International Relations

The learning and teaching strategy adopted within the MA International Relations reflects a commitment to self-directed, student-centred learning, with an emphasis on applied analytical skills.

This degree offers a distinctive range of modules, drawing upon the existing research and teaching expertise in the School of Social and Political Sciences to deliver an academically rigorous and contemporary programme. Please note that the availability of optional modules may vary depending on student numbers and staff availability.

This programme aims to develop specialist subject knowledge and equip students with a set of transferable skills relevant to further academic study and employment. The incorporation of a strong research methods element within the MA is designed to enhance employability and development of transferable skills.

Students are taught using a range of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Lectures are designed to introduce students to key themes and perspectives, generate enthusiasm for further enquiry, provide illustrative examples, and to signpost substantive issues.

Seminars and workshops provide students with an environment for more interactive learning and reflection, aimed at deepening critical understanding of the subject matter. These sessions are organised in a variety of ways, including tutor or student-led discussions, presentations, and problem-solving exercises, normally centred on a particular theme.

Tutorials are available to students on an individual or small-group basis as a means of supporting the preparation of individual or group assignments, offering feedback on progress, dealing with any particular learning difficulties, and offering advice on specific choices within the module programme. E-learning will be supported through use of the Universitys virtual learning environment.

Contact and Independent Study

Full-time students on this programme can expect to receive approximately eight hours of contact time per week. However, this may vary depending on which optional modules are selected.

The research methods modules on this programme are taught in weekly two-hour sessions and the remaining modules are primarily taught through two-hour weekly lecture and seminar sessions.

In addition, students are expected to attend personal tutor groups, dissertation workshops, and meetings with their tutors and dissertation supervisor.

We expect that a full-time student on this course would engage in at least four hours of self-study for every one hour of lecture and seminar time. This equates to 32 hours of self-study per week.

This degree is an interdisciplinary programme, drawing upon politics, economics, history, sociology, international law, geography and cultural studies to explore global issues such as conflict, global inequalities, sovereignty, and human rights.

Students are able to examine complex political issues such as conflict, and democratisation. The programme aims to prepare students for future study and research, as well as for potential employment in areas such as the diplomatic service, development agencies, the non-government sector, journalism, consultancy, international and regional organisations, and the public sector.

Students join a thriving community of scholars and may have access to a range of extracurricular activities including external speakers and overseas study trips.

The programme connects students with tutors who have wide-ranging research expertise and can support students on their personal research and career paths. It places considerable emphasis on advanced research methods, enabling students to hone qualitative and quantitative research skills, and supporting them in becoming confident researchers in their own right. Students are invited to attend the School's research seminar series.

- The MA International Relations places considerable emphasis on advanced research methods, enabling students to hone qualitative and quantitative research skills, and supporting them in becoming confident researchers in their own right.

- The programme draws on a range of subject specialisms within the School of Social and Political Sciences and connects students with tutors who are research leaders in their respective fields of study.

- The atmosphere in the School of Social and Political Sciences is collegial and friendly. All students are invited to attend the School's research seminar series. Tutors are approachable and keen to support students on their personal research and career paths.