International Relations and Security MRes
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
| 2023-08-28 | 2023-07-15 |
| 2024-01-20 | 2023-12-15 |
Program Overview
Course overview
Combine an overview of international relations theories with tailored theoretical and methodological approaches aligned to your proposed research project. Under expert supervision, you’ll produce a major piece of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge and offers ideal preparation for PhD study.
Introduction
This MRes provides a personalised and focused introduction to postgraduate research. It will enable you to develop into an independent researcher and produce an original research project, supported by an expert in international relations and security.
The programme provides intensive preparation for doctoral research and your future career. We’ll guide you through the research process, equipping you with transferable skills, including critical thinking, project management, written and verbal communication, and problem solving.
Training in research methodologies will be tailored to international relations and security and your specific research proposal. You’ll co-design a bespoke reading list and individual assessment tasks in preparation for a substantial piece of research.
You’ll discover how to develop a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyse and present your findings.
Key theories in international relations, from their philosophical roots to contemporary debates, will be explored and their application to current international security challenges examined.
You’ll be supported by academic experts in the Department of Politics. Our team of MRes supervisors are actively engaged in political research. Their specialisms include international relations, security studies, political science, political communication, populism and religion.
What you'll learn
Program Outline
Compulsory modules
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES (POLI132)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
This module surveys the main theories in the academic discipline of International Relations (IR). It adopts a quasi-chronological approach, beginning with the philosophical roots of IR theories and ending with contemporary theoretical debates. Attention will be paid throughout to the historical and social context from which theoretical developments emerged, and how these are relevant or useful in our understanding of contemporary security issues. The aim is to equip students with the necessary conceptual and analytical tools that can then be applied to their own specific areas of interest or field of research. By the end of the module students should be able to understand the key theoretical debates in the subject of IR.
RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY DIRECTED STUDY (HLAC503)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
In light of the knowledge acquired in your subject / discipline-specific theory module you will be encouraged to consider the appropriate theoretical and methodological approach for your specific research project. Under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in your research area, you will be guided individually to create and carry through a programme of focused reading which will allow you to develop your knowledge of current approaches to research in your field. Assessment tasks comprise the building blocks necessary for successful completion of your particular project, for example a feasibility study, bibliography or preliminary literature review.
HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501)
Credits: 120 / Semester: whole session
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
Careers and employability
The programme will immerse you in research and practical analytical techniques and develop a wide range of transferable skills. You’ll demonstrate communication and presentation skills, problem-solving, methodological skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.
You’ll graduate ready for further study at postgraduate level, including MPhil or PhD research, and prepared for a variety of career opportunities in areas related to politics, international diplomacy and security.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
From education to employment
Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
Networking events
Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
Meet our Career Coaches
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Employability programmes
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Careers events
Your future
Many MRes graduates continue their studies and progress to doctoral research, studying an MPhil or PhD.
Your expertise will also mean you are well placed to secure roles working in:
Working in the UK after graduation
The UK is a great place to live and work, so it's no surprise that many international students want to stay after they graduate. A graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for up-to two years after graduation. It's available to students in the UK on a student visa (or Tier 4 [General] student visa). Our careers service is here to support you getting work once you finish studying.