MA
Our MA in International Relations aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the forces which shape global politics, combining both theory and real life, with the opportunity to do an internship which puts International Relations into practice.
The programme will enable you to tackle the big issues facing global decision-makers, from war to poverty, from security to the diplomatic practice, looking at the role of the global media in all of these topics.
“Men often hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they can not communicate; they can not communicate because they are separated.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
MA International Relations student Rachel is up next to take the Richmond 60 second challenge. Chiara will answer questions about the MA International Relations programme and why she chose to study at Richmond, The American International University in London.
About the programme
MA International Relations will help you prepare for further graduate study or for a career in the fascinating world of government, public administration, humanitarian aid work, diplomacy or policy formation. Our emphasis on the importance of research is invaluable for any future career, developing analytical skills and independence of thought.
Students may be 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.
From Machiavelli to Morgenthau, you will have the chance to explore how classical and contemporary scholars have helped define International Relations theories and concepts.
An innovative international research hub, Richmond’s Centre for the Study of the State, Power & Globalisation offers students the chance to conduct research alongside both the faculty and international experts. The University also supports a social enterprise which specialises in university education, Professors Without Borders, and students have often worked closely with this exciting initiative.
We offer a rigorous curriculum encompassing theoretical and practical developments in the dynamic field of global politics, set in vibrant London. Our international mix of students helps graduates develop vital inter-personal and inter-cultural 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.
What you will study
The structure of the MA gives you the flexibility to design your own degree. Taught modules are completed in the first two semesters of the degree. You will complete three ‘core’ modules and three ‘optional’ modules. A list of typical optional modules is provided below though these may change in a given semester. In your third semester you will complete your research dissertation and, should you choose to do one, also your internship.
Courses
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Electives
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plus EITHER
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Entry requirements
At Richmond our postgraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are available as 1 year (full-time) or two year (part-time) options with some programmes offering even more flexibility.
The entry requirements for all postgraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen study option, excluding our International Business (MSc) programme
*All other equivalent eligible transfer credits will be determined by Admissions.
For more information on English Language Requirements visit our How to Apply webpage.
Fees & funding
Postgraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
UK |
EU / INT / US |
|
| Spring / Fall 2023 | Spring / Fall 2023 | |
| MA Programmes
(per year) |
£9,000 | £13,250 (Spring 2023) £13,750 (Fall 2023) |
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Employability
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment. Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Career Paths
Recent alumni have found employment in government institutions, international charities and aid organisations, as well as across the private sector. Others have gone on to pursue PhD research in fields related to their MA. The MA equips students with the skills and profile to succeed in an increasingly global world.
Optional accredited internship
Optional Accredited Internship (London or International)
The Internship Programme at Richmond integrates industry knowledge with real working experience. Students will be challenged to relate course projects 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 better understand the marketplace, using the skills learned on courses in a real-world setting, as students produce an assessed record of their experiences.
A broad education of this kind equips graduates for a wide range of careers internationally, while enabling them to develop specialist expertise in areas of particular interest.
Optional Accredited USA Internship (additional cost)
Students interested in gaining work experience in the USA during their last semester and wishing for help to secure a placement can be linked up to Richmond’s partner GCC (Global Career Center).
This organization will offer students comprehensive career training, find them a placement with a hosting company related to their field of studies in the USA and provide all the necessary support to students with their J1 visa application.
This optional internship will incur an additional cost of $3500 (£2600) which will cover: the J1 visa application, site visit and insurance costs ($1820), GCC’s continuous training as well as finding a placement.
The initial cost to start the coaching and training part of the programme is $1,000 and the rest of the fee is only paid once the internship has been confirmed by the host organisation/company and validated by RAIUL’s International Internship Coordinator.
An official certificate of completion will be awarded to every student having successfully completed the programme.
Visit our Careers & Internships webpage for more details on the Host Organisations and examples of Work projects.
For more information contact our Head of Careers and Internships Cecile Loyen.
How to apply
You can apply for Postgraduate study using our online application form.
Whilst most of our courses do not set an exact deadline for applications, you are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship or funding.
Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.
What our students say
Register for a 1-2-1 consultation with a programme academic >>
Learn more about our Postgraduate degrees, scholarship opportunities and career prospects.
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“Our aim with this MA programme is to combine the rigorous, critical study of the complex field of global politics with opportunities to test that knowledge through practical experience of the many vocations and roles that fall under the broad banner of international relations.”
– Dr Paul Rekret, Programme Leader
“Completing a Master’s in International Relations at Richmond was a rewarding and fulfilling experience for me.
Richmond offers the opportunity to interact with a culturally diverse community. It stimulates discussion within a small classroom setting which in turn leads students to learn, understand, and appreciate different perspectives. In addition, the University’s professor to student ratio promotes a more personalised education with individual attention – a highly valuable asset not only throughout each semester, but especially for dissertation writing purposes.
The International Relations programme at Richmond played a fundamental role in defining my career goals. After graduating, I went on to start a non-profit organisation – Manos Amistosas – that provides educational tools and programmes to impoverished children and adolescents in Colombia, with the goal of reducing rates of violence and unplanned pregnancies in the country.”
“My year at Richmond was challenging and exciting. One thing I treasure the most about my experience at Richmond is the deep connections I was able to build.
Richmond offered me the perfect experience: an international campus with a diverse student body, and the possibility to engage in one-to-one sessions with my professors.
In my opinion, Richmond’s key advantage is the support that all the students receive, from the open day to the day they receive their degree.”
