International Relations and World Order MA, PGDip, PGCert, by distance learning
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Course Description
This degree provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary international relations in the post-Cold War period. By taking this course, you will have the opportunity to study a range of international issues, but especially to investigate whether international relations in the post-Cold War period has been founded upon a Western model of 'World Order'.
The course will introduce you to differing concepts of order in the post-Cold War world. It will enable you to think critically about the nature of international relations: about the extent to which Western interests, institutions, and culture dominate the world system and the challenges and responses generated by that dominance. The course focuses on both theoretical and empirical approaches to this subject.
Entry Requirements
- 2:1 degree or its equivalent in Politics, History, International Relations, or other related subjects.
- Equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered.
- IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
Fees and Funding
UK Students
- MA: £9,550
- PGDip: £6,360
- PGCert: £3,180
International Students
- MA: £9,550
- PGDip: £6,360
- PGCert: £3,180
A Sanctuary Scholarship is available on this course for refugees/asylum seekers and their dependants.
Careers and Employability
Our postgraduate degrees are an excellent way to enhance your expertise and career prospects. A postgraduate course in politics and/or international relations provides a foundation for a wide range of career options. You may seek to use your knowledge to work in government service, international organisations, or areas of political research and journalism. Or you may opt to look for employment in an unrelated field such as banking, business, or teaching where your MA will be respected as a postgraduate qualification.
Teaching and Learning
Distance Learning
This course is taught entirely online via our virtual learning environment, Blackboard, therefore it is essential that you have reliable, regular access to the internet (preferably with a broadband connection) in order to participate.
As a distance learning student, you will have access to the University Library's electronic service, the Leicester Digital Library, which includes a large number of e-journals and e-books. You can also make use of the University’s Career Development Service as well as a broad range of other support services.
Course Structure
MA
- Core modules:
- Post Cold War World Order
- Theories of International Relations
- Option modules: Choose two option modules from:
- International Security
- The International Politics of Protection
- The Politics of Human Rights
- Strategy in the Modern World
- The Politics of Conflict and Violence
- Intelligence: Key Concepts and Debates
- Politics of International Development
- Critical War Studies
- Contemporary Conflict Analysis
- Dissertation: You must complete a dissertation.
PGDip
- Core modules:
- Post Cold War World Order
- Theories of International Relations
- Option modules: Choose two option modules from:
- International Security
- The International Politics of Protection
- The Politics of Human Rights
- Strategy in the Modern World
- The Politics of Conflict and Violence
- Intelligence: Key Concepts and Debates
- Politics of International Development
- Critical War Studies
- Contemporary Conflict Analysis
PGCert
- Core modules:
- Post Cold War World Order
- Theories of International Relations
Key Dates
- Start date: 6 October 2025
Application deadline for October 2025 start: 15 September 2025 - Start date: 12 January 2026
Application deadline for January 2026 start: 22 December 2025
Program Outline
International Relations and World Order MA, PGDip, PGCert, by distance learning
Degree Overview:
This degree provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary international relations in the post-Cold War period. It investigates whether international relations in the post-Cold War period have been founded upon a Western model of 'World Order'. The course examines differing concepts of order in the post-Cold War world and critically analyzes the nature of international relations, particularly the extent to which Western interests, institutions, and culture dominate the world system and the challenges and responses generated by that dominance. The course focuses on both theoretical and empirical approaches to this subject.
Outline:
Core Modules:
- Post Cold War World Order: This module critically examines the means by which the West maintains its concept of 'Order'.
- Theories of International Relations: This module introduces students to various theoretical perspectives on international relations.
Option Modules (Choose two):
- International Security: This module explores the concept of international security in the post-Cold War era.
- The International Politics of Protection: This module examines the role of international institutions in protecting human rights and promoting development.
- The Politics of Human Rights: This module analyzes the theoretical and practical challenges of promoting human rights in a globalized world.
- Strategy in the Modern World: This module explores the evolution of strategic thinking and its application in contemporary international relations.
- The Politics of Conflict and Violence: This module examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of conflict and violence in the international system.
- Intelligence: Key Concepts and Debates: This module introduces students to the key concepts and debates surrounding intelligence gathering and analysis.
- Politics of International Development: This module explores the political dimensions of international development and the role of various actors in promoting development.
- Critical War Studies: This module examines the theoretical and practical aspects of war and its impact on international relations.
- Contemporary Conflict Analysis: This module provides students with the tools and frameworks to analyze contemporary conflicts.
Dissertation:
- For the MA, students must complete a dissertation on a topic related to international relations.
Course Structure:
- MA: Two core modules, two option modules, and a dissertation.
- PGDip: Two core modules and two option modules.
- PGCert: Two core modules.
Schedule:
- Full-time MA: 12 months
- Part-time MA: 24 months
- Part-time PGDip: 22 months
- Part-time PGCert: 12 months
Assessment:
- Weekly Reading and Discussions: Students are expected to engage with weekly readings and participate in online forums.
- Module Activities: Students complete module activities designed to build an online community and develop scholarly skills.
- E-tivities: These include both non-credit bearing and credit-bearing assessments that complement and support module learning objectives.
- Reflective Statement: A reflective statement is required for each module.
- Dissertation: For the MA, students must complete a dissertation.
Teaching:
- Distance Learning: The course is taught entirely online via Blackboard.
- Online Forums: Students participate in online forums to discuss readings, ask questions, and share ideas.
- Tutors: Students are guided by experienced tutors who are available online throughout their studies.
- Library Access: Students have access to the University Library's electronic services, including e-journals and e-books.
Careers:
- Government Service: Graduates can pursue careers in government service, working in areas related to international relations, foreign policy, and security.
- International Organizations: Graduates can work for international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
- Political Research and Journalism: Graduates can pursue careers in political research, analysis, and journalism.
- Other Fields: Graduates can also find employment in unrelated fields such as banking, business, and teaching.
Other:
- Alumni Discount: A 20% alumni discount is available for this course.
- Sanctuary Scholarship: A Sanctuary Scholarship is available for refugees/asylum seekers and their dependants.
- Flexibility: The distance learning format allows students to tailor their studies around existing commitments.
- Career Development Service: The Career Development Service provides support with interviews, CVs, work experience, and more.
- Diverse Student Body: The course attracts a diverse group of students, many of whom work in sectors related to security and conflict.
- Research Opportunities: Staff play leading roles in cutting-edge global research networks and actively engage with global policy communities, civil society, the media, and the public.
- Dissertation Topics: Many students choose to tackle work-related topics in their dissertations.
UK Students
MA: £9,300 PGDip: £6,195 PGCert: £3,095
International Students
MA: £9,300 PGDip: £6,195
