International Relations

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 8.49 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 18.4 k / Year(s)  
StudyQA ranking:10245 Duration:1 year

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International relations examines relationships between countries and looks at, amongst other things, the roles of states, governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic and public policy fields, economics, international law and cultural studies.

Royal Holloway’s MSc in International Relations gives you the opportunity to engage critically with the forces at play in various regions around the world. As such, you will be asked to explore issues affecting the world right now such as economic crises, EU fragmentation, mass migration and human rights. The core of the programme introduces key themes and approaches to the study of international politics, and then allows you to bring these to bear on social, economic, and political interactions of key actors in world politics.

You will study a mixture of core units and elective options, including a generous choice of free options, and write a supervised dissertation over the summer. Option courses for the programme do vary from year to year, but normally include courses on US foreign policy, south Asian politics, EU foreign and security policy, media and war, and international law. Teaching is conducted primarily in small group seminars that meet weekly for two hours, supplemented by individual tuition for the dissertation.

The Department of Politics and International Relations has a strong commitment to high quality, cutting-edge research which informs our teaching. We are a research community that draws on various methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of domestic, transnational, regional and global politics.  This includes research into areas such as security, international diplomacy, international law, the use of military force, the European Union and the impact of new communication technology on politics, nationalism and migration.

This course is also offered at Postgraduate Diploma level for those who do not have the academic background necessary to begin an advanced Masters degree. The structure of the Diploma is identical except that you will not write a dissertation. If you are successful on the Diploma you may transfer to the MSc, subject to academic approval.

Core modules

  • Analysing International Politics
  • Dissertation

Core methods - at least one of the following:

  • Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
  • Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR

Optional modules

At least three options in Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations or Political Communication to make a total of 120 credits including core methods and core courses.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree (Bakalavr). Students who have successfully completed a four year Bachelor's degree (Baklavar) in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA and at a reputable university will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme, but most departments will ask for a minimum final grade of either 3.5/5.0 (70%) or 4.0/5.0 (80%).
  • Specialist Diploma. Students who have successfully completed a Specialist Diploma in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA and at a reputable university will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme, but most departments will ask for a minimum final grade of either 3.5/5.0 (70%) or 4.0/5.0 (80%). 
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and no subscore below 5.5
  • You are required to register your one reference, even if you have uploaded a copy of their reference. You may be contacted to submit a 2nd reference if we need further information to assess your suitability for the programme you have applied for.
  • Copies of the transcripts from your undergraduate degree (this can be a transcript of your progress so far if you have not yet completed it)
  • Copies of any other qualifications you have taken that are relevant to your chosen course
  • A supporting statement, explaining your motivation to study your chosen course
  • One academic reference - you can either upload a copy (this is the quickest option) or your referee can enter them directly into the online system once you've completed the application

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

  • International Excellence Scholarships
  • Global Education
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