Program Overview

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International Relations MA

The International Relations MA course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the complex issues that shape our globalized world. This QAA-accredited Masters course will enable students to conduct a dynamic and disruptive investigation of international relations, exploring key contemporary debates and growing as analysts, critical thinkers, and sustainability champions.

About this Course

On this course, students will explore the theories, policies, and practices of international relations, becoming informed and independent critics of global affairs. The course incorporates exciting ideas from emerging fields, providing a richer and more contemporaneous learning experience. Students will learn from a teaching and research team drawn from four continents, plus a range of prestigious guest speakers.

Module Information

The course consists of the following core modules:

• International Relations Theory: This module introduces students to the range of approaches in international theory, exploring key concepts and contested views about the practical purpose underpinning theories of world politics.
• Diplomacy, Foreign Policy and Security: This module considers international political and security issues from the point of view of foreign policy processes and diplomatic methods.
• Issues and Methods in Social Research: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and methods of social research, enabling them to develop a range of skills and apply their knowledge to conduct research.
• SPS (Social and Political Sciences) Dissertation: This module is the culmination of students' knowledge, skills, and abilities gained throughout the academic year, involving a sustained independent engagement with a topic of their choice.

Optional Modules

Students can choose one optional module from the following:

• Environmental Citizenship: This module considers the relationship between citizenship and the environment, providing a critical overview of academic debates and exploring contemporary environmental and sustainability issues.
• Global Governance and International Institutions: This module provides a program of study on the concept, theories, and processes of global governance, focusing on the role of contemporary international institutions.
• Negotiating in International Contexts: This module focuses on strengthening students' negotiation and diplomacy skills, using a simulation of EU decision-making and providing opportunities for participation in extracurricular simulation activities.
• Gender and Security: This module focuses on the study of gender in global politics and security, enabling students to acquire theoretical insights into the gendered realities of contemporary world politics and insecurities.
• Intercultural Communication at Work: This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to build their intercultural communication competence and successfully interact in multicultural settings.

Entry Requirements

UK Students

• Applying with prior qualifications: Students will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honors degree (normally 2.2 or above).
• Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience: Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students

• Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honors degree or equivalent qualification.
• English language requirements: Students must meet the English language requirements for their subject, which can be found on the university's website.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• Full-time: Ł9,100
• Part-time: Ł4,550

International Students

• Full-time: Ł18,300
• Part-time: Ł9,150

Careers and Employability

The International Relations MA course aims to foster students' global citizenship characteristics, with a focus on openness to the world and sustainability issues. Graduates from this course can pursue a wide range of careers, including roles in government departments, international aid and development agencies, and private businesses. The course provides students with transferable skills, including expertise in writing complex analytical pieces, developing and implementing projects, and presenting in-depth ideas with confidence.

Campus and Facilities

Students will mainly be studying in the Chaucer and Newton buildings, at the center of the university's vibrant City Campus. The campus has a range of facilities, including a mock prison cell, open-access PCs, social spaces, and a two-story gym. The university is located in the heart of Nottingham, one of Britain's top 10 student cities and one of Europe's top 25.

Research Areas

The course is delivered by a teaching and research team with expertise in a range of areas, including:

• International relations theory
• Diplomacy and foreign policy
• Security studies
• Gender and security
• Environmental citizenship
• Global governance and international institutions

Additional Costs

Students may need to budget for additional costs, including:

• Textbooks and library books
• Printing and photocopying costs

Employability Team

The university's expert Employability team will work closely with students at every stage of their career planning, providing personalized support and advice. The team can help students to develop their skills, find internships and placements, and pursue their career goals.