International Relations, MA

The MA in International Relations is designed to develop global awareness, an understanding of the complexity of contemporary international arenas, and a sense of how policies can address rapid, sophisticated change.

Teaching on the course is from a truly international team and attracts a cohort from across the world. This allows you to consider many different international viewpoints and offers a thoroughly holistic learning experience. You will gain an advanced and critical understanding of International Relations Theories, Policies and Practices along with research methods training.

Students on this course all have the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops and joint work with students of other postgraduate courses. This provides opportunities for you to meet and interact with our thriving research community.

Research-informed teaching

Teaching on the course is drawn directly from regionally aligned research strengths in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, the Indian sub-continent, and Europe. This research feeds directly into the course allowing you to learn about the latest issues in this field from world-renowned experts.

Contact us

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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4460
School of Social Sciences website.

During this postgraduate course students will study modules specially designed to impart theoretical knowledge, research and practical skills.

Core modules

• International Relations Theories
  The purpose of this module is to introduce you to the range of approaches in international theory. Within International Relations theory there are many varied interpretations and applications of key concepts (e.g. power, the state, agency, structure, and world order) as well as contested views about the practical purpose underpinning theories of world politics. This module gives you the opportunity to explore the key tenets of the major theories of international relations, and secondly will encourage you to critically analyse your assumptions and ideological baggage.
  
• Global Governance
  This module provides a programme of study on the concept, theories and processes of global governance with a focus on the role of contemporary international institutions. The module reviews the theoretical approaches to/ literature on global governance and also uses a range of case studies. The work of the UN and the specialised agencies is one of the main areas covered by the module. Other areas covered will depend on staff expertise and interest and could include the study of international non-governmental organisations (for eg. ICRC, OXFAM), regional organisations (eg. The EU; NATO; ASEAN) and specific issues such as disarmament, the environment, and the fight against poverty.
  
• Political Economy and International Security
  This module explores the political economy of contemporary international security by utilising theories and methodologies found in IR, International Political Economy and Historical Sociology. Throughout the module you will look at security in as a dynamic, contentious and evolving issue area. Thus, the module will consider state and non-state actors as well as processes that take place at all levels.
  
• International Politics of Transition
  This module provides a programme of study on the concept, theories and processes of transition with a specific focus on its international dynamics. . Transition, here, is to be understood as the progressive move from one political, security, economic or social regime to another. The module provides a broad basis for the advanced study of transitions and changes in the international system, for undertaking further research, and for developing transferable skills that are necessary for the graduate job market as well as for pursuing an international career in a related field.
  
• Dissertation
  This module offers you the opportunity to produce a dissertation, which is the summation of the MA coursework and is a major opportunity to do work which is at once creative, which stretches students’ imagination, and which meets rigorous standards for quality work in the chosen research area.

You will also have the opportunity to choose an optional module from a related discipline from within the school.

Delivery and Assessment

The course is delivered through workshops, lectures and small group seminars. Assessment on the course involves coursework, report writing, presentations and group work. There are also class tests, critical reviews, and critical bibliographies to prepare. To encourage and facilitate independent learning the course will take full advantage of NTU's online workspace (NOW).