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• Programme overview

• You'll look at both the theory and practice of international relations in terms of the threats to, and vulnerabilities of, global security and development. Three compulsory modules will give you a basis for understanding global security, global governance and how to conduct advanced research. You'll then choose three specialised modules, giving you the opportunity to shape your degree to suit your interests. The certificate and diploma are available for those only completing part of the progression route. For the masters degree, you’ll complete a final dissertation on a specific aspect of the current security and/or development problems confronting policymakers in world politics. You’ll undertake a research and methodology module to support your masters research and equip you for your career. Learn through lectures, seminars and, in some cases, simulation exercises. Assessment of modules will be by a mixture of essays, seminar presentations, report writing, exams, and the dissertation.

  Core modules

  IRL700
  MA Dissertation in Global Security and Development

  This module provides MA students with the opportunity to demonstrate their research skills. It requires the design and production of a substantial dissertation in the field of Global Security and Development in which the aims and objectives of the dissertation and an evaluation of the methodology are specified.

  IRL712
  Research, Professional Skills & Methodology

  This module is designed to support and develop practical research and professional skills for postgraduate international relations and geopolitics students. The focus of the module is twofold – practical issues in research and professional practice as well as methodological analysis, grounded on a strong understanding of the fundamental, underlying ontological and epistemological issues that shape the methodolocial and research design choices we face when conducting research.

  IRL720
  International Security

  International Security is concerned with war and peace, life and death, safety and survival in an increasingly complex world. Traditionally its terrain has focused on concerns about the stability of the states-based system, the use of force, nuclear proliferation, military strategy, and the distribution of resources. Today, however, concerns about climate change, migration, poverty, health, privatisation, organised crime and international terrorism are also on the agenda. This module undertakes to study the above-mentioned issues with the help of case studies.

  Optional modules

  IRL714
  International Trade Policy and Politics

  This module covers the primary institutions involved in regulating trade at the international and regional levels. It will focus on the World Trade Organization, the European Union, regional institutions in the developing world as well as major states such as the US and China. It explains the major contemporary policy issues; including trade disputes, trade wars, ‘behind the border’ issues, the trade-development link and trade in services. It then analyses the political, geopolitical and geoeconomic forces driving trade relationships in the contemporary world. As such it will offer a strong empirical and theoretical foundation for understanding trade politics in the 21st century.

  IRL717
  International Relations in Practice

  This module offers students the opportunity to integrate work or fieldwork experience into their programme of postgraduate IR study.

  IRL719
  United Fronts: Contemporary China and its Global Entanglements

  This module explores contemporary China and its global entanglements. This module examines the nature of the contemporary Chinese state and its increasing willingness to project its power and influence overseas. The module covers key structures of the Chinese state (including corporations), key ideological and theoretical frameworks (nationalism, IR policy), and challenges students apply these frameworks to a variety of case studies covering China’s domestic policies and its entanglements beyond its borders.

  IRL722
  Revolution and World Order in Southwest Asia

  This module introduces the students to the study of International Relations in Southwest Asia. It does this by examining processes such as uprisings and revolutions, and concepts such as democracy and authoritarianism. The module’s approach encourages students to think about the relationship between domestic and international politics and the importance of historical context. Crucially, these concepts, processes, and approaches are valid in 21st century politics beyond Southwest Asia.

MA International Relations: Global Security and Development programme specification_2557