School of Social Science and Humanities

MRes International Relations

MRes Full-time 12 months

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation within History, Politics, War Studies and International Relations. This Research Master’s draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond to develop you into a rigorous researcher. 

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation within History, Politics, War Studies and International Relations. This Research Master’s draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond to develop you into a rigorous researcher. 

Award
MRes
Start date(s)
CLOSED
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (12 months)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation within History, Politics, War Studies and International Relations. This Research Master’s draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond to develop you into a rigorous researcher.

Each module including your capstone research project is led by scholars who have published widely on many aspects of International Relations including energy security, migration, cyber security, as well as contemporary conflicts, diplomacy, peace keeping and conflict resolution, as well as international politics. 

What's unique about this course?

  • As a postgraduate research student you will have in-depth academic interaction with experts in your chosen field over two semesters including significant support through numerous one-to-one supervisions over two semesters on your capstone project. 

  • Opportunity to engage with, join, and build networks in International Relations and its sub-fields within the West Midlands and beyond through peer and scholarly opportunities. 

  • Opportunity to pitch and present your work to peers, experts, and stakeholders on a regular basis. 

What happens on the course?

The MRes allows you to explore many of the key elements in the field of International Relations through developing the skills to conduct in-depth rigorous research to produce an original research dissertation or policy paper in the field. Our focus is to develop you into independent original contributors to your chosen discipline within the field of International Relations working closely with our team of established experts. 

In your first trimester, you will complete two taught modules. 7IR001 International Relations Theories, Concepts and Debates and 7IR002 Research Design and Practice. Through the 12-week journey, you will get an in-depth understanding of the evolution and diversity of this field. We will discover how International Relations provides us with the conceptual and methodological tools to understand, interpret, and engage with contemporary global politics. These modules are your window to advanced research and practical skills as an emerging scholar or policy profession. 

In your second and third Trimester you will work closely with our established academics and programme team to design your 10000-11000 original capstone research project. You may choose between a Research Dissertation or a Policy Paper in your topic as your submission. Within your third trimester you will present your work to peers, scholars, and potential stakeholders in the field of International Relations providing you with authentic experiences and opportunities in conference and policy dissemination. 

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

An MRes in International Relations (Master of Research) provides advanced research skills and expertise in global politics, diplomacy, and international systems. This qualification opens doors to various careers across sectors. Here are some career examples:

  • Policy Analyst

  • Diplomatic Service Officer

  • International Development Consultant

  • Intelligence Analyst

  • Journalist or Foreign Correspondent

  • Academia/Researcher

  • Humanitarian Aid Worker

  • Global Risk Analyst

  • International Trade Specialist

  • Public Affairs or Advocacy Specialist

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have or be about to complete:

  • A recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) from an accredited college, institution or university, equivalent to or higher than a UK Bachelor honours degree qualification.

Please include in your personal statement an explanation of your research interests and how they align with your career aspirations; you may be required to attend an interview to discuss this further.

English language

If English isn’t the applicant’s first language, they will need to provide evidence of English language ability.

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

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Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.


You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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