International Relations

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We live in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world where events that unfold on the other continents can affect our lives very quickly. Sometimes politicians are able to work together in a search for solutions but disagreement, and even the possibility of conflict, never seems far away.

Our MRes International Relations focuses on general theoretical perspectives of the discipline, providing the tools for you to understand historical and contemporary events by placing these within an analytical framework. Although we cover a wide variety of theoretical perspectives, the emphasis is on explaining and understanding international events, rather than simply the intellectual history of international relations as a field.

Our MRes International Relations offers excellent preparation for PhD research in this field combining modules covering all aspects of international relations with additional training in research design and research methods. You learn how to develop theories, conduct research, and explore the empirical implications of theoretical models using the most appropriate empirical methods. From the very beginning, we invite you to work on your own research, which prepares you for further study at PhD level.

A Masters course is an academically rigorous programme during which you explore your subject in depth, reaching a high level of specialist knowledge. You draw on knowledge and skills from your undergraduate study or your professional life to produce work of a high academic standard, informed by current thinking and debate.
This course lasts twelve months (full-time), starting in October, and consists of taught modules during your autumn and spring terms and a research-based dissertation to be submitted in September. Your research-based dissertation counts for 60 credits and you will take 120 credits of modules, 90 credits of compulsory modules and the further 30 credits are made up from a selection of 30 and 15 credit modules. (If you are from the EU, then our Masters courses are regarded as second-cycle qualifications under the Bologna Declaration and consist of 90 ECTS credits).

Modules
Core modules
* Advanced Research Methods
* Ma Dissertation
* Theories Of International Relations

Compulsory modules
* Theory And Explanation In Political Science

Optional modules
* Advanced Research Methods
* Comparative European Politics
* Conflict Resolution
* Contemporary Theories Of Justice
* Democracy Beyond The Nation State? The Case Of Europe
* Ideology And Political Discourse
* International Environmental Politics
* International Security Studies
* Political Economy
* Political Explanation
* Political Parties In Britain And Europe
* Political Theory
* Public Opinion And Political Behaviour
* Research Design
* Research Seminar In Political Theory And Methods
* Survey Measurement And Question Design
* Theories Of International Relations
* Theory And Explanation In Political Science

Core modules must be taken and passed.
Core with options modules selected from limited lists must be taken and passed.
Compulsory modules must be taken.
Compulsory with options modules selected from limited lists must be taken.
Optional modules are selected from course specific lists.

Masters degree, or equivalent, in relevant subject area.IELTS 6.5. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 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.

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