MA in International Relations

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273

Central London Location

156

Small Class Sizes

Richmond The American University in London

Optional International Internships

Flexible Curriculum at Richmond University

Internationally Recognised Teaching

MA in International Relations

Programme Overview

The aim of the Master of Arts degree 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, together with an opportunity to gain practical experience through an optional internship.

Working closely with a team of internationally recognised experts in their field, the MA in International Relations equips students with analytical and research skills and an in-depth knowledge of global politics. Through its unique offering of a credited internship, students have an opportunity to acquire practical experience in an area of their interest.

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.

Exciting Career Prospects

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.

Recent alumni have found employment in:

  • Asia House
  • État-Major des Armées
  • Institute of Islamic Strategic & Socio-Political affairs
  • Microsoft
  • Ministère des Affaires étrangères et du Développement international
  • Minnesota DFL Party
  • US Senate

Global Research, Networking & Internship Opportunities

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 actively in the research of the faculty and experts in the field from around the UK.

Students are also offered an opportunity to pursue a research-linked internship over the Summer semester.

The university also supports and works closely with Professors Without Borders and in past years, students have worked closely with this exciting initiative.

Programme Specification 2016-17
Key Facts
  1. One year full-time or two year part-time programme, based in London.
  2. Optional accredited internship.
  3. International, research active faculty.
  4. Small class sizes and close supervision by faculty.
  5. Opportunity to attend conferences and events in UK and EU.
Curriculum Summary

The aim of the Master of Arts degree 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, together with an opportunity to gain practical experience through an optional internship. 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.

Programme Structure

Degree requirements - US Credits 36 - UK Credits 180

DEV 7102 (4 CREDITS) International Organization
The course addresses international organization: the nature of the international system, the main mechanisms through which global governance occurs, and the institutional structures that are the centrepiece of the post-WWII world order. Students will consider the operation and relevance of key parts of the UN system, for example the Security Council and its role in Peacekeeping Operations and R2P, regional institutions, the IMF, World Bank, WTO and WHO. We will look at the strength and relevance of international law, particularly as it pertains to issues of security and conflict. The course also looks at key issues in global governance, such as the role of private actors, environmental concerns and the global economy. The course places special emphasis on developing states, their relationship to international organization, and their significance to international organization.
INR 7100 (4 CREDITS) Research Methodology
Introduces students to the process of research, including the ability to work from libraries and institutional archives, and developing skills in academic writing, with a focus on the fields of international history, international theory, current affairs and policy processes. Students are encouraged to develop independence of thought by discovering, evaluating and making appropriate use of a wide range of approaches to research and writing. Complimenting the courses on theory and concepts, this course assists students with the identification of their own interests as they move towards choosing a thesis topic.
This course engages students with the theoretical and conceptual debates that characterise the field of International Relations. Students examine a range of primary texts, both classical (such as Thucydides and Machiavelli) and more contemporary (such as Morgenthau, Bull, Wendt, Mearsheimer, and Keohane). The scholars that are addressed have underpinned the schools of thought that define International Relations theory. The course also addresses broader questions of IR theory: the applicability of theory to contemporary events and the degree to which continuity and change characterise the subject.
INR 7105 (4 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 pertaining to processes of globalisation. Students explore the theories of leading analysts in the historical development of IPE, which may include Gilpin, Keohane, Cox and Kindleberger. Contemporary themes and issues are addressed, potentially including economic crises, trade, production and the role of International Financial Institutions (IFI’s).
plus two of the following:

DEV 7400 (4 CREDITS) African Development Politics
Engages with African development politics in the post-colonial era. The ideologies and strategies of promoting development are assessed, along with the problems and difficulties faced in on this continent. Beginning with the colonial legacy, the course addresses social, political and economic structures and transformations that have taken place. Both domestic and international factors are considered, with empirical cases and theoretical concepts being given equal weighting in the exploration of these issues. The relationship between state and civil society, and the consequences of this for development, is a key theme of the course.
DEV 7401 (4 CREDITS) Gender and Development
This course seeks to critically examine how development processes affect women, men and gender relations. In particular, the course aims to analyse the differential locations of men and women in the processes of development; to understand what development is, the scales or levels at which it occurs, and the centrality of gender at every level. Accordingly, the course will examine concepts and theories of gender, development, reproductive and productive labor, and globalisation among others in order to reflect upon the relationships between the global economy and the gendered processes of development at both micro and macro levels.
DEV 7402 (4 CREDITS) Migration, Labour and Development
The course will debates around Labour, Migration and Development from the emergence of modern capitalism to the present day. Specific issues will be focused on including; the agents driving and restricting migration; the developmental outcomes for both places of departure and arrival; transcultural impacts and outcomes related to labour migration; women in this world of mass migration. Students will be expected to seek out and develop theoretical approaches to case studies they focus on. While the course will provide models of possible understanding students are encouraged to engage with other possible theoretical approaches to the same materials.
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 the history of International Relations 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 decolonisation, the emergence of BRICs, 9/11 and its impact on International Relations may be considered. Such incidents will be examined to provide an in-depth appreciation of the events that helped shape today’s international community.
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.
INR 7403 (4 CREDITS) Global Environment Politics
This course explores the dynamics, challenges and prospects of global environmental governance. It introduces students to the history of global environmentalism and discusses relevant theoretical developments in this field, especially the competing perspectives of realism, liberalism, constructivism and Marxism. The normative concerns of global environmentalism are discussed along with key concepts of Green politics (sustainability, consumption, North-South relations, globalization, environmental justice, ethics and citizenship), while the processes of environmental policy-making are examined through case studies in areas such as whaling, ozone depletion, deforestation and especially climate change. The role of key actors in global environmental politics is analyzed, including states, intergovernmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, business corporations and scientific experts.
Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies are central to the discipline of International Relations. This course addresses three core aspects of this subject area in both theory and practice. First, the dynamics and causes of conflict, including the changing character of war and its impact on contemporary societies and armies are addressed. Second, the course engages with the various strategies of conflict resolution and prevention utilised over the last twenty years. Third, the course examines post-conflict states and regimes and evaluates the difficulties of facilitating peace-building and reconstruction for international, state and non-state actors. Throughout the course, students engage with case studies of conflict, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction, which are used to ground the theoretical and conceptual discussion in clear empirical contexts.
INR 7423 (4 CREDITS) Diplomacy
This course offers an overview of the historical evolution and practice of contemporary diplomacy. It begins with analysis of what a modern diplomat currently does, both at home and abroad, set within the context of diplomatic history and theory. The normal practice of diplomacy and the various techniques of international negotiation will be addressed by using both historical and contemporary examples. It will familiarise students with the activities of a modern diplomat within a wider historical and theoretical context.
This course provides students with an advanced-level overview of the international politics of East Asia. Focusing on the post-war era, it examines the “East Asian Miracle”, from the rise of Japan and the Asian Tigers to the relatively more recent emergence of China on the world stage as a major industrial superpower. The course encourages students to locate East Asian development within the global context, examining the complex relationship of these states to US economic and political hegemony, the importance of the Asia-Pacific to the international balance of power, and the role that communism and the Cold War played in shaping the contemporary trajectories of these polities. Geographically the course focuses on China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, and appraises their relationship to the two major global actors that most shaped their historical evolution: the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States.
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 on a course that will explore state-formation, the role of non-state actors, the Arab-Israeli conflict and access to vital resources.
INR 7426 (4 CREDITS) US Foreign Policy
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 will be considered, along with the views of officeholders 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.
plus either both of the following:

INR 7500 (8 CREDITS) Thesis Research
For students working independently on their Masters thesis. The dissertation encourages students to study intensively a topic agreed with a supervisor, and so develop skills and experience which can be applied in work placements or further graduate work. The course is comprised of independent research and writing, overseen by a thesis supervisor, resulting in production of a 10-12,000 word thesis. Collaborative and supportive dialogue with the supervisor and fellow ‘junior research colleagues’ will involve advice on the research and writing process, suggestions for resources and research directions, and comments on draft chapters of the thesis.
INR 7902 (4 CREDITS) Internship
A 3-5/days a week work placement of approximately three months (depending on the requirements of the organization in question; a minimum of 9 weeks) within an organization to enable students to participate in graduate level experiential learning and so develop hands-on skills and professional experience which will prepare them for work in the field of international relations. Placements are supervised, career-related work experiences combined with reflective, academic study that help students ‘learn by doing’. During the internship, the staff of the Internship Office and the MA internship faculty supervisor work closely with each student and the organisation to ensure that the placement is a successful one.
OR

INR 7550 (12 CREDITS) Extended Thesis Research
For students working independently on their Masters thesis. An extended thesis of 15,000-20,000 words is offered as an alternative to the mandatory internship. The dissertation encourages students to study intensively a topic agreed with a supervisor, and so develop skills and experience which can be applied in work placements or further graduate work. The course is comprised of independent research and writing, overseen by a thesis supervisor, resulting in production of a 15,000-20,000 word thesis. Collaborative and supportive dialogue with the supervisor and fellow ‘junior research colleagues’ will involve advice on the research and writing process, suggestions for resources and research directions, and comments on draft chapters of the thesis.

Programme Information

Programme leader
Please contact the Admissions office if you wish to speak to the Programme Leader.

Awarding institution
Richmond, The American International University in London

Accredited
Middle States Commission of Higher Education (US )

Duration
One year full-time, September to September.
Two year part-time, September to September.

Location
Kensington Campus.
Additionally, off-site locations are used in London as part of the practical element of the programme.

Application deadline

Students who require a visa to study in the UK should apply by 1st July. UK or EU nationals should apply by 1st August.

Entry requirements
US Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, or UK first degree with minimum second class honours, or an overseas equivalent as determined by the University. Relevant work experience is welcomed and may on occasion be accepted in lieu of a first degree, but is not required.

Faculty who teach on this programme:

Dr Christopher Wylde

Dr Christopher Wylde

Associate Professor of International Relations
Dr Eunice Goes

Dr Eunice Goes

Associate Professor of Politics
Dr James D. Boys

Dr James D. Boys

Associate Professor of International Political Studies
Dr Martin D. Brown

Dr Martin D. Brown

Associate Dean for Research; Associate Professor of International History
Dr Michael F. Keating

Dr Michael F. Keating

Professor of International Political Economy
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Dr Nicky Busch

Lecturer
Rekret1

Dr Paul Rekret

Associate Professor of Politics
Dr Rafal Soborski

Dr Rafal Soborski

Professor of International Politics
bruce-stanley

Dr. Bruce Stanley

Professor for International Relations
hadi_enayat-image

Hadi Enayat

Assistant Professor of Politics

Entry Requirements

What are the entry requirements?

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or UK first degree with minimum second class honours, or an overseas equivalent as determined by the University. For Masters programmes in the School of Communications, Arts and Social Sciences, a first degree in an appropriate discipline is normally required. Relevant work experience is welcomed and may on occasion be accepted in lieu of a first degree, but is not required.

The language of instruction at Richmond is English, and non-native English speakers are asked to provide IELTS, or Pearson Academic Test of English language examination results as proof of their fluency in written and spoken English. You will need to obtain a score of at least 6.5 overall and a minimum of 5.5 in each element for postgraduate study or Pearson Academic Test of English with 61 overall and 56 in each element.

How to Apply

How do I Apply?

For Masters programmes you may choose one of two application routes:

The Direct Application Form to make a single application to Richmond

UKPASS if you wish to apply to other UK Universities who are part of the UKPASS scheme as well

Scholarships

Find out more about Postgraduate Scholarships

Graduate Admission Requirements

Duration: FT (one year), PT (two years)

  • The programme is recognised in the US via our MSCHE accreditation.
Tuition Fees: 2017/18 entry per annum, students from:

UK/EU

£7,000 FT

£3,500 PT

Rest of the World

£12,000

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Research-led teaching from the Centre for the Study of the State Power and Globalisation

Research Cluster for the Study of the State, Power and Globalisation (SPG)

All MA International Relations and MA International Development are entitled membership of the Research Centre and are invited to attend events and contribute to Centre research.

Postgraduate Prospectus