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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 20,800
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Language Acquisition | Linguistics | International Relations
Area of study
Social Sciences | Langauges
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 20,800
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


International Relations and Language & Linguistics, MA

Introduction

International Relations and Language & Linguistics at Aberdeen gives you solid grounding in the role of power, states and governments in an ever-changing world, combined with a fascinating exploration of how human language evolved, how we learn languages and how they differ and change over time. You will gain the all-round knowledge and skills for a wide range of careers in local and national government, non-government agencies, media and in many other fields and professions.


Study Information

At a Glance

  • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
  • Degree Qualification: MA
  • Duration: 48 months
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Start Month: September
  • UCAS Code: LQ21

What You'll Study

Year 1

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • Academic Writing for Social Sciences (AW1006)
    • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
    • Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance (PI1018)
    • Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict (PI1518)
    • Language Structure and use (LN1507)
  • Optional Courses:
    • Plus two courses from the following LN courses:
      • Language Myths (LN1006)
      • Living Language (LN1005)
      • English Past and Present (LN1008)

Year 2

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations (PI2009)
    • Global Politics: Equality and Inequality (PI2508)
    • Language in Society (LN2008)
    • Elements of English (LN2515)
  • Optional Courses:
    • Plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.

Year 3

  • Compulsory Courses:
    • Researching Into the 21st Century (PI3069)
  • Optional Courses:
    • One Term 2 level 3 Politics and International Relations course:
      • Employer-led Interdisciplinary Project (ED3537)
      • International Security (IR3518)
      • Political Parties in Britain (PI3562)
      • Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian Foreign Policy (PI3565)
      • International Terrorism Counterterrorism & International Relations (PI3567)
      • Memory and Politics of the Past (PI3570)
      • Human Rights in Global Politics (PI3572)
      • The Global Politics of Secession (PI3582)
    • Plus 60 credit points from level 3 courses in Language and Linguistics.

Year 4

  • Optional Courses:
    • EITHER:
      • Dissertation (International Relations) (IR4031)
    • OR:
      • Dissertation in Language and Linguistics (LN4501)
    • Plus 30 credit points from level 4 course(s) in Language and Linguistics
    • One Term 1 level 4 Politics and International Relations course:
      • Contemporary French Politics: Race, Religion and Social Change B (LA401G)
      • Science, Technology & International Relations (IR4034)
      • War and Peace in International Politics (IR4036)
      • International Political Psychology (PI4086)
      • Scottish Politics (PI4091)
    • Plus one Term 2 level 4 Politics and International Relations course.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Research
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies you learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study International Relations and Language & Linguistics?

Why Language and Linguistics

  • A vibrant linguistics research and teaching community, and the benefits this study brings to other subjects such as modern languages, anthropology, sociology and history.
  • Researchers revealing new insight into how spoken English is changing, including evidence gathered from tracking TV and radio soaps over the years.
  • Major research partnerships such as the study of witness testimonies following the 1641 Irish Rebellion, with language revealing the social, economic, cultural and political situation in 17th century Ireland, giving clues on sectarianism today.
  • Award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library with top-class study facilities and literary treasures collected over 500 years charting the power of the written word from ancient papyri and medieval manuscripts to contemporary e-books and other media.
  • A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the annual WayWord literary festival, attracting internationally acclaimed authors, broadcasters and public figures to discuss the written and spoken word in various languages.

Why Politics and International Relations

  • A core curriculum with topical themes of conflict and security, representation and democracy, comparative politics and policy.
  • Special focus on the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe – as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.
  • Staff with specialist expertise in political parties and elections, democracy, energy politics, European integration and regionalism, human rights and development issues, interest groups, nationalism, conflict resolution and more.
  • Opportunities to take advantage of spending your second year studying abroad, in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong or North America.
  • The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, combining a top-class study environment with state-of-the-art technology, and extensive reference collections for your studies.
  • A packed campus programme of events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May festival, engaging prominent influencers, interest groups and public in debating major political issues such as Scottish independence and EU membership.
  • All the history and legacy of being part of a university developed over 500 years of national and international political turbulence, social change, and emerging democracy.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

  • SQA Highers:
    • Standard: AABB
    • Minimum: BBB
    • Adjusted: BB
  • A LEVELS:
    • Standard: BBB
    • Minimum: BBC
    • Adjusted: CCC
  • International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
  • EU / International students: £20,800
  • Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
  • Home Students: £1,820

Careers

  • There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability.
  • The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:


International Relations and Language & Linguistics at Aberdeen

is a four-year program that delves into the complexities of international relations, power dynamics, and the fascinating world of languages. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-evolving global landscape and pursue diverse career paths in fields such as international relations, local and national government, media, and the private sector.


Objectives:

  • Develop a thorough understanding of international relations and language & linguistics.
  • Analyze the interplay between states, power, and governance in the modern world.
  • Explore the evolving nature of languages and their role in shaping human societies.
  • Cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Acquire strong communication and research capabilities.
  • Prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in international relations, language teaching, government, and other sectors.

Program Description:

This program is unique in its combination of international relations and language & linguistics. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, political systems, and the dynamics of languages, equipping them to analyze complex issues and navigate the challenges of the 21st century.


Outline:


Year 1:

  • Focuses on foundational knowledge in both international relations and language & linguistics.
  • Includes courses such as:
  • Academic Writing for Social Sciences
  • English Structure and Use
  • Language Myths
  • Living Language
  • Politics & International Relations 1: Democracy and Governance
  • Politics & International Relations 2: Power and Conflict

Year 2:

  • Students delve deeper into specific areas of interest within international relations and language & linguistics.
  • Courses focus on:
  • Ideas and Ideologies in Politics and International Relations
  • Global Politics: Equality and Inequality
  • Language in Society
  • Elements of English

Year 3:

  • Students conduct research and develop specialized skills in their chosen areas.
  • Courses include:
  • Researching in the 21st Century
  • A variety of optional courses in both international relations and language & linguistics.

Year 4:

  • Students complete a dissertation or a final project demonstrating their research and knowledge in their chosen area of specialization.
  • Options include:
  • Dissertation in International Relations
  • Dissertation in Language and Linguistics
  • A variety of optional courses in international relations and language & linguistics.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of:

  • Coursework: Essays, reports, and assignments completed throughout the year.
  • Practical assessments: Demonstrating skills and competencies learned in the course.
  • Written examinations: Typically at the end of each course.
  • Dissertation or final project: Demonstrating research and knowledge acquisition.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate academics with expertise in both international relations and language & linguistics. Teaching methods include:

  • Interactive lectures
  • Small-group seminars
  • Guest lectures
  • One-on-one supervision
  • Research projects

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers, including:

  • International Relations Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Diplomat
  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Language Teacher
  • Speech and Language Therapist
  • Human Rights Advocate

Other:

  • The program offers opportunities for students to study abroad, enhancing their intercultural understanding and global perspective.
  • The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and research skills, equipping graduates with the ability to adapt and thrive in the dynamic professional world.

Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year RUK: £9,250 EU / International students: £20,800 Home Students: £1,820

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