MRes International Relations

Award MRes
Course length 12 months
Start dates 17th June 2024
23rd September 2024
20th January 2025
Mode of delivery On campus
School School of Social Science and Communities

Course description 

The MRes program stands out due to its strong emphasis on research skills development, making it a unique and attractive option for prospective students. This program provides comprehensive training in research methodologies, data analysis, and critical thinking, ensuring that graduates emerge with the ability to conduct independent, high-quality research. By focusing on research skills,  students will gain a valuable asset that is highly sought after by employers and academia alike.  

One of the defining aspects of the MRes program is its commitment to hands-on research projects or dissertations. These projects provide students with the opportunity to make original contributions to their field of study, showcasing their research capabilities and helping them build a strong portfolio for future academic or professional endeavours. 

An interdisciplinary approach is another hallmark of the MRes program, allowing students to explore multiple fields and perspectives. This well-rounded education prepares graduates to address complex, real-world problems that often require expertise from various disciplines, making them adaptable and effective researchers. 

Furthermore, the program's flexibility, such part-time and online options, caters to a diverse range of students, including working professionals and international learners. This adaptability ensures that students can pursue their academic and career goals while accommodating their individual circumstances. 

The MRes program will provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities, databases, and collaboration opportunities. These resources underline the program's commitment to providing students with the best tools and support for their research journey, enabling them to thrive in their studies. 

Faculty expertise is a crucial asset of the MRes program. The experienced and accomplished faculty members are dedicated to mentoring and guiding students throughout their research endeavours, offering valuable insights and support along the way. 

Additionally, the program's relevance to various industries, government agencies, and non-profit organisations is a key selling point. Graduates acquire skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in the job market, positioning them as valuable assets capable of making an immediate impact in their chosen field. 

The MRes program's global perspective is attractive to international students, offering opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and networking. This international outlook not only enriches the educational experience but also opens doors to global career opportunities. 

Course modules

This module provides an advanced understanding of key theories, concepts, and debates in International Relations. Students engage with major IR paradigms, agential concepts (state, empire), structural concepts (globalization, postcolonialism), and institutional concepts (international society, great powers). The module develops critical analysis and scholarly writing skills. 

This module prepares students for their final project by introducing research methodologies and encouraging the development of a research question and methodology. Students learn to formulate research questions, design ethical and methodologically sound studies, critically review literature, and construct cohesive research proposals and annotated bibliographies. 

The dissertation is the capstone project of the MRes program. Students can choose between an academic dissertation suitable for adaptation into a journal article or book chapter, or a policy report examining a practical IR issue and providing actionable advice. The dissertation demonstrates mastery of knowledge and skills developed throughout the course.