MA International Relations

The discipline of International Relations seeks to examine the major issues affecting the world and theories of International Relations allow us to understand and try to make sense of the world around us through various lenses, each of which represents a different theoretical perspective.

These theories can be used to understand a broad range of international events such as why nation states rise and fall, or the factors behind international conflict.

Theories can even be used to help us understand the role state leaders, NGOs, civil society and activists play in solving the myriad problems and the challenges that face humanity.

Diplomacy has never been more important than it is today. Whether it involves communicating states’ interests with clarity and precision in an era which seems prone to disputes and misunderstandings, or the building of international networks of states, civil society actors and international organisations to tackle pressing global problems, diplomacy has a vital role in maintaining international order in an increasingly fractious and turbulent world.

This module examines the theoretical, analytical, normative and practical aspects of international conflict resolution. It considers a range of approaches to the subject, elucidating its relationship with relevant disciplines and concepts.

It explores both inter-state and intra-state conflicts and the relationships between them, with analysis of the roles of a range of actors, including states, international institutions, NGOs, and civil society movements.

This module will provide you with an opportunity to engage with contemporary debates on the various different roles of religion in international relations. In particular, it will enable you to evaluate differing interpretations of the political importance of religious actors, groups and religious oriented ideologies in international relations.

Human Security is an approach to politics that focuses on the well-being of individuals and communities. Its particular focus is to identify and understand threats to peoples’ security that are not confined to armed conflict, not understood at the level of the state, and not encompassed by the general understanding of national security.

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of security as both a theoretical concept and an ontological category, critically examining how it has been rearticulated and challenged in contemporary contexts.

It encourages students to question the ethical foundations of the Westphalian order, assess the relevance of theories centered on human emancipation, and deepen their understanding of public policy and decision-making processes in international security.

Additionally, the module addresses key contemporary issues, including the legacy of the Cold War, terrorism, weapons proliferation, the rise of great powers, globalization, failed states, mass migration, and climate change.

This module enables students to develop the skills necessary to conduct independent research and produce a dissertation at postgraduate level.

Through bespoke research workshops, it provides them with a detailed introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods, the knowledge to design and carry out their independent research projects, and the ability to write a dissertation.

The workshops are complemented by students working individually with assigned supervisors.