ObjectivesThis programme aims to enable you to understand and evaluate key conceptual debates in politics, and the role of cross-national and comparative perspectives. It will also provide you with the skills necessary to design and complete a dissertation on a specialist topic, including: formulating research questions; selecting appropriate methods of data collection and analysis; conducting a literature review; and presenting research according to scholarly conventions. In addition, on this programme you are encouraged to critically evaluate contemporary debates in the study of international politics, particularly in relation to the role of the international system and processes of global governance. You will be encouraged to explore the links between local, national and international structures. The programme will deepen your knowledge of theoretical aspects of international politics, including different theories of international relations and governance, and enable you to develop your understanding in at least two more specialised areas of international politics. Two of the four optional modules must be selected from modules in the area of international politics; the two further modules can be selected from a range of international and/or European modules.
Entry requirementsTypical entry requirements A good undergraduate degree (First or Second class) in a social science or humanities discipline (or an equivalent qualification). In exceptional cases, students with relevant practical experience but no first degree may also be admitted. In addition, students whose first language is not English will be expected to have achieved a minimum of IELTS 6.5.
Academic titleMA in International Politics
Course descriptionMA in International Politics Module overview
Core Modules
Global Governance
This module provides a general introduction to contemporary systems of global governance. It explores the links between national and international politics, and provides students with an in-depth understanding of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field.
Theories of International Relations
This module explores a range of theoretical approaches to the study of international relations. It follows a historiographical approach, starting with the classical debates, moving on to consider mainstream theories and concluding with critical approaches.
Introduction to Research
This module provides an introduction to the design and conduct of social science research. Throughout, examples will be drawn from recent research in the areas of politics and policy. However, emphasis is placed on the applicability of these methods to other subject areas across the social sciences.
Research in Practice
This module has a strong practical focus and students will, as part of their programme, gain experience of using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and applying their knowledge of research methods.
Optional modules include:
-Nationalism, Migration and Identity
-Key Issues in International Politics Today
-International Security and Defence
-Religious Ideologies and International Conflict
-The State and European Integration
-Theories of European Integration