International Relations

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The MSc in International Relations, the largest Master's stream offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations, allows students the opportunity to engage critically with broad issues in various regions around the globe. The core of the programme introduces key themes and approaches to the study of international politics, and then allows students 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.

This course is also offered at Postgraduate Diploma level for those who do not have the academic background necessary to begin an advanced Master's 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.

You will study three core units (chosen from a total of five options, listed below), an additional core unit (options vary from year to year), two elective units, and write a dissertation over the summer. Course units include one of three disciplinary training pathway courses, a course in research design, analysing international politics, and specialist options in international relations.

Students studying for the Postgraduate Diploma do not undertake the dissertation.

Core course units:

Analysing International Politics- You will be provided with an advanced grounding in the key concepts and ideas employed in the analysis of international relations. The specific aims of the unit are to explore the ways in which the international system in which we live is not a timeless reality, but rather a particular socially and historically constructed way of organizing human affairs. This course provides the background for further course offerings in the theories and politics of globalisation, issues in US foreign policy, regional politics (including south Asia, China and the Far East, and the EU/Europe), and international law.

Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations-
You will be introduced to quantitative methods commonly used in the study of Politics and International Relations. You will acquire the skills to understand, critically analyse, and carry out a range of quantitative techniques, using statistical software packages such as SPSS.
Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Politics and International Relations-
You will be provided with an introduction to core theories and qualitative approaches in politics and international relations. You will examine a number of explanatory/theoretical frameworks, their basic assumptions, strengths and weaknesses, and concrete research applications. You will consider the various qualitative techniques available for conducting search research, the range of decisions qualitative researchers face, and the trade-offs researchers must consider when designing qualitative research.
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory-
You will explore key texts and ideas that underpin a variety of late 20th and early 21st century approaches in political thought, such as contractarianism, pragmatism, genealogy, deconstruction, and contextual history.
Research Design in Politics and International Relations-
This unit focuses on the process and practice of research in politics and international relations: the principles and procedures that guide scholars in PIR as they conduct research, the kinds of questions they ask, and the variety of decisions that they must make.
Dissertation (MSc only)-
The dissertation gives you the opportunity to study an aspect of International Relations in depth. You will be assigned a dissertation supervisor and the length of the piece will be 12-15,000 words.

Equivalent of at least a British Second Class Honours Degree. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B)