University of Hertfordshire

MA International Relations

"Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2021/2022. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details."

Why choose Herts?

• Industry-Focused Content: You will explore contemporary debates within International Relations, to study energy scarcity, ecological changes, and ideas on global justice.
• Work-Placement and Research Opportunities: We offer advanced research and sandwich year pathway options with placements available in the media, at political organisations, and at research institutes.
• Employment Prospects: Graduates work as policy advisers, communications managers, and researchers for NGOs, government institutions, and large multinational organisations.

About the course

Study our M.A. in International Relations to gain an understanding of the forces that shape global politics in the 21st Century. A postgraduate degree in International Relations provides a pathway to a range of careers, from policy-related roles in NGOs and government to vocational positions in the media and the private sector.

Whether your background is in Politics and International Relations, or another discipline, our M.A. equips you with the knowledge, skills and tools to critically analyse and tackle global society’s most pressing issues. Our innovative teaching methods, including simulations and panel-style debates, help establish a thorough grasp of the theoretical approaches and empirical methods used to study International Relations. Specialist modules allow you to study and analyse a range of topics, from traditional issues like war, peace and security to more contemporary debates on the international economy, global ethics, energy scarcity, and ecological changes. Our lecturers are active researchers who will give insight into current debates, developments and perspectives within the discipline of International Relations. You will undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice and will be supervised through this task by one, or more, of the department’s dedicated research staff.

The M.A. is delivered with flexibility in mind, combining in-class activities with online learning provisions to ensure that studies can be balanced with other commitments, including work and family life. There are a number of different pathways on offer to fit with your individual needs and professional aims. The standard route M.A. is offered full-time (one year) or part-time (two years). Alternatively, you may wish to take a Sandwich option (two years full-time), which combines a year of university study with a year-long work placement, or the with Advanced Research route (two years full-time), where you will complete an extended, year-long research project in addition to one year of university study.

Why choose this course?

1. Personal learning experience: You will be part of a closely connected community of students. Small class sizes and a large range of modules means you will benefit from extensive, personalised support that fits your individual study needs and development goals. 
2. Research-led teaching: You’ll be taught by a team of researchers working at the forefront of the discipline of International Relations. Build your experience and put your knowledge into action by getting involved in our research group events, such as workshops with experts in political research and practice. 
3. Topical focus: You will study modules on topics that sit at the forefront of contemporary debates within International Relations, including energy scarcity, ecological changes, and ideas pertaining to global justice. Expert staff will encourage you to explore how the traditional aspects of International Relations are being challenged by current events and changes.
4. Flexibility: You will have the opportunity to engage with course material in a manner that blends in-class and online learning and suits your individual needs. Learning materials will be provided in a way that makes them accessible whatever your personal circumstances. 
5. Join us in exploring how the world you live in operates and learn skills for life: Alongside your subject-based knowledge, we will help you develop a set of professional and interchangeable soft skills that will improve your overall employability. A postgraduate degree in International Relations will hone and improve your communication, organisational, and critical analysis skills, providing you with tools that are appealing to future employers.

Is this course for me?

This course would appeal to:

• Graduates who have just finished their B.A. degree in Politics and/or International Relations and would like to extend and deepen their knowledge of the subject.
• Graduates from related disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences, such as History, Philosophy or Sociology, would like to focus their second degree on international politics.
• Graduates who are looking for an M.A. degree that is taught in a flexible way and can be balanced with work and family commitments.
• The UK and international graduates who seek to combine M.A. studies with advanced professional and research training.
• Graduates who are looking for M.A. studies in a closely-knit, supportive research community, for example, because they are returning to education as mature students.
• Working, or retired, professionals who would like to expand their theoretical and empirical knowledge of the global political system.  

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation, and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Additional information

• Sandwich placement or study abroad year: n/a
• Applications open to international and EU students: Yes