Cardiff University

MA International Relations

The programme takes a 2 stage approach.

During Stage 1 (the taught stage) of the programme, you’ll study a maximum of 120 taught credits, comprising six 20-credit modules. You must study 60 credits each semester via a combination of core and optional modules.

On successful completion of Stage 1, you’ll progress to Stage 2 (the master’s degree stage) and undertake a 60-credit, level 7 dissertation module.

Subject to successful completion of the requisite number of taught modules, those who don’t proceed to the master’s degree stage may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed before the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.

During the taught stage, you’ll take six, 20-credit taught modules, providing a fundamental understanding of the issues in international relations and research methodology. You must study 3 modules (60 credits) each semester, totalling 120 credits across the autumn and spring semesters. 60 credits are core, and the remaining 60 credits are selected from a range of optional modules tailored to your personal and professional interests.

On successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules, you’ll progress to Stage 2 and will complete the 60-credit dissertation. The dissertation component will be submitted at the end of the programme.

Core modules for year one

• Issues in International Relations
• Peace, Crisis and Globalisation in the 21st Century
• Research Methods in IR: Approaches to Knowledge
• Dissertation

Optional modules for year one

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is because some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be made up of formative and summative assessments.

Formative tasks do not contribute towards your final degree classification but are designed to allow you to develop your skills and practice for your summative assessments. They enable you and your tutors to evaluate the development of your skills and your progress in each module. Formative tasks will normally involve written coursework, and class tests, may comprise individual student presentations or form part of group discussions and sharing of ideas with the module leaders where formative spoken feedback occurs.

Summative assessments contribute towards your final degree classification. Your results in these assessments:

• determine your formal progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (dissertation); and
• determine your final award.

The nature of the summative assessments in Stage 1 will vary by module but will typically involve written coursework, unseen examinations or pre-release examinations, and presentations and can also include an assessment of your general engagement and participation in seminars. Summative assessment in Stage 2 (dissertation) comprises the dissertation (up to 15,000 words).

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

On successful completion of your programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• KU 1 Critically evaluate the key theories utilised to help understand international relations, and the principal debates surrounding political, social and theoretical concepts in tasks and assessments
• KU 2 Assess the causes and outcomes of peace, crisis, and globalisation in the twenty-first century in a variety of different contexts in the world, using international relations theories in a written assessment
• KU 3 Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different research methodologies and the debates around how they have been applied in contemporary international relations research
• KU 4 Evaluate contemporary themes and debates across a range of subject areas within international relations in spoken and written tasks
• KU 5 Design and develop an independently researched dissertation focused on the area of international relations, drawing on appropriate analytical skills and research methods

Intellectual Skills

• IS 1 Gather, organise, and collate evidence, data and information from a variety of sources
• IS 2 Develop a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement in various written and spoken assessments
• IS 3 Critically analyse and evaluate different approaches involved in collecting information on international relations, including recognising their ethical implications
• IS 4 Investigate and advocate solutions to problems
• IS 5 Evaluate an independent research topic for a dissertation

Professional Practical Skills

• PS 1 Collaborate with others to achieve set tasks
• PS 2 Gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information in assignments using information technology
• PS 3 Reflect on your learning and constructively utilise feedback in a variety of assessments
• PS 4 Critically analyse and evaluate a range of evidence to reach a reasoned judgment for a research dissertation

Transferable/Key Skills

• KS 1 Manage your learning development through self-critical evaluation
• KS 2 Communicate ideas effectively and fluently, both orally and in writing
• KS 3 Work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time management
• KS 4 Collaborate with others and contribute effectively to the achievement of common goals
• KS 5 Independently gather, critically analyse and evaluate evidence for research tasks including a research dissertation

Graduates from this programme have found employment in a variety of fields, including government and diplomatic service, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media and international organisations. A number of our graduates have gone on to pursue PhDs and further research. The course is also useful as a general qualification for careers such as teaching, banking, and commerce.

How Will I Be Taught?

Studying for a master’s degree is intensive and challenging and you must take full advantage of the teaching that is provided to succeed. Attendance at classes and dissertation supervision are compulsory and we will expect you to be well-prepared.

Our teaching will be delivered through seminars or a combination of lectures and seminars. Other teaching methods include the online use of discussion boards, self-access study packs and formative quizzes and activities.

Lectures take a range of forms but generally provide a broad structure for each subject, introduce key concepts, and convey relevant up-to-date information.

In seminars you will have the opportunity to discuss themes or topics, to consolidate and get feedback on your learning and to develop skills in oral presentation. Communication skills are developed in seminars, where you will make individual contributions to group study. Participation in diverse learning activities, such as small-group discussions, debates, oral presentations, independent research tasks and written assignments will develop your intellectual and presentation skills.

Modules are typically led by experienced staff actively engaged in research relevant to their subject area.