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International Relations MA

Explore the key global issues affecting our society such as globalisation, international political economy, health, security and more.

Overview

Analyse the most significant issues of the 21st century, such as factors that influence states going to war, why some states are weaker than others are, and how global order is maintained. Our course will enable you to obtain an advanced understanding of the modern world, including the way in which states, regions and international organisations interact, and practice a range of methods and methodologies to support research and policy analysis.

Our wide range of core and optional modules – including Britain and European Integration, Global Health and International Trade Theory and Practice – will help you to develop the subject-specific knowledge and professional skills necessary for a career in any field related to international relations.

This course is ideal for those who wish to work in an international environment and where knowledge of international issues is essential, with our aim to prepare you for senior roles in private and public organisations where you can influence major decisions. Previous graduates from this course have landed roles with the European Union and UN agencies, non-governmental organisations and local government organisations in Leicester.

Key features

  • Tailor the course to your interests by choosing from a wide variety of optional modules.
  • Add an international experience to your CV by taking part in an overseas course-related trip offered through our DMU Global programme. Previously, students have travelled to Amsterdam to see the Transnational Institute and to hear a talk at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
  • Benefit from the input of high-profile visiting scholars and academic staff. Previous guest speakers have included Alan Charlton, former UK Ambassador to Brazil, and former Members of US Congress Martin Frost and Phil Gingrey.
  • You will be taught in our purpose-built Hugh Aston Building, equipped with lecture theatres and classrooms, break-out spaces for group work, quiet study zones for individual work, and high-spec IT labs installed with professional software. We are also expanding this building, meaning new classrooms and study spaces to make studying more comfortable.
  • You can benefit from the new Student Advice Centre (SAC) with appointment/private meeting rooms, allowing you to discuss any queries you may have in a more confidential nature.

 

“Apart from the knowledge I obtained at DMU on international relations and global problems, I broadened my perspective on how I think about these challenges and their solutions, helping me to better deal with the multicultural and transnational challenges in my daily work.”
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Mildred Hauck, student

 

Scholarships

DMU offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you realise your academic ambitions.

International student scholarships

Find out about available international scholarships or visit our fees and funding page for more information.

 

  • UK
  • EU/International

Start date: September 2023

Duration: One year full-time. Two years part-time.

Fees and funding:

2023/24 tuition fees for UK students: £8,986.

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

Start date: September 2023

Duration: One year full-time

Fees and funding:

2023/24 tuition fees for EU and international students: £15,800

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Find out more about additional costs and optional extras associated with this course.

Entry criteria

Typical entry requirements

You should have the equivalent or above of a 2:2 UK bachelor’s honours degree in politics, international relations or a related subject. We encourage and welcome applications from applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Interview

Non-standard applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

International students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band, or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessment

Teaching contact hours

 

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:

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.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

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.

Facilities and features

Hugh Aston Building

You will have access to our purpose-built Hugh Aston Building, equipped with lecture theatres and classrooms, break-out spaces for group work, quiet study zones for individual work and IT labs. Wherever possible, students will be given home access to specialist software.

You’ll also have access to the building’s new £5.5 million extension called The Yard, which provides more than 22,000 square metres of extra space. This is designed to facilitate your learning experience with large and airy breakout spaces, a new Student Advice Centre, and a balcony on the top floor. The Yard also features more comfortable classrooms and self-study spaces, allowing you to carry out independent study as well as group work.

Library services

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Blackboard, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Works
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DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world.

Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

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Graduate careers

The course prepares you for senior roles in public and private organisations where you can influence major decisions that affect us all.

There is real demand for suitably qualified managers who are interested in making a difference and who understand the implications of the global financial crisis, climate change, diplomacy, and sustainable development, health care and other issues affecting contemporary society.

Take your next steps