International Relations - MA

Core Module:

The core module for International Relations is Theories and Issues in International Relations. A full module description is available here.

Optional Modules:

This programme has optional modules to choose from to allow you to achieve the required credits to successfully complete the award; in addition to your core module, you will select 40 CATS (normally 2 modules) from a list of specialist of modules for this course, and a further 40CATS from our extensive range of optional modules. At a research led institution, optional module lists are subject to change each year to keep the student learning experience current and up-to-date. For the optional modules available in this department please visit the department website.

Teaching:

Debate and discussion are at the heart of the teaching style in PAIS, and most modules are taught via one 2-hour seminar per week. Seminars give you the opportunity to interact with leading scholars as well as with your peers to explore a set topic each week. Every seminar will be based on extensive guided reading you will do each week, but there is no strict pattern to how sessions are run; you will experience a variety of teaching methods tailored to each specific topic and teacher. This may include mini-lectures followed by discussion, Q&A sessions, organised debates, peer presentations, policy briefs, small group work, and other projects.

In addition to your seminars, you will have access to your module tutors during advice and feedback hours. You will have the opportunity to sit down with your tutors on a one-to-one basis during these weekly office hours to follow up on seminar discussions, seek guidance on your essays, and ask questions about feedback on your marks.

Assessment:

PAIS modules are assessed entirely by research essays throughout the year, culminating in a 10,000 word dissertation at the end.