杜伦大学

Course Summary

This course provides you with systematic knowledge and the tools to critically review the complex relationships between government and society at a variety of levels and in different contexts. It also enables you to evaluate in a sophisticated and critical fashion, theories and paradigms within the broad field of politics and international relations, and to draw lessons from empirical studies involving both quantitative and qualitative investigations. It also aims to develop your ability to deploy research strategies and methods in an appropriately advanced fashion to critically evaluate research at the current limits of theoretical understanding, and to equip you with the ability to master complex political concepts and evaluate the significance of major developments in political thought in general as well as international relations theory.

Course Learning and Teaching

At the beginning of the academic year, you will go through five-day induction events in which they are informed about University, the School, the MA/MSc courses and the facilities available. The 180 credits one-year MA degree is divided into two core and five optional modules of 15 credits each. Furthermore, you will submit a dissertation of 75 credits of not more than 15,000 words. Most of the modules are delivered during the first two terms and you will spend the remaining time writing your dissertation.

Usually a module has 18 contact hours spread over 9 weeks and 132 hours of self-directed learning. The modules are mainly delivered through weekly 2 hours sessions which can either take the form of seminars or one hour of lecture and one hour of tutorial. The form in which seminars are conducted can differ from one module to another. Typically modules would have elements of lectures, discussions, and presentations from students—the extent of each of these components would differ from one module to another.

All modules have written exercise for formative assessments. Upon getting feedback on these assignments, you can meet your lecturers to discuss marks before then eventually completing a summative assessment. Typically summative assessments are 3000 word essays but some modules may be assessed by examination. You can also meet your module coordinators during weekly contact hours or by making an appointment. When you are working on your dissertation during the later half of the year, you will meet your assigned supervisors for a minimum of 6 hours. You will also have access to the academic advisors whenever there is a need.

Career Opportunities

Our students go on to a wide range of successful careers including civil service and other government agencies, UN/INGOs/CSOs, journalism, media, teaching, law, banking and finance, diplomatic services and risk analysis.