INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MA / PGDIP

Postgraduate programme

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MA / PGDIP

Offered by UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

ON-CAMPUS: BIRMINGHAM Direct university enquiry No obligation

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Programme overview

Why choose this programme?

Explore issues, problems and key theoretical debates that are crucial to international politics, preparing to lead a more ethical, practical and innovative change.
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Prepare to shape your future in global affairs with our MA in International Relations. Delve into key debates and gain practical insights to lead impactful change worldwide.
What makes this course different?

Our MA in International Relations stands out with its team of specialists, diverse research opportunities, and vibrant academic community focused on ethical leadership and global perspectives. Engage in comprehensive studies covering traditional and emerging areas, balancing theoretical and practical insights preparing you for impactful careers in government, NGOs, journalism, and more.

- Choose from an extensive range of optional modules to tailor your studies
- Study in a supportive environment with research-active international political economists
- Be a part of the International Relations and Security Theory research group
- Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme to enhance your employability
Our MA International Relations prepares the next generation of leaders in global affairs. Ideal for those with undergraduate experience in international politics or those seeking to focus on this field at the postgraduate level, this course offers diverse career paths. Engage in government, NGOs, journalism, academia, or pursue advanced research as part of doctoral work. Each path equips you with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Modality

ON-CAMPUS: BIRMINGHAM

Entry requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.

2:1 Honours Degree

or an equivalent qualification

For the MA programme you require a good Honours degree or its equivalent. For those whose first language is not English, an IELTS Certificate is required.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Dates and duration

MA 1 year full-time 2 years part-time

Next Date: September

Career opportunities

Where this programme can take you


Our MA International Relations prepares the next generation of leaders in global affairs. Ideal for those with undergraduate experience in international politics or those seeking to focus on this field at the postgraduate level, this course offers diverse career paths. Engage in government, NGOs, journalism, academia, or pursue advanced research as part of doctoral work. Each path equips you with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

SYLLABUS

Year: 1

- LM Dilemmas in International Relations
- LM Dissertation
- LM International Relations Theory First Term

You'll study one 20-credit core module offering an overview of International Relations Theory, focusing on critical approaches and preparing you to engage with key issues and debates in this area. The remaining 100 credits are gathered across 4 modules out of our list of Political Science and International Studies optional modules. Assessment will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.

Second Term

You'll study one 20-credit core module covering key issues in contemporary international relations, teaching students to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world problems like war, humanitarian interventions, and global governance. The remaining credits are gathered from our list of Political Science and International Studies optional modules. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.

Summer Term

During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit dissertation.