MSc International Relations

Award

MSc
Course length  12 months 
Start dates

23rd September 2024 

20 January 2025 

19th May 2025 

Mode of delivery  Blended
School School of Social Science and Communities 

Course description 

The MSc International Relations program stands out due to its strong emphasis on research skills development alongside the diverse global content, making it a unique and attractive option for prospective students. This comprehensive training encompasses research methodologies, data analysis, and critical thinking, ensuring that graduates emerge with the ability to conduct independent, high-quality research and apply this in their workplaces.   

An interdisciplinary approach is another hallmark of the MSc International Relations 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 with 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 MSc International Relations program will provide access to excellent 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 MSc program. The experienced and accomplished faculty members are experts in their fields and dedicated to mentoring and guiding students throughout their 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 benefit. 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 MSc 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.  

Study method 

You’ll undertake two taught modules, at the start of the course. You are invited to attend 2 block teaching sessions of 2 weeks, at Wolverhampton campus. You will then move to a research study supported by a supervisor who will provide one to one tuition. 

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. 

This module examines the theory and practice of great power politics, analysing the sources of great power emergence, dominance, and decline. Students explore historical and contemporary case studies, focusing on the United States, Russia, and China, and develop skills in formulating research questions and composing original case studies. 

This module investigates foreign policy strategies and diplomatic practices of global and middle powers. Students apply analytical tools and theoretical frameworks to evaluate motivations, effectiveness, and ethical implications of foreign policy decisions and diplomatic initiatives. The module covers topics such as national branding, climate diplomacy, and cybersecurity. 

The capstone assignment for the course is a research project that demonstrates the student’s mastery of knowledge and skills developed. Students may choose to complete either an academic dissertation or a policy report.