赫特福德大学

About the course

Study our MA in International Relations to gain an understanding of the forces that shape global politics in the 21st Century. A postgraduate degree in International Relations provides a pathway to a range of careers from policy-related roles in NGOs and government to vocational positions in the media and the private sector.

Whether your background is in Politics and International Relations, or another discipline, our MA equips you with the knowledge, skills and tools to critically analyse and tackle global society’s most pressing issues. Our innovative teaching methods, including simulations and panel-style debates, help establish a thorough grasp of the theoretical approaches and empirical methods used to study International Relations. Specialist modules allow you to study and analyse a range of topics, from traditional issues like war, peace and security to more contemporary debates on the international economy, global ethics, energy scarcity, and ecological changes. Our lecturers are active researchers who will give insight into current debates, developments and perspectives within the discipline of International Relations. You will undertake a dissertation, on a topic of your choice, and will be supervised through this task by one, or more, of the department’s dedicated research staff.

The MA is delivered with flexibility in mind, combining in-class activities with online learning provisions to ensure that studies can be balanced with other commitments, including work and family life. There are a number of different pathways on offer to fit with your individual needs and professional aims. The standard route MA is offered full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). Alternatively, you may wish to take a Sandwich option (two years full-time), which combines a year of university study with a year-long work placement, or the with Advanced Research route (two years full-time), where you will complete an extended, year-long research project in addition to one year of university study.

Sandwich pathway (Work-Placement)

Choosing the Sandwich route enhances your employability as it gives you an additional year to work in a policy-related field, the media or private sector. The Sandwich option offers you the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills into practice, as well as enrich your personal network of contacts.

What will I study?

Our award winning lecturers are active researchers who will introduce and explain topics that are at the forefront of the discipline of International Relations. The programme will be delivered using a number of different methods:

• Interactive lectures and seminars where you will be encouraged to participate in, and take ownership of, your own learning within a supportive and managed environment.
• Simulation activities, which replicate the environment and experiences within which International Relations take place.
• Regular, detailed and personal supervision sessions for independent student research.
• Opportunities to present your research at a student conference, where you will gain experience in presenting and providing answers to unprepared questions.
• External speakers and visits allow you to gain a wider understanding of where your degree fits into the broader framework of international politics.
• Our study and research skills sessions are applied to the discipline, which means you will attain insights into how theories, methods and methodologies operate in a real research environment.

Careers

Individuals with a postgraduate degree in International Relations are well-equipped for employment and often pursue careers.