COURSE CURRICULUM

The one-year full-time Master’s degree in International Relations offers a dynamic and engaging academic experience, combining theoretical foundations with a wide array of specialist options. The course begins with face-to-face teaching through lectures, seminars, and workshops during the autumn and spring semesters. In the first semester, students are introduced to core international relations theories and the methodologies of social enquiry. This includes gaining essential research skills such as conducting interviews and surveys, which are vital for preparing the dissertation later in the program. Core modules such as “Power, Cooperation and Exploitation: Approaches to International Relations” guide students through key debates and conceptual frameworks that shape the discipline.Students also study the evolving structures of global governance through the compulsory module “Running the World: Global Governance and Emerging Powers.” This module examines both traditional liberal institutions like the United Nations and World Bank and the growing influence of emerging powers and new global coalitions such as BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative. These components equip students with a deeper understanding of how global politics are managed and contested in the 21st century.The spring semester offers greater flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests, including regional focuses like European politics, American foreign policy, or the foreign relations of China and Japan. The final phase of the course is dedicated to an independent research project culminating in a 10,000-word dissertation. With expert supervision, students investigate a topic of their choosing, applying the theoretical and methodological tools developed throughout the year. Overall, the program provides a comprehensive and adaptable framework for those looking to advance their knowledge of international relations and pursue careers in policy-making, diplomacy, research, or international organisations.