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Course description
International Relations is one of the most popular courses at postgraduate level. On this course, you will be taught and supervised by experienced staff with strong interests in critical approaches to the study of global politics.
Course units cover a wide range of global issues, including:
- authority;
- citizenship;
- foreign policy (both China and US);
- gender;
- war and peace;
- global ethics;
- human rights;
- media;
- environmental politics;
- security studies;
- terrorism.
Two course units form the centrepiece of our course: the Graduate Seminar in International Politics and Critical Thinkers in International Politics.
These units are designed to develop transferable skills in critical inquiry, creative thinking, research design and problem-solving. You will also complete a major research dissertation, with the guidance of a member of staff in international politics.
Being a part of a postgraduate community, you are encouraged to participate in the Critical Global Politics research cluster, who organise a seminar series attracting high profile speakers, including: Cynthia Enloe, Cynthia Weber, Nick Vaughan-Williams, Marysia Zalewski and Laura Shepherd, among others.
This route will suit those wishing to obtain a high-level specialist subject qualification and those interested in developing a deeper knowledge and understanding of critically-orientated international relations.
The diversity of the course makes it a suitable introduction to the study of global politics. Those wishing to pursue a research training qualification or a PhD are advised to explore the International Relations (Research) route.
This course is designed for students for whom a taught MA will be a prelude to careers in fields related to government and non-governmental organisations.
Teaching and learning
Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time route.
You must first check the schedule of the compulsory course units and then select your optional units to suit your requirements.
Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your unit choices during induction week with your course director.
Course unit details
Compulsory course units:
- POLI70401 Graduate seminar in International Relation Theory
- POLI70412 Critical Thinkers in International Politics
- POLI60312 Dissertation Research Design
Optional course units:
- POLI70451 Ethics in World Politics
- POLI70461 Security Studies
- POLI71061 Foreign Policy Analysis
- POLI70311 Critical Approaches to IPE
- POLI70851 EU as an International Actor
- POLI70981 The Arab Uprisings and Revolutionary State Formation
- POLI71111 The United Nations and International Security
- POLI60092 Power and Resistance in Postcolonial Societies
- POLI60262 Media, War and Conflict
- POLI70282 Critical Globalisation Studies
- POLI70612 Debating Justice
- POLI70722 Theories of Rights
- POLI70492 Human Rights in World Politics
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Research Design | POLI60312 | 15 | Mandatory |
| The Graduate Seminar in International Relations Theory | POLI70401 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Critical Approaches in International Politics | POLI70412 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Dissertation | POLI72000 | 60 | Mandatory |
| Power and Resistance in Postcolonial Societies | POLI60092 | 15 | Optional |
| Governing in an Unjust World | POLI60182 | 15 | Optional |
| Global Governance | POLI70421 | 15 | Optional |
| Ethics in World Politics | POLI70451 | 15 | Optional |
| Security Studies | POLI70461 | 15 | Optional |
| Human Rights in World Politics | POLI70492 | 15 | Optional |
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Facilities
The School of Social Sciences students are supported by first-class resources, in addition to the networked study areas. You will also have access to one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country.