The MA in International Relations is a one-year comprehensive course. It draws on international relations, conflict/peace studies and international history. The course explores issues such as war and peace, the international order, international crises, counterinsurgency, terrorism and foreign policy. It combines an exploration of the contemporary world with a study of the past. This one-year master’s course has both taught and research phases.

Programme Requirements

Students take modules to the value of 90 credits comprising taught modules to the value of 45 credits (Part I) and a dissertation to the value of 45 credits (Part II).

Part I

• HI6026 US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History (10 credits)
• HI6056 Issues in World Politics (5 credits)
• HI6092 International Relations Theories and Approaches (10 credits)

Plus 20 credits from:

• HI6035 Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: Case Studies in Crises and Decision-making (10 credits)
• HI6045 War and Peace: the European State System from 1648 to 1990 (10 credits)
• HI6060 The Politics of Terrorism (10 credits) HI6063 Work Placement and Portfolio (10 credits)

Part II

• HI6100 History Dissertation (45 credits): A dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in September. Your thesis will be on a relevant topic within the broad areas of international relations, including international history and conflict/peace studies.

Skills and Careers Information

Past graduates of the course over the last decade have gone on to further study, academia, diplomatic service, international organisations, the EU, international think tanks, non-governmental organisations and public service. Others have embarked on careers in multinational companies, as well as in traditional sectors such as teaching, journalism and the civil service.