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