MSc International Relations
Duration: one year full time; two years part time
General Information
As an academic discipline, international relations deals with the causes and consequences of international phenomena such as war, trade, regional integration, migration and terrorism. While rooted in political science, teaching and research on international relations at SPIRe brings together different methodologies and theoretical perspectives. Particular strengths in the School include international political economy, international security, cultural and social-psychological approaches to international politics, regional integration, international institutions, development and human rights. Geographical expertise centres on Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East.
The MSc International Relations is a 90-credit programmes. Full-time students in both programmes must take three 10-credit modules and a shorter 5-credit dissertation design sequence in the first semester, and three 10-credit modules in the second semester. Students must also submit a thesis worth 25 credits that will be written during the summer term. Part-time students take a total of 90 credits over two years.
Students in the MSc programme participate in the two-course core subject modules in international relations. Core subject modules are “Theories of International Relations” (first semester) and “International Security” (second semester). Participants in the research-oriented MSc programme also complete two core modules in research methods and can freely choose the two remaining modules from a wide range of options. In the two research design core modules, MSc students will learn how to address political and social problems using quantitative and qualitative research methods. The courses that can be chosen as electives include all courses offered at the School of Politics and International Relations.
Structure
The MSc in International Relations is a 90-credit programmes. Full time students must take three 10-credit modules and a 5-credit Dissertation Design module in the first semester, and three 10-credit modules in the second semester. Students must also submit a thesis worth 25-credits.
Part time students take a total of 90-credits over the two-year duration of the part-time programme. As the Dissertation Design module is provided to support students writing their thesis, it must be taken in the second year of study. It is advisable for students to take the core modules in Year 1.
Admission Requirements
Each application is considered on its individual merits. The applicants should have earned an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as political science, international relations, social science, sociology, history, geography, economics, global studies, public policy, development studies, EU studies, law/international law etc. with at least Upper Second Class Honours, or its equivalent (an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher in the American system). Relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.
Note that meet the requirements do not guarantee admission. Applicants in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted conditional on satisfactory completion of their undergraduate degree.
Career Prospects
As with most other qualifications in the social sciences, the degree offers no single predefined career path.
The MSc programme provides students with the qualifications needed for studying towards a Ph.D. or for research-oriented jobs in public administrations and the private sector.
