International Relations

Program Overview

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Overview

Explore pressing issues and power struggles in today’s globalised world. You’ll examine how states and societies cooperate on our international relations postgraduate course, and question world politics and the global political economy.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

• A political epicentre
• Focus on you
• An accessible programme
• Study trips

Course details

Course structure

In your first semester, you’ll study modules to build your core knowledge of international relations. By examining key theories and how they connect to global issues, and analysing the global political economy in several different ways, you’ll develop advanced research skills.

In Semester 2, you’ll take elective modules that focus on the areas of international relations you find the most fascinating. This might include Sustainability, Social Justice and Global Politics, Critical Approaches to Terrorism, and Dilemmas in International Ethics.

You could debate how to handle debt in the Global South. Examine peacebuilding in conflict zones. Or analyse the ecological limits to development.

You’ll also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice. It’s a great opportunity to study something that matches your professional, voluntary, or research interests at a deeper level. And you’ll have the opportunity to present your research proposal to fellow students and staff at a postgraduate day in May or June. This gives you the chance to receive critical feedback from a wider audience.

Learning and teaching

You’ll join a close-knit department, where you’ll learn directly from leading researchers in international relations. You’ll be able to nurture your interests and develop your expertise.

You’ll also get to know your coursemates well - you won’t be a face in the crowd. And you’ll have access to the world renowned Bodleian Library, and the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society.

You’ll learn via:

• lectures
• tutor/group-led seminars
• case study analysis
• group work presentations
• individual presentations
• individual and small group tutorials

Assessment

Assessment is conducted through a variety of assignments linked to the expected learning outcomes. You will be assessed with the following methods:

• essays
• presentations
• projects
• reports
• written dissertation.

You will receive constant feedback over the course of the year.

Field Trips

In your second semester, you’ll have a unique opportunity to travel to Brussels and The Hague. On this trip, you’ll get rare direct insight into leading international organisations - like:

• The European Commission
• NATO
• The International Criminal Court
• The European Parliament
• The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

You’ll connect directly with leading professionals working in international relations. You’ll learn how major international organisations operate. And you’ll get insight on how to start your career in a global organisation.

The cost of travel and accommodation is included in your course fees.

Study modules

The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.

Semester 1

• International Relations in Theory and Practice
• Global Political Economy
• Advanced Research in International Relations

Semester 2

• International Development
• International Migration and Borders
• Sustainability, Social Justice and Global Politics
• Ukraine: Revolution, War and Global Politics
• Violence and Peacebuilding
• Dilemmas of International Ethics
• Critical Approaches to Terrorism
• Independent Study

Final project

• Dissertation

Research

Our vibrant research culture is driven by a thriving and collaborative community of academic staff and doctoral students. from across the globe.

83% of International Relations and Politics research was recognised internationally, and rated as either excellent or world leading in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

Our research is organised within the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society.

Within the Centre we run four dedicated research groups:

• Critical Security Studies
• International Political Theory
• Cultures and Identities
• State and Society.

Careers

After completing the course, you’ll have picked up sought-after transferable skills including project management, critical analysis, problem-solving, and communication. You’ll have developed a good intercultural awareness and be ready for a career in a field like international development, corporate social responsibility, or with NGOs.

Our graduates now have roles including:

• Research Analyst at Africa Risk Consulting
• Senior Consultant at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency
• Communications Officer at Save the Children
• Parliamentary Assistant to a Westminster MP
• Commercial Manager in the net zero energy sector.

Entry requirements

• Students are normally required to have at least a second-class honours degree from a university in the UK or an equivalent qualification from countries outside the UK. The degree should be in an appropriate discipline.
• IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Tuition fees

• Home (UK) full time: Masters £9,950; Diploma £8,950; Certificate £4,975
• Home (UK) part time: £4,975
• International full time: £17,750

Funding your studies

• Dean's Postgraduate Scholarship
• Postgraduate Master's Loan - England

International students can apply for our International Students Scholarship.