Programme Overview

The aim of our MA in International Relations at Richmond University is to equip students with in-depth knowledge of the discipline of international relations, key analytical and research skills, combined with an opportunity to gain practical experience through an optional internship.

The programme examines a range of theories and approaches to international relations, including global political economy, diplomatic practice, the role of the global media, and conflict and post-conflict situations and many others.

The MA in International Relations prepares students for further graduate study in the discipline or for careers in the fascinating world of local, national, regional, and international politics, in governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Students are invited to participate in visits to key international institutions including the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the EU headquarters in Brussels and an important Peace Studies institute in Norway.

Under the auspices of Richmond’s Centre for the Study of the State, Power & Globalisation students are involved actively in the research of the faculty and experts in the field from around the UK and the world. The university also supports a not-for-profit NGO Professors Without Borders, and students have often worked closely with this exciting initiative.

Curriculum Overview
We offer a rigorous curriculum encompassing theoretical and practical developments in the dynamic field of global politics, set in the vibrant context of cosmopolitan London, in an international classroom, which gives graduates distinct advantages in developing vital inter-personal and intercultural communication skills.

The programme examines a range of theories and approaches to international relations, questions of international political economy, and offers courses on international diplomatic practice, international law and institutions, studies of specific regions, international migration, media, and many others.

Optional Accredited Internship
Students are also offered an opportunity to pursue a research-linked internship, either in the UK or globally, over the Summer semester. The university supports students in securing an internship and throughout the period of their occupation. The Accredited Internship provides an invaluable opportunity for students to deploy the knowledge and skills learned in courses in a real world setting. The Internship is supervised, and students are required to reflect on what they have learned and how it is relevant to what they are doing on the internship programme.

Students are assessed through a combination of regular logs, oral presentation and critical reflective writing on their experiences. In an increasingly competitive graduate careers market, internships are an invaluable opportunity that not only supplement the theoretical lessons of the programme but also provide a direct link to careers and further opportunities. The internship is conducted in the summer months of minimum 5 weeks.

Top 5 Reasons to study International Relations:

• An optional integrated internship and research that directly pertains to this programme and will help you better prepare for the professional sphere
• Be awarded a US and UK accredited degree upon successful completion of the course that will be valuable to future employers
• Small class sizes (10 person class on average), high contact hours with professors and academic advisers
• Access to a central London location that is at the hub of international relations and influence
• The opportunity to visit international institutions like the EU Headquarters in Brussels and The Hague in the Netherlands

Modules Breakdown