International Relations MA

Course modules

• Theory and Practice of International Relations – this module will provide you with an advanced understanding of international relations theory and its relationship to the contemporary world. The module starts by introducing the subject discipline of international relations and emphasises the significance and relevance of theory in explaining the contemporary world. The module then provides an understanding of the key theories and evaluates the main differences between the competing positions. By doing so, you will gain an understanding of how the practices of international relations are informed by theoretical perspectives.
• Globalisation – globalisation affects business and society at all levels. In this module, you will gain an understanding of the historical background to globalisation as well as an understanding of the economic, political and commercial contexts of globalisation. You will develop an awareness of globalisation debates together with an understanding of the effects of globalisation on various actors and an awareness of the relationship between globalisation and business
• Fundamentals of Empirical Social Research – this module presents research in management and business as a strategic activity that occurs within the context of limited resources and within a framework of ethical, legal and social constraints. Attention is focused on data collection techniques appropriate for research in management and business, along with techniques for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
  
  

You will also select four elective modules which might include:

• International Trade Theory and Practice
• International Human Resource Management
• Post-cold War World Order
• Britain and European Integration
• Global Health: Politics, Policy and Strategy
• Comparative Territorial Politics
• Democracy and its Discontents

Dissertation: You must also undertake a dissertation, providing an invaluable opportunity to work in-depth on a particular aspect of any international relations topic of your choice. You will need to apply and enhance your technical knowledge and critical awareness in a subject of your choice.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching will be delivered through formal lectures, informal seminars, tutorials, workshops, discussions and e-learning packages. Assessment will usually be through a combination of individual and group work, presentations, essays, reports and exams.

Teaching contact hours

Full-time option

For the full time option you should be prepared to devote approximately 38 hours a week to your studies. You will typically have up to 14 hours contact hours of teaching most weeks for semester 1 and 2. Teaching is through a mix of lecturers, tutorials, seminars and lab sessions and the breakdown of these activities is shown in each module description.

In addition each module provides a 2 hour surgery each week available for individual consultation with the lecturer. You may also have some scheduled meetings with your programme leader, personal tutor, and/or careers throughout the year to discuss your academic progress and personal development.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to make regular use of our on-line resources, participate in classroom discussions including on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study, revision and reflection for approximately 24 hours per work during semester 1 and 2

In semester 3, you will undertake independent research for your dissertation (or In-company project), and again should typically allow around 38 hours per week for this. You will be allocated a dedicated academic supervisor to support you, who you will be able to contact on a regular basis.

Part-time option

For the part time option you should be prepared to devote approximately 19 hours a week to your studies. You will typically have up to 7 hours contact hours of teaching most weeks. Teaching is through a mix of lecturers, tutorials, seminars and lab sessions and the breakdown of these activities is shown in each module description.

In addition each module provides a surgery hour each week available for individual consultation with the lecturer. You may also have some scheduled meetings with your programme leader, personal tutor, and/or careers throughout the year to discuss your academic progress and personal development.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to make regular use of our on-line resources, participate in classroom discussions including on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study, revision and reflection for approximately 12 hours per work during teaching weeks

Once you have completed all the taught modules, you will then undertake independent research for your dissertation (or In-company project), and should typically allow around 19 hours per week for this. You will be allocated a dedicated academic supervisor to support you, who you will be able to contact on a regular basis.