International Relations MA

" International Relations MA

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— Coventry University (@covcampus) September 26, 2012 OVERVIEW

The International Relations MA degree investigates themes as varied as the evolution of the discipline, globalisation, international law, diplomacy, war and peace.

The course has been designed to enable newcomers to engage readily with the subject, whilst offering those who already have a background in international relations an opportunity to deepen their exploration of its scope and complexities.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The University is international in its outlook and the diversity of the student population enriches the learning environment. The course equally benefits from world-class researchers in the School of Humanities, whilst also borrowing expertise from sister schools and research centres. Of particular value are reciprocal links with distinguished scholars at universities around the world, as well as relationships with IR practitioners in government, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and prominent think-tanks.

The application of theory to practice is fundamental to the course. It is with this practicality in mind that the MA is further divided into three specialisms: Diplomacy; African Governance and Security and International Law. The course also allows you to personally experience applied IR, offering credit-bearing field trips, for example to participate in the Model United Nations in New York, that expose you to the realities of formulating foreign and security policies and translating ideas into practice.

Likewise, there’s the opportunity to gain first-hand experience through participating in volunteering and placement opportunities and longer, subsidised, post-award internships. Students can also take part in online international learning: meeting, working and collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities without leaving the UK by, for example, taking part in live debates with students in Italy, presenting with peers in Mexico, or developing case studies with colleagues in Russia.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The MA International Relations is divided into specialisms with each grounded in an exploration of the theoretical bases of IR. Your choice of optional subjects and the topic you research for your final dissertation will determine the path you take through the course. You will also receive an induction into the study skills required for academic study at postgraduate level and explore global professional practice, learning how to critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi faceted issues, working with students across disciplines to facilitate an appreciation of how different sectors solve internal issues and how different sectors can learn and adopt solutions from other fields.

Students take three mandatory subjects designed to establish the core agenda of the programme:

• Trafficking in Human Beings;
• Diplomacy and the International System;
• Applied International Relations Theory.

You also choose two options from:

• International Law in the Contemporary World Arena;
• International Political Economy;
• Governance for Security in the Developing World;
• Post-colonial African Politics;
• Threats to Global Security;
• International Security Praxis.

Finally, to attain the award of Master of Arts, you must complete an extended dissertation examining in depth an area of the course that particularly interests you based on research undertaken with the support of a dedicated supervisor.

As part of this course you will study Global Professional Development, a beneficial new 10-credit module developed in partnership with the CMI. Explore this module's content and benefits here.

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