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 2012 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 subsequent 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
Fall Semester Core Courses
INR 501 (3 CREDITS)
Research Methodology
This module is specifically designed to help prepare students for the production of their 12,000 word postgraduate thesis, which forms a major component of the program. The course provides students with a series of key skills that are vital for successful research, at postgraduate level and beyond. Students will be introduced to research texts (which may include works by Nicholson, Neuman, Booth and Turabain) to develop scholarly research skills that will include, but not be limited to, interview and survey techniques, the analysis of data and policy documents, and the ability to utilise a major international research library. Students will be guided on the implementation of a scholarly literary review; be shown how to undertake advanced research; assisted in the manner in which to complete a project proposal and finally be advised on the specific requirements for their thesis, due for submission at the end of the program.
INR 502 (3 CREDITS)
International Relations Theory and Concepts
This course challenges students to engage with the theoretical debates that have characterised the field of international relations. Covering a wide range of theories and concepts, students will engage with the ideological framework upon with the IR discipline rests. Through a consideration of many classic texts (which may include the writings of Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Kant and Bull) and scholarly analyses (Gaddis, Nye, Fukuyama, Morgenthau, Wendt, Mearsheimer and Ikenberry, for example) students will master a strong understanding of various schools of IR thought. From neo-liberalism to constructivism, from neo-realism to post-structuralism, from Feminism to Post-Colonialism, from the English School to Critical Studies, this course will address the applicability of theory to contemporary events and the degree to which continuity and change characterise the subject.
INR 503 (3 CREDITS)
Origins and Development of International Relations
This course considers the history of foreign affairs since the inception of International Relations as an academic discipline in the 1920s. Considering chronological and thematic approaches to history, the course examines in detail key events in IR history to assess the manner in which personalities, ideas, events as well as cultural and social change all helped to shape history and thus forge the modern world. Events ranging from the Treaty of Versailles, the Atlantic Charter, the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, the impact of de-colonisation, the emergence of BRICs, 9/11 and its impact on International Relations will be considered. These incidents will be examined to provide an in-depth appreciation of the events that helped shape today’s international community.
INR 504 (3 CREDITS)
Global Political Economy
This course will examine the global political economy through a framework that goes beyond traditions of state-centrism, boundaries between politics and economics and the concept of globalisation as an overarching structural force. The course will study theoretical approaches to international political economy (IPE) and examine contemporary issues including the politics of economic crises. This course will examine the global political economy through a framework that goes beyond traditions of state-centrism, boundaries between politics and economics and the concept of globalisation as an overarching structural force. The course will study theoretical approaches to international political economy (IPE) and examine contemporary issues including the politics of economic crises. Students will explore the theories of leading analysts, (which may include Gilpin, Keohane, Cox and Kindleberger). The role of International Financial Institutions (IFI’s) will be addressed, along with competing models of Capitalism, to address the manner in which various economic models are implemented in the global political economy. Finally the course will explicitly address key normative questions for a globalised world, such as justice and equality.
Semester II
International Relations: Practical Applications
(Students must take four courses; one from the regional options and three from the thematic section)
Spring Semester Regional Options
INR 601 (3 CREDITS)
China: Hegemony In The Making?
This course will consider the emergence of China as a potential superpower in the twenty-first century. Students will consider the historic role of China on the world stage and explore its rise, fall and subsequent re-emergence as a world power. As the century progresses the continuing rise of China appears to be inevitable, but is this the case? Students will study the works of analysts (which may include Christensen, Lanteigne and Ross) as well as the actions of policymakers (Mao, Zhao, Deng and Jiang, for example). The course will consider the political and economic implications of the potential for either Chinese hegemony or Chinese meltdown and the implications for the rest of the world. Students will consider the implications of a Beijing Consensus clashing with a Washington consensus and the ramifications of triangular diplomacy between the US, China and the EU. Personalities, historical events and the importance of Communism and Confucianism will be explored to encourage students to develop a fundamental understanding of the history and philosophical basis for China’s global status.
INR 602 (3 CREDITS)
The United States: Superpower in Crisis?
This course will examine the manner in which the foreign policy of the United States has evolved and the degree to which it is judged to have altered in recent decades. The course will provide an understanding of the motivating factors behind the nation’s long-term foreign ambitions and the philosophy that drives it. Theories of US foreign policy (which may include the works of Keegan, Kissinger and Nye) will be considered, along with the views of officeholders (Hamilton, Jefferson, Powell and Clarke, for example) to ascertain the philosophical and practical bases for America’s global entanglements. Individuals from Kennan to Reagan, from McNamara to Obama and events from Korea to 9/11 will be addressed to discern the manner in which the United States alternates between excessive intervention and apparent disinterest in global affairs. To what extent is it accurate to consider the US to be in a state of hegemonic decline?
INR 603 (3 CREDITS)
European Integration, Conflict and Cooperation
This course will consider the historic developments that have defined the European continent, and the nature of relations between Europe’s leading powers. It will explore the rationale for the development of European institutions that sought to unite the continent. Examples of conflict, compromise and consensus will be considered to help comprehend the post –Word War II emergence of the European Community and its evolution into the European Union. The course will consider theories of European integration (which may include the works of Wallace, Wolfe, Haas and Hoffman) and address issues of EU politics, policy-making, institutions and processes. The course will address the impact of the European Defence Force, a Common Security Policy and the implications that this has for NATO and the ramifications of a United States of Europe with its own security and foreign policy.
INR 604 (3 CREDITS)
State and Society in Post Colonial Africa
This course examines the relationship between state and society in post-colonial Africa and its implications for international relations. Students will consider the political, economic and security challenges that confront the states of this continent, utilising case studies and the works of Jean-Francois Bayart and Goran Hyden. The role of NGOs in developing countries and the nature of Africa’s integration into the global economy will be evaluated. Students will consider concepts of identity and independence, power and poverty, along with issues of interventionism and the African Union. The colonial legacy will be cast against the internal dynamics of African state and society in an effort to understand the dynamics of post-colonial Africa and developmental possibilities.
INR 605 (3 CREDITS)
International Politics of the Middle East
This course considers the significance of the Middle East in contemporary International Relations and its regional and global significance. Focusing upon the great power struggles and the international ramifications of ideological and religious clashes in the region, students will explore the region’s successes and inherent tensions to appreciate the difficulties they pose to any would be peacemakers. The challenges of nuclear proliferation in the region and the growing role of non-state groups will be addressed. Students will engage with the works of key researchers (which may include Aaron T. Wolf, Charles Tripp, Fouad Ajami and Arnon Sofer) on a course that will explore nuclear proliferation, the role of non-state actors and access to vital resources.
Spring Semester Thematic Options
INR 607 (3 CREDITS)
Crisis Management
This course examines the process by which foreign policy decisions are made in time of international crisis. The course explores how different actors, including states, bureaucrats, think-tanks, policy-networks and lobby groups seek to influence and shape the foreign policy decision-making process. Students will address the works of theorists that may include Boin, Stern and Sundelius to gain an insight into the politics of crisis management. The course will examine the extraneous forces that wield influence in the establishment of foreign policy and the events that can elevate politicians into global statesmen. The course will draw upon corporate examples, examining events such as the Bhopal disaster and the Exxon Valdez incident. Students will examine the use of organisations in the formulation of policy, including the National Security Council, EXCOMM, FEMA and COBRA. The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Iranian hostage crisis and the reaction to Katrina will be examined in a course designed to address the theoretical and managerial concepts of crisis management and discern the degree to which individuals or institutions decide the fate of nations.
INR 608 (3 CREDITS)
Global Order and Justice
The course will examine traditional instruments for the maintenance of global order – balance of power, diplomacy, power politics and war along with the role of legal norms in that process. Students will consider questions about the relevance of the concept of Just War, the strength and relevance of international laws, the importance of protecting human rights and democracy. The work of a variety of authors will be addressed, (which may include Bull, Hurrell, Higgins, Koskeniemmi, Kratochwil, Reus-Smit, Byers, Posner and Barnette) to address the extent to which order and justice influence state behaviour.
INR 609 (3 CREDITS)
International Development
This course will address development theory and practice in the post-1945 era. Students will consider the ‘impasse in development studies’, and the challenges of building credible development theories in the 21st Century. Through a series of case studies students will consider the success and failures of policies to promote development around the world. These will include the rapid economic growth and development in East and South East Asia, development and democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa and international institutions and donor agencies. The administration of development will be considered, along with a range of actors responsible for formulating, promoting and implementing development policies. Students will examine a range of contextual issues (social, political, economic, environmental, institutional, ideological and cultural) that aid or hinder development efforts. Why have some states had economic miracles, while others have become failed states?
INR 610 (3 CREDITS)
In-Security Studies
Global events, including the attacks of 9/11, have led to a reassessment of concepts of security. In many parts of the world they have heralded fundamental changes in the relationship between the individual and the state and raised questions regarding personal liberty. This course examines both the rise of global security measures and the emergence of human security as a discipline. The course will consider the growing importance of human security and non traditional approaches to the idea of what security entails. Students will explore the work of authors, which may include Buzan and Booth, to gauge the meaning of these concepts, together with its impact on both the theories and practice of security-related politics. The course examines these issues from a global perspective and the manner in which security implications impact both individuals and leaders.
INR 611 (3 CREDITS)
International Relations and the Media
This course explores the relationship that exists between the media, the implementation and execution of foreign policy and the management of security and environmental threats. Covering a century’s worth of media reports on politics, diplomacy and warfare, the course will address the fundamental issues pertaining to the role of the media in both free and command societies and the manner in which the media manipulate and is manipulated by governmental agencies. The course will consider the manner in which journalists gather information, the role of the PR industry in managing the news industry, and issues of bias, media ownership and agenda-setting. Drawing upon the experiences of international journalists, this course will challenge students to reflect upon the degree to which the media influences foreign policy.
(The availability of courses will depend upon student uptake and faculty availability)
Semester III (Summer)
Thesis/Internship
INR 680 (3 CREDITS)
Internship
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 demanding and rewarding. The internship will provide an opportunity to deploy the skills learnt on courses in a real world setting, as students produce an assessed record of their experiences. Richmond has arranged for a series of exciting opportunities at a number of top organisations, including embassies in London, for students to gain experience in the field of International Relations. In an increasingly competitive graduate careers market, internships are an invaluable opportunity that not only supplement the theoretical lessons of the program but also provide a direct link to careers and further opportunities.
INR 690 (3 CREDITS)
Thesis Research
The MA Internship serves as a backdrop against which students must complete a senior thesis on an IR related topic. The focus of the paper will be agreed upon in consultation with the program director. The thesis will combine a research area of interest to the students that draws together theoretical and practical lessons learnt during the program. The concept is to combine an area of specific interest with the application of theory and practical experience. Students are required to complete the initial course on thesis preparation in their first semester that provides the grounding for their work on this 12,000-word 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.
