Objectives
Security threats have become a major global concern. Our programme is designed to address how and why underlying issues such as poverty, disease, environmental degradation, societal inequities and politics create the international framework in which security conflicts emerge. This MA is particularly appropriate for students with qualifications in one or a combination of these subjects: Development Studies, Economics, Geography, History, International Relations, Language and Cultural Studies, Law, Philosophy, Politics or Sociology. Applicants who have limited experience of studying through the medium of English must have acquired a minimum English language skill equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (including a level of 7.0 in written work) or TOEFL written paper 600.
Course description
Programme highlights
-Flexible structure tailored to your interests
-Multidisciplinary programme
-A bursary will be awarded to the best UK undergraduate applicants
Further study, research and employment opportunities
Graduates with the MA in International Relations will not only leave with a sophisticated understanding of the dynamics that drive global politics but the ability to utilise this knowledge in fields as diverse as diplomacy, journalism, finance, industry, public relations, risk analysis and lobby work - either in the public, commercial or NGO sector.
General programme structure
Our programme looks at both the theory and practice of international relations in terms of the threats to, and vulnerabilities of, global security and development.
You will study three compulsory modules that give you a knowledge of the structures of global governance and security and how to conduct research. You are then offered a flexible suite of modules from which you must choose three. It is up to you whether you choose all three from one pathway or any three from across the pathway lists. This is designed to allow you to shape your degree to suit your interests. The certificate and diploma are available for those only completing part of the progression route. For the masters degree, you will study for a final dissertation relating to your studies of the discipline of international relations and the current security and/or development problems confronting policymakers in world politics.
You will gain a contemporary understanding of such topical issues as global politics, the rise of religious fundamentalism, the future of democracy, world trade, poverty and deprivation. You will have the opportunity to study the politics of several world regions – Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia – and critically debate their different perspectives.
You will also undertake a research and methodology module to support your masters research and equip you for your career.
Detailed programme structure
You will:
-Understand global governance
-Examine contemporary security problems
-Enhance your research skills
-Compile your dissertation
Pathway 1:
Explore the international relations of the Middle East
Examine the political economy of Sub-Saharan Africa
Look at refugee studies
Pathway 2:
Address globalisation and regional development (especially South East Asia)
Investigate international environmental policy making
Study regional integration (especially Europe)
By the end of the programme all graduates will have obtained:
-a knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and discourse of security and development issues in international relations and human geography
-an appreciation and understanding of the debates relating to "globalisation/anti-globalisation" and their representation, its emergence as an issue and the ideas and concepts that inform debates about social, political and economic development
-the ability to locate, collate, structure and critically evaluate source material (whether primary or secondary evidence) in order to identify issues, make independent and reasoned judgements and present logical and coherent arguments to address particular topics in global security and development
-the ability to work independently and in collaboration with others, and to reflect upon and appraise their own work and that of others
-the facility to communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken form and to engage with the concepts and debates in the area of study
-conduct and present an extended piece of research
Learning and assessment
Formal teaching will be conducted through lectures, seminars and, in some cases, simulation exercises. Assessment of modules will be by a mixture of exams, essays, seminar presentations, report writing, and of course the dissertation.
