Richmond's focus upon the power of globalisation is predicated on the notion that success in the 21st century will depend upon leaders who recognise the diversity that exists in the world and are able to celebrate and harness its true potential. We seek to engage the next generation of global leaders as they make their first steps on a life long journey of discovery and learning.
Applications and Admissions
Admission to the MA in International Relations normally requires a bachelor degree with a major in IR or a related area. Applicants with other undergraduate majors will be evaluated individually and may be required to take several key undergraduate courses as pre-requisites. Applications must be accompanied by a £50 non-refundable application fee.
› Apply Online - Fall 2010 Admissions
› Academic Calendar
Students must complete an approved programme of 33 credits including a 9-credit Internship and related thesis project and eight 3-credit courses as defined below. Students require) a cumulative GPA across the entire 33-credit degree of 3.0, for each semester. Students may not proceed to subsequesnt semesters without a 'B' average. Students must pass all aspects of the course and may not graduate untill all components, including the thesis, have been successfully completed.
Semester I
International Relations Advanced Theory
IRM 501 (3 CREDITS)
Research Methodology for the MA Thesis
On this obligatory course students learn a series of skills that are vital for postgraduate study. Lessons will focus upon the formulation of a specific thesis, how to initiate a literary review, how to undertake advanced research and how to complete a proposal for their project. Students will be granted membership of the British Library, one of the greatest depositories of research material in the world, and tutored into how to utilise its many assets. This course serves to prepare students for their major thesis, which is due to be submitted at the completion of the Internship program and no later than August 31.
IRM 502 (3 CREDITS)
International Relations Advanced Theory
On this obligatory course students are exposed to an advanced appreciation of international relations theory. Through a consideration of classic and modern texts, students are required to master an appreciation of the distinctions between various schools of thought and convey an understanding of the manner in which continuity and change characterise the subject. Whilst focusing upon the theoretical study of international relations by definition, the course will draw upon a wide range of examples to ensure that a practical appreciation is not overlooked
IRM 503 (3 CREDITS)
International Relations Practice
At the core of international relations lies the work of the diplomat. This course considers the work that such experts engage through the prism of history and current events. The course will focus upon diplomacy from both an historical context as well as a theoretical approach to convey the nuance and subtlety that is required in such situations. Politics, personality, theory and techniques of international negotiation will be explored in-depth on a course that will reveal the multi-faceted aspects of international relations.
IRM 504 (3 CREDITS)
International Relations History
This course begins with an historical review of international relations since the treaty of Westphalia. The course moves in a chronological fashion, examining in detail key events in IR history to consider the manner in which personality and events have helped to shape history and thus forge the modern world. The course will complement IRM502 by focusing upon the historical factors that transpired as a result of shifting ideological struggles.
Semester II
International Relations: Practical Applications
(Students must take four courses; one from the regional options and three from the thematic section)
Regional Options
IRM 601 (3 CREDITS)
China: World Power Rising?
In recent decades the emergence of China has taken the world by storm. However far too much attention is focused upon its domestic markets and trade policies. This will be rectified in a course that will force students to reconsider their attitudes towards China. By considering the historic positions adopted by China on the world stage, the course will consider the nation’s rise and fall and subsequent emergence as a world power. Taking as its cue a variety of historical events and characters the course will force students to develop a fundaments understanding of the history and philosophical basis for China’s global relations.
IRM 602 (3 CREDITS)
The United States: Superpower in Crisis?
The foreign policy of the United States is the subject of more scrutiny and superficial analysis than any other nation. But how accurate is any of it? This course will consider the manner in which the foreign policy of the United States has evolved and the manner in which it is judged to have shifted in the last decade. The course will challenge students to consider the manner in which the United States alternates between excessive intervention and apparent disinterest in global affairs in an effort to understand the motivating factors behind the nation’s long-term foreign ambitions.
IRM 603 (3 CREDITS)
Europe: Harmony and Conflict
Today, Europe is defined by a continent largely at peace with itself and the outside world. History reveals that this is an historical exception to the prevailing rule that has seen battles and bloodshed as the defining events of its long history. By considering the historical events that have defined the European continent, this course will serve to challenge students to comprehend the nature of relations between Europe’s leading powers, the destruction that resulted and the manner in which harmony has broken out in recent years. Attention will be paid to regions that defy this interpretation in an effort to comprehend the distinctiveness of regions and approaches to international relations that abound throughout the continent.
IRM 604 (3 CREDITS)
Africa: State and Society in Conflict
As a continent that continues to sharply divide opinion, Africa continues to evolve in manners that are difficult to foresee. The course considers the political, economic and security problems that the continent faces and the approaches adopted by individual countries as they emerge from the remnants of colonial rule to the modern era with varying degrees of success. To what extent has a continent cast off one group of oppressive foreign rulers, merely to have them replaced by homegrown tyrants? Are the problems of Africa homegrown or imposed by continuing colonial style suppression?
IRM 605 (3 CREDITS)
The Middle East: Resources and Religion
As the most historically contentious region in the world, any study of international affairs must recognise the significance of the Middle East and its tumultuous impact upon the rest of the world. Focusing upon the great power struggles in the region, the struggles of characters and ideologies, this course will challenge students to appreciate the inherent tensions in the region, the reasons for their existence and to appreciate the difficulties that present themselves to any would be peace makers.
Thematic Options
IRM 606 (3 CREDITS)
International Political Economy
Based upon a belief that economics and politics must be studied in tandem, this course challenges students to consider the relationship in sharp relief. By addressing the political aspect of economics students will be forced to reconsider the manner in which decisions are made and reasons that they are arrived at. By acknowledging the importance of global financial markets to the political arena, this course will provide a challenging and profound reappraisal of the international community.
IRM 607 (3 CREDITS)
Crisis Management
Nothing focuses the world’s attention on international relations more than a crisis. In times of great tension national politicians may emerge as global statesmen and display strength in the face of adversity. But what transpires behind the scenes? How are lowly politicians advised on global events that may be beyond their comprehension? This course investigates the process by which such decisions are made and the manner in which they are arrived at. It explores how the different actors, including states, bureaucrats, think tanks, policy-networks and lobby groups influence the policy-making process.
IRM 608 (3 CREDITS)
Culture and Religion
In recent years a series of events around the world have focused the attention of many citizens and political leaders on the cultural and religious differences that unite and divide society in apparently equal measure. These atrocities have revealed to the world the depths to which individuals will sink in their efforts to enforce an ideology as well as the many individual acts of courage that occur in the face of such action. This course considers the relationship between culture, religion and political identity as well as its manifestation between and across nation-state borders.
IRM 609 (3 CREDITS)
International Development
The promotion of development in a range of nations has been implemented around the world with varying degrees of success. In keeping with the overall ethos of the program, this course will consider both development theory and practice by applying methodology to case studies in an effort to comprehend the various social, economic and environmental themes that aid or hinder such efforts. Why have some efforts led to economic miracles while others remain failed states?
IRM 610 (3 CREDITS)
In-Security Studies
In a time of increased global security and mounting tensions, it is appropriate to consider the practice of the security services, the application of security measures and to consider the degree to which this makes society any safer. The course will consider the impact of security measures in our lives, the rationale for increased surveillance and the impact that this has for wider concepts of international security. The course illustrates the rise of security measures in society and considers this within a broad framework of international relations. The course examines these issues from a global perspective and the manner in which security implications impact individuals and leaders as well as various sectors in the post-cold war era.
(The availability of courses will depend upon student uptake and faculty availability)
Semester III (Summer)
Thesis/Internship
IRM 620 (9 CREDITS)
Thesis Research
At the heart of the Master’s program is an extended internship position; a full-time work-learning placement that allows students to learn directly from professionals in the IR field. Students will be challenged to relate classroom situations to the workplace, make contacts which may prove valuable to their future employment prospects, and gain confidence in their capabilities, creativity and communication skills. Internships are designed to be both challenging and rewarding. They serve as a test of character, of the skills acquired in studies and of suitability for an intended line of work. In an increasingly competitive graduate careers market, practical experience is an invaluable addition to classroom learning.
The MA Internship serves as a backdrop against which students must complete a senior thesis that draws together theoretical lessons learnt during the taught elements of the course, with the experiences gained from their work placement. Students are required to complete an initial course on thesis preparation in their first semester that provides the grounding for their work on this thesis, which is conducted independently, with regular tutorials with the program director.
Students enrolling in the program begin in September and can complete the degree in two 15-week semesters plus the following summer. During the first semester, four courses must be completed. These consist of three 3-credit courses along with a single 3-credit research methodology course. In the second semester students take one 3-credit course that focuses on a global region and three 3-credit courses that are thematic. In the summer students must complete an Internship and produce a thesis based upon the experience.
For students working independently on their Masters thesis. Here students apply the skills learned in IRM 501, from the early research and writing of the thesis through to its completion. These courses are comprised of intensive and regular meetings on a one-to-one (by appointment) basis with the thesis supervisor to discuss the progress of research and writing. The supervisor will provide comments on draft chapters of the thesis, suggest advice regarding the research and writing process, as well as suggesting resources (from readings and visual data, to other documentation and www resources) and research directions for the thesis.
Students are required to be in London from early May to Mid-June for thesis supervision and seminars. The thesis is handed in no later than September 1. Students must be registered for IRM 620.
