International Relations MA

The MA in International Relations aims to open your mind and extend your skills.

Key Features of MA in International Relations

This MA in International Relations offers advanced research in International Relations, providing students with a detailed understanding of the international system, key issues, the crucial actors, and alternative ways of analysing and interpreting the subject.

With an appreciation of the global dynamics at work, as an International Relations student, you then have the opportunity to specialise in examining one specific area of the world: the Asia-Pacific.

The College of Arts and Humanities has a Graduate Centre. The Graduate Centre fosters and supports individual and collaborative research activity of international excellence and offers a vibrant and supportive environment for students pursuing postgraduate research and taught masters study. The Centre provides postgraduate training to enhance academic and professional development and facilitates participation in seminar programmes, workshops and international conferences.

International Relations graduates have careers in Government and Politics, UN organisations, the Foreign Office and Diplomatic Corps, Humanitarian organisations, International business, media and PR.

International Relations Course Structure

The full-time International Relations course structure is split across the year with three modules taken in each academic semester (a total of six modules) and then a dissertation over the summer.

International Relations students study four compulsory modules, the research process module and one optional module.

The dissertation is written on a specialist research topic of the student's choosing.

International Relations Programme Aims

• To develop advanced knowledge and understanding of International Relations.
• To develop critical, theoretical and analytical skills, improve written and oral communication skills.
• To acquire research skills in International relations.

Modules

Modules on the International Relations course typically include:

• Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences
• Approaches to International Relations
• International Security in the Asia Pacific
• Postcolonialism, Orientalism, Eurocentrism
• War, Technology and Culture
• War, Identity and Society
• Approaches to Political Theory
• Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics
• Politics in Contemporary Britain
• War and Space
• The State of Africa
• Critical Security Studies: Issues and Approaches in Contemporary Security
• Rights-based Approaches to Development
• Violence, Conflict and Development
• The Policy Making Process
• Gender, Society and Politics in the Middle East and North Africa
• Gender and the Social Sciences
• Democracy and Constitutional Design
• Cyber Governance
• Foundations of International Political Economy

Work-based Placements

International Relations offers opportunities (awarded on a competitive basis) for work-based placement learning either through the Study in Gambia programme or placements arranged with government organisations in Wales. 

Who should Apply?

Students interested in International Relations, from a politics, international relations, development studies, law, humanities, social science, International Business or related background. Students interested in preparation for postgraduate research, MPhil or PhD, or who wish to develop skills and knowledge related to International Relations.

Careers

Career expectations are excellent for International Relations graduates. MA degree holders in International Relations may move on to doctoral study or enter employment sectors such as the diplomatic corps, the armed forces, intelligence and risk analysis, relief and humanitarian organisations, law and finance, government and politics and international business.

Research Interests

The following research groups at Swansea provide a distinct international and multi-disciplinary forum for the advancement of the study of International Relations including:

• International Relations & Security
• Cultural Political Economy
• Policy and Governance
• Development Studies
• International Communication

Regular research seminars and lectures are run through these groups and also through the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities (RIAH) which students are encouraged to attend. 

Student Quote

“The lecturers and other staff members of the International Relations Department are exceptional, they are friendly, helpful and understanding and they provide clarity and support. The range of modules available to MA students in International Relations is second to none; they are not only interesting and enjoyable but also highly academic and insightful. Study facilities are world class. The library and Information centre has rich collections of research materials; there is a dedicated Arts and Humanities Postgraduate study room and also a computer room with an unlimited access to the internet. Studying for an MA in International Relations at Swansea University is an amazing experience and one that I shall never forget. The teaching and non-teaching staff of the Department of International Relations are the best. I shall continue to enjoy this friendliness and understanding from the Department in the foreseeable future because, I have decided to study a PhD after the MA.”

Felix Oko. International Relations, MA

Visit the International Relations MA page on the Swansea University website for more details!