COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA International Relations (Research) program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyse and engage with the complexities of global politics. It provides a strong foundation in research design and methodologies, enabling students to conduct independent, high-quality research in international relations. Core modules such as Research Design and Skills, Graduate Seminar in International Relations Theory, Critical Approaches in International Politics, and Philosophy of Politics Research develop critical thinking, theoretical understanding, and methodological competence, ensuring students can rigorously investigate global political issues. The program also includes training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, giving students the analytical tools to explore topics such as migration, global governance, justice, and the structures and norms shaping international affairs. A major component of the course is the dissertation, where students undertake an original research project, applying advanced research skills to a focused area of interest. Optional modules allow for the tailoring of studies to individual interests, including Migration, Mobility and Displacement, Global Governance, and Justice in International Relations. Delivered within one of the UK’s most prestigious politics departments, students benefit from expert supervision, access to extensive research resources, and exposure to cutting-edge scholarship, preparing them for careers in policy, research, international organisations, or further doctoral study.