MA International Relations

About this course

LJMU's innovative MA International Relations provides a grounding in key theories while examining in depth issues of enduring international significance.

The world in the 21st century continues to be defined by long-standing and emerging global challenges. While state-based and civil conflicts are resurging after decades of relative decline, new non-traditional threats are emerging in the form of health pandemics, climate change, terrorism, and the potential disruptive impact of artificial intelligence.

This MA in International Relations equips students with theoretical frameworks and methodological tools needed to understand, analyse, and address these evolving challenges that define our world. Across a range of core and optional modules, students will be introduced to key theoretical perspectives within International Relations discipline, alongside the associated fields of conflict and security studies, and will be given the opportunity to apply these across a range of thematic areas and regional case studies. Students will also undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, enabling them to build essential research and analytical skills.

In addition to classroom learning, students have the opportunity to engage in applied learning experiences. Each year, the programme includes a trip to Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland, where students gain first-hand insights from practitioners and community groups on the legacy of conflict in the city and ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation. Students can also attend the Department of International Relations and Politics’ speaker series, which features established scholars discussing current issues in the field.

Teaching is delivered by research-active experts in the field and across a range of disciplines. Graduates leave with essential skills for careers in conflict resolution, global security, and international relations, and many have gone on to work with prominent organisations such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, National Crime Agency and the Home Office.

Course modules

Core modules

• Advanced International Theories: Concepts and Perspectives (30 credits)
  • This core module provides an introduction to International Relations by examining the theories, key concepts and authors.
  • It aims to:
    • engage you in independent and critical thinking
    • develop and engage with the theoretical concepts and apply them to the world
    • develop the ability to present and defend arguments and interpretations in an appropriate and scholarly manner
    • help you understand global events from the state, non-state and international perspectives
• Research Methods for International Relations (10 credits)
  • This module provides a thorough understanding of the key skills required to develop and carry-out a research-based project or dissertation on the subject of International Relations.
  • It aims to:
    • introduce you to postgraduate-level methodological and theoretical approaches to researching international relations
    • provide the opportunity to critically appraise methodological and theoretical approaches to researching international relations
    • provide the skills required to undertake a research project at postgraduate level
• Research Project in International Relations (60 credits)
  • This module will prepare you to undertake your dissertation following the relevant research methods module.
  • It will enable you to:
    • engage in independent and critical thinking and apply theoretical concepts in the field of international relations
    • apply knowledge of recent advances within the field of international relations and situate the proposed work accordingly
    • identify, access and critically evaluate relevant research resources
    • present and defend research findings in an appropriate and scholarly manner
    • examine an appropriate area of research and modify the project after discussion, reflection and feedback
• Critical Security Studies (20 credits)
  • Through an exploration of key contemporary issues including gender, race, health security, nuclearization, migration and terrorism, this module will provide a set of key concepts and resources to help students develop an in-depth understanding of the modern security environment through the lens of Critical Security Studies.
  • As such, this module will provide students with the necessary theoretical tools to understand how ‘security’ opens up wider questions of power, inequality, war, and peace internationally.
  • In particular, this module will be important for students who are keen on pursuing a career within policy-making, research and industries concerned with security, development and peace-building.

Optional modules

• The War/Peace Cycle (20 credits)
  • This module develops a comprehension of the theory, practice and historical development of the War/Peace Cycle.
  • It will demonstrate an understanding of the strategic significance of the War/Peace cycle in international relations over the course of the last 200 years.
  • It also builds in-depth knowledge of particular problems in the War/Peace cycle.
• War and Peace in Africa since 1990 (20 credits)
  • This module engages with both political science and historical approaches to the study of warfare in contemporary Africa.
  • It will enable you to:
    • consider the nature of international interventions in African wars
    • consider the dilemmas of post-conflict agendas of justice and reconciliation
• Conflict and Warfare in International Law (20 credits)
  • This module aims to:
    • consider current controversies in international law pertaining to the use of force between states
    • provide you with an understanding of legal limitations on methods and means of armed conflict
    • explore modern and emerging challenges to the law of armed conflict
• The United Nations, International Security and Global Justice (20 credits)
  • The module aims to:
    • introduce you to the work of the United Nations in the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security
    • develop your understanding of the legal framework which governs the work of the UN in this area
• International Human Rights Law (20 credits)
  • Introduces students to the basic conceptual, institutional and substantive elements of international human rights law, current debates regarding the interpretation and application of international human rights law.
  • The module will provide students with critical appreciation of contemporary issues of global and regional concern relating to the interpretation and application of international human rights law.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Assessment
• Study hours: Full-time students spend around seven hours a week in on-campus sessions and part-time students three to four hours.
• Teaching methods: Teaching will be delivered as a combination of class discussions, lectures and workshops with core academic staff and invited practitioners, experts and guest lecturers.
• How learning is monitored on your programme: To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
• Assessments on this course are a mixture of essays, presentations, exams and portfolios.

Career paths

• Further your career prospects
• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation.
• Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• Typically students who study the MA will be progressing from their first degree in history, politics or a related-subject.
• This programme has been designed to enhance your career prospects in international relations-related fields including government and non-government sectors.
• It exposes you to the careers available and enables you to network with people in the field.
• For students wishing to pursue an academic career or for further study in the field of international relations, this MA will provide a solid basis when applying for a MPhil/PhD.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £8,740
• International: £17,750
• Fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• Financial Support: There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
• Additional Costs: In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of accommodation, travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU, stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire.

Entry requirements

• Home:
  • a minimum 2:1 honours degree in a related subject such as International Relations, Law, History, Politics, Sociology, Social Work, Geography, Anthropology, Economics, Business, Media, Journalism.
  • applications from candidates with non-related degrees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • we welcome applications from non-standard applicants who can demonstrate relevant work experience of at least 2 years in an international relations related field and an ability to succeed at MA level.
• International:
  • IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all elements)
  • Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.