MRes International Relations

• How is the global financial crisis affecting international politics?
• Do foreign military interventions in civil wars help or hinder peace-making?
• Why are economic resources so unevenly spread across the world, and what are the prospects for global justice?

The MRes in International Relations focuses on analysing the key theoretical and empirical issues and concepts in international relations.

You will discuss the historical significance of globalisation and how it relates to a number of key issues in international relations. You will also undertake a critical survey of the main theories associated with the study of international politics.

This programme is primarily concerned with the varying theoretical explanations for why things happen in world politics. In addition, the programme will provide you with advanced skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods to support research leading to the degrees of MPhil/PhD.

This MRes is a pre-doctoral training programme currently taught in conjunction with the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP) and is an approved pathway for ESRC 1+3 PhD studentship funding and ideal for those seeking to work in a research-related role. 

The new MRes programmes from 2017 will be the same structure as the MA/MSc equivalent, but will include two compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Social Science Research 1: Epistemology, Research design, and Qualitative methods
• Introduction to Social Science Research 2: Quantitative Methods and Data.

Structure

The MRes in International Relations is currently available for one year full-time study, or two years part-time study.

Students must undertake three taught modules as well as a 12,000 word dissertation.

Compulsory modules:

• Contemporary World Politics: Theories, Concepts, Themes
• Introduction to Social Science Research 1: Epistemology, Research design, and Qualitative methods
• Introduction to Social Science Research 2: Quantitative Methods and Data. 
• Dissertation

One optional module from:

• Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development
• International Security: War and Peace in a Global Context
• International Relations of the Middle East: Islam, Imperialism and State Formation
• Approaches to Political Economy
• Themes and Cases in US Foreign Relations

Learning and teaching

As a student at QMUL, you will play an active part in your acquisition of skills and knowledge. Teaching is by a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as open discussion. We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You are assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at QMUL.

_Assessment

Students are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Many modules are assessed by coursework only. If a module is assessed by means of coursework alone, this is usually in the form of research essays and the course convener offers guidance and support in the researching and writing of this piece of assessment.

_Dissertation

You will also be assessed on a supervised 12,000-word dissertation.

The Ann Tickner Prize for Best Masters Dissertation in International Relations

J Ann Tickner graduated in 1959 from Westfield College, now Queen Mary University of London and has gone on to become one of the world's leading thinkers and teachers of International Relations. Professor of International Relations at the University of Southern California and Honorary PhD at the University of Uppsala, Tickner is a former President of the International Studies Association and recipient of many other awards and forms of international recognition. Through her numerous books, articles, chapters, and teaching she has been central to establishing the study of gender and feminist perspectives in International Relations.

The J Ann Tickner Prize for the Best Masters Dissertation in International Relations recognises Professor Tickner's singular contribution and past association with the College. The award will be given annually to the outstanding dissertation irrespective of the topic.

Fees

_{Tuition fees for Home and EU students}

2019/20 Academic Year

Full time £9,150

Part time £4,575

_{Tuition fees for International students}

2019/20 Academic Year

Full time £16,550

Part time £8,275

Funding

There are a number of sources of funding available for Masters students.

These include a significant package of competitive Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) bursaries and scholarships in a range of subject areas, as well as external sources of funding.

_{Queen Mary bursaries and scholarships}

We offer a range of bursaries and scholarships for Masters students including competitive scholarships, bursaries and awards, some of which are for applicants studying specific subjects.

Find out more about QMUL bursaries and scholarships.

_{Alternative sources of funding}

Home/EU students can apply for a range of other funding, such as Professional and Career Development Loans, and Employer Sponsorship, depending on their circumstances and the specific programme of study.

Overseas students may be eligible to apply for a range of external scholarships and we also provide information about relevant funding providers in your home country on our country web pages.

Download our Postgraduate Funding Guide for detailed information about postgraduate funding options for Home/EU students.

Read more about alternative sources of funding for Home/EU studentsand for Overseas students.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 5079

email [email protected]

_{Other financial help on offer at Queen Mary}

We offer one to one specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Our Advice and Counselling Service also has lots of Student Advice Guides on all aspects of finance including:

• Planning your budget and cutting costs [PDF]
• Part-time and vacation work [PDF]

Visit the MRes International Relations page on the Queen Mary University of London website for more details!