University of Portsmouth - International Relations and Politics MA

University of Portsmouth

International Relations and Politics MA

If you're passionate about studying global conflict and cooperation at the postgraduate level, but can't commit to attending university every week, this MA in International Relations and Politics offers a convenient way to study for a Master's.

Through intensive blocks of study, you'll graduate with the skills and knowledge for creative roles in security, development, social policy, governance, advocacy, and communications, in local to global institutions. 

Course highlights:

  • Fit each module into a week's intensive study, with a few weeks' rest between to focus on your life and career commitments
  • Explore the contours of contemporary insecurity, examine the key drivers of political and public policy decision-making across the globe, and apply key analytical concepts to local and international political developments
  • Devise, research, and deliver a major academic project
  • Challenge conventional explanations and participate in key debates about international conflict, global politics, and public policy. 
  • Develop advanced analytic skills, and how to communicate your analysis in engaging reports, policy briefs, and essays.
  • Study with internationally-recognized academics, including members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for the Study of a Transnational Europe

Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of a second-class honours degree in Politics, International Relations, Sociology or History, or a 2:1 honours degree in another relevant humanities or social sciences subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered.
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Career Prospects

This degree aims to develop skills and knowledge for career advancement and shaping an informed global citizen. Graduates from International Relations and Politics courses have worked in parliaments, political parties, third sector, and civil society organizations. The Careers and Employability service can assist in finding relevant work experience, such as placements, internships, and voluntary roles, to complement your studies. The service also offers up to 5 years of support for career advancement. Previous graduates have gone on to work in parliaments, political parties, third sector, and civil society organizations.

Course Details

The Block Taught MA International Relations and Politics is an intensive course that offers a unique approach to studying. Instead of studying multiple modules simultaneously, students travel to the University for a single week to study a single module, with coursework handed in at the end of the module. This intensive form of study can be easier to fit into work and other life commitments. The course consists of four taught modules over the year, or two each year for two years, if studying part-time.
Teaching staff are internationally recognized and actively researching in their respective areas. They are members of international professional associations for Politics and International Relations, such as the Political Studies Association, British International Studies Association, International Studies Association, European Consortium for Political Research, and European Union Studies Association.
Students will be assessed through informal assessments, seminars, and peer review sessions before final marks. Feedback on practice and formal assessments is available to help students improve in the future.
The University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK) provides one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, note-taking, time management, critical thinking, presentation skills, referencing, working in groups, revision, memory, and exam techniques. Students also have access to Moodle, participation in Academic Enrichment Programme (AEP) activities, access to the Faculty Research Skills Hub, the School Student Representatives Hub, support by the Faculty Librarian, and a personal tutor, personal tutorial meetings, and dissertation supervision.

Course Modules

Comparative Public Policy – 30 credits
Contemporary Security in International Relations: Providers and Challenges – 30 credits
Defence and Deterrence – 30 credits
Dissertation – 45 credits
Exploring International Relations – 30 credits
Researching International Relations – 15 credits

Attachments

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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