International Relations

International Relations (MA) L2S3 MA One year full-time, two years part-time Programme description The MA in International Relations is concerned with analysing the key theoretical and empirical issues and concepts in international relations. You will discuss the historical significance of globalisation and how it relates to a number of key issues in international relations including state sovereignty and international order, conflict and war, human rights and the political economy of North-South relations. You will also undertake a critical survey of the main theories associated with the study of international politics. It is primarily concerned with the varying theoretical explanations for why things happen in world politics. As well as addressing analytical questions the programme will also address the normative and political dimensions of theory. There is an extensive list of module options designed to allow students to develop their expertise and apply theories and concepts within particular issue areas. The programme provides students with a set of analytical skills and knowledge that will allow them to think, talk and write critically about contemporary international issues, as well as a firm foundation for further study. Programme outline The programme is built around a core module – Theories of International Relations – which provide points of entry to the optional modules listed below. In addition to the core module, students choose three other modules in the second semester. On satisfactory completion of coursework you will independently research and write a dissertation of 15,000 words on a topic of your choice. Each individual student is assigned a personal supervisor to give advice and assistance for this part of the programme. Core modules: Theories of International Relations (30 credits) Dissertation (60 credits) Module options include: Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development International Security: War and Peace in a Global Context International Public Management Globalisation and International Relations Issues in Democratisation The International Relations of the Middle East Ideas and Power in Spanish America 1512-Now Policy Analysis for the Developing World Themes and Cases in US Foreign Relations The Americas in Comparative Perspective I: Historical Roots The Americas in Comparative Perspective II: Modern Politics and Society Sovereignty and Intervention in International Politics Please note availability of module options are confirmed at the start of the academic year. Assessment The core module is assessed by unseen written test and coursework. Some module options are assessed by written coursework only, while others have an exam.You will also prepare an independent dissertation between 12,000 to 15,000 words on a topic of your choice. Each individual student will be assigned a personal supervisor to give advice and assistance for this part of the programme. International Relations (MRes) L2S5 MRes One year full-time, two years part-time Programme description The MRes in International Relations is concerned with analysing the key theoretical and empirical issues and concepts in international relations. You will discuss the historical significance of globalisation and how it relates to a number of key issues in international relations. You will also undertake a critical survey of the main theories associated with the study of international politics. It is primarily concerned with the varying theoretical explanations for whythings happen in world politics. In addition, the programme will provide students with advanced skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods to support research leading to the degrees of MPhil/PhD. Programme outline The programme is built around the core modules –Theories of International Relations and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods . The research methods modules are designed to provide postgraduate research/MRes students with essential politics research training skills to support research leading to the degrees of MPhil/PhD.In the first semester you will take Theories of Inerntational Relations and Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods. In the second semester you will continue with the research methods module and take one further module from the options listed below. Core modules: Theories of International Relations (30 credits) Qualitative Research Methods (30 credits) Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits) Dissertation (60 credits)