pressing issues facing the world today regarding conflict, global security, sustainable and environmentally-friendly development. Graduate students will benefit from seminars, colloquia, workshops and talks hosted by the Institute and given by London- and Brussels-based policy-makers and executives, enhancing students knowledge and professional contacts. The Institute is home to the quarterly, peer-reviewed Journal of Balkan and Near-Eastern Studies, providing students with an opportunity to publish book reviews and academic articles.

Programme Goals

The degree can lead to eventual careers in roles that require articulate, clear thinking individuals with a grasp of contemporary events, including government, international organisations, business, finance and the media. The background of the MA faculty will enable students to develop an appreciation of the nuance in international relations, which, combined with the internship, will help prepare students for further graduate study or careers in related fields.

Successful students will be able to:

• Articulate the various debates within the IR discipline (historical, philosophical, cultural and economic) and comprehend how different theories may or may not be integrated.
• Demonstrate a clear appreciation of the intrinsic relationship between foreign and domestic politics.
• Discern the background to international issues of the day.
• Demonstrate an ideological sophistication by challenging accepted orthodoxy on the basis of new or re-interpreted evidence or new conceptual approaches.
• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of foreign policy processes and diplomacy.

Internships taken by the International Relations Cohort 2011:

• Women to Women Think Tank, London
• United States Institute for Peace, Washington DC
• Congressional Offices, Washington DC
• Czech Mission to the UN, New York
• House of Commons, London
• Private company via CRCC Asia, Beijing
• US Department of Commerce, Sydney Australia
• UN, London
• Global Policy Institute London
• TechHub, London
• Israeli Embassy, London

Students must complete an approved programme of 33 credits including a 9-credit Internship and related thesis project and eight 3-credit courses as defined below. Students require a cumulative GPA across the entire 33-credit degree of 3.0, for each semester. Students may not proceed to subsequent semesters without a 'B' average. Students must pass all aspects of the course and may not graduate untill all components, including the thesis, have been successfully completed.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

FHEQ Level 7

• INR 7100 (4 CREDITS) -Research Methodology
• INR 7101 (4 CREDITS) -International Relations Theory Concepts
• INR 7105 (4 CREDITS) -Global Political Economy
• IND 7102 (4 CREDITS) -International Institutions & Law

Plus two of the following:

INR 7120 (

4 CREDITS

) -

Origins & Development of Inter Relations

INR 7121 (

4 CREDITS

) -

International Relations and the Media

INR 7422 (

4 CREDITS

) -

Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies

INR 7423 (

4 CREDITS

) -

Diplomacy

INR 7426 (

4 CREDITS

) -

US Foreign Policy

INR 7xxx - International Politics of East Asia

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

INR 7xxx - The Middle East and International Politics

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

IND 7xxx - African Development Politics

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

IND 7xxx - Gender And Development

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

IND 7xxx - Migration, Labour And Development

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

Plus EITHER

• INR 7902 (4 CREDITS) -Internship
• INR 7500 (8 CREDITS) -Thesis Research

OR

• INR 7550 (12 CREDITS) -Extended Thesis Research

Students are required to be in London from early May to Mid-June for thesis supervision and seminars. The thesis is handed in no later than September 1. Students must be registered for INR 7550.

Graduate Certificate in International Relations

The Graduate Certificate in International Relations is awarded to students registered on the MA who have successfully completed in good academic standing (with a 3.0 GPA / B average / Pass) for all coursework components but: 1) fail to submit the thesis ( without extenuating circumstances eligible for resubmission), or 2) fail to pass the thesis. The Certificate is therefore conferrable as an exit award in recognition of successful completion of graduate coursework, but it is not possible for students to register on the Graduate Certificate.

A minimum of 24 credits, are required from the following coursework:

FHEQ Level 7

INR 7100 (

4 CREDITS

) -

Research Methodology

INR 7101 (

4 CREDITS

) -

International Relations Theory Concepts

INR 7105 (

4 CREDITS

) -

Global Political Economy

IND 7102 (

4 CREDITS

) -

International Institutions & Law

Plus two of the following:

INR 7120 (

4 CREDITS

) -

Origins & Development of Inter Relations

INR 7121 (

4 CREDITS

) -

International Relations and the Media

INR 7xxx - Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

INR 7xxx - Diplomacy

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

INR 7xxx - International Politics of East Asia

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

INR 7xxx - The Middle East and International Politics

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

INR 7xxx - US Foreign Policy

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

IND 7xxx - African Development Politics

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

IND 7xxx - Gender And Development

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

IND 7xxx - Migration, Labour And Development

This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

Students enrolling in the program begin in September and can complete the degree in two 15-week semesters plus the following summer. During the first semester, four courses must be completed. These consist of three 3-credit courses along with a single 3-credit research methodology course. In the second semester students take one 3-credit course that focuses on a global region and three 3-credit courses that are thematic. In the summer students must complete an Internship and produce a thesis based upon the experience. For students working independently on their Masters thesis. Here students apply the skills learned in IRM 501, from the early research and writing of the thesis through to its completion. These courses are comprised of intensive and regular meetings on a one-to-one (by appointment) basis with the thesis supervisor to discuss the progress of research and writing. The supervisor will provide comments on draft chapters of the thesis, suggest advice regarding the research and writing process, as well as suggesting resources (from readings and visual data, to other documentation and www resources) and research directions for the thesis.

Students are required to be in London from early May to Mid-June for thesis supervision and seminars. The thesis is handed in no later than September 1. Students must be registered for IRM 620.

Academic BackgroundUS Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, or UK first degree with minimum second class honours, or an overseas equivalent as determined by the University. Relevant work experience is welcomed and may on occasion be accepted in lieu of a first degree, but is not required.Professional StatementWe seek students who are committed to engaging in serious research and who demonstrate a curiosity and interest in their chosen field. Therefore, all applicants must submit a Personal Statement of 1,500 words addressing their reasons for wishing to undertake the Masters programme at Richmond.Academic ReferencesTo help us evaluate your potential for success in the Richmond graduate programme, we require at least one academic references from an academic who know you and who knows your work.English Language ProficiencyThe language of instruction at Richmond is English, and non-native English speakers are asked to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Academic Test of English language examination results as proof of their fluency in written and spoken English. We look for an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0 or iBT TOEFL of 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 21 in speaking and 20 in writing, or Pearson Academic Test of English with 61 overall and 56 in each element. Admissions Process:The admissions process is a multi-step team approach. Typically, applications are reviewed by the Postgraduate Applications Review Committee which consists of the Programme Director and the Head of Admissions. These parties will be responsible for deciding upon all matters pertaining to this area.Applications are reviewed holistically. Applications are not eliminated for admission based on test scores, nationality, gender, ethnicity or other factors. Each criterion is considered to provide a holistic picture of an applicant's qualifications. This process allows the committee to select those candidates most likely to be successful in our Programmes.

Masters Scholarship

Each year Richmond will award a scholarship to a maximum of three outstanding new entrants to our Masters programmes. Each will cover the duration of the programme, subject to grades, with one as a 100% remission of tuition fees payable and the remaining two worth 50% remission of tuition fees payable.

To be eligible for consideration, a prospective scholar must have, by 1st June preceding the programme start date:

accepted the offer of a place on a Richmond Masters programme for the entry year concerned and

submitted a complete scholarship application form.

Recipients of the scholarship will be decided by the Vice Chancellor on the basis of:

their applications for study and the Scholarship,

their level of academic achievement prior to entry to the Richmond Masters programme, and

advice from the Richmond academic departments concerned.

Scholars will be informed by July 15th. The University reserves the right to make the offer of a scholarship subject to certain conditions being met (for example, where the final outcome of undergraduate study is not known at the point of scholarship application)

Once awarded, continuation of the Scholarship into the second and subsequent semesters of study will be dependent on the Scholar:

progressing normally on the programme, having achieved a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.7 by the completion of the previous semester; and

remaining in good standing and making a positive contribution to University life.

The fee waiver is cancelled in total if the student does not remain actively enrolled for three successive semesters (full time programmes) or six successive semesters (part time programmes).

The Masters Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with any other form of financial or scholarship support from the University.

Financial Assistance

Tuition fees, books, a laptop computer (required), and living costs are the main items you will need to take into account in estimating the total cost of your MA Program.

MA students fund their studies from a variety of sources such as loans, grants, and personal resources.

United States Government Loans

Stafford Loans

U.S. citizens and U.S. green card holders may qualify for Stafford loans. To apply you must complete the Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In the U.S. you can also call 1-8004FED AID to request a form. The U.S. Department of Education number for Richmond, The American International University in London is G10594.

Other Loans

There may be some private loans available to American students studying abroad. Private loans are subject to a credit check. Some Richmond students fund their studies through the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loans. We do not have a preferred lenders list and we are not currently aware of other U.S. private loan providers. You should consider terms and conditions carefully in comparison with Federal Direct Loans.