Modules

The structure of this MA includes both compulsory and optional modules to combine optimal training in the fields of diplomacy and foreign policy and significant student choice. You may then choose from a wide range of modules offered by the Department of Sociology and Criminology and The City Law School. Students complete a total of 180 credits: Core (30 credits), Optional modules (90 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). There are two core modules: Global Capitalism: Past, Present, Future (15 credits) This course traces the evolution of global capitalism from its structure in the interwar era to its present-day globalising tendencies. It focuses on three interrelated themes: the internationalisation of production, the globalisation of finance and the changing nature of political authority, or the state Theories of Global Political Economy This module provides a conceptual and theoretical introduction into the field of (global) political economy. It surveys the three main traditions of scholarship in political economy (mainstream, institutionalist and Marxist), and allows you to critically engage with different schools of thought on the evolution of capitalism. Dissertation (60 credits) You are required to submit a dissertation of 15,000 words. The dissertation is worth 60 credits (one-third of your overall mark). You will start work on the project in the second term, with a research workshop, which will help you develop the necessary skills for undertaking independent research. In the summer term, you will work full time on completing the final dissertation, which will be due by the end of September. The dissertation offers you the opportunity to reflect on and communicate knowledge gained through research and allows you to complement your module work by writing on a topic relevant to your specific interests. After exploring the key concepts and theoretical frameworks, you will explore different approaches to economic diplomacy among major industrialised economies, regional organisations such as the EU, emerging markets like China, India and Brazil, and developing countries. You will critically analyse economic diplomacy in key areas of the world economy such as trade policy, climate change, financial regulation, sovereign debt management, foreign aid, and exchange rate adjustments. You will also evaluate the role played in the management of international economic affairs by non-state actors such multinational corporations and NGOs. Elective modules Typical modules offered by the Department of International Politics:

• Understanding Security in the 21st Century (15 credits)

• International Organisations in Global Politics (15 credits)

• Cultural Logics of Contemporary Capitalism (15 credits)

• Global Capitalism: Past, Present and Future (15 credits)

• Political Economy of Global Finance (15 credits)

• The Politics of Forced Migration (15 credits)

• Global Governance (15 credits)

• Global Financial Governance (15 credits)

• Global Political Economy: Contemporary Approaches (15 credits)

• Global Ethics: Principles, Power and Politics (15 credits)

• Human Rights and the Transformation of World Politics (15 credits)

• Russian Foreign Policy from Stalin to Putin (15 credits)

• History of East Asia (15 credits)

• Revolutions in Modern History (15 credits)

• Visions of World Order: Ideas and Concepts in the History of International Thought (15 credits)

• Strategy, Diplomacy and Decision-Making (15 credits)

• Economic Diplomacy (15 credits)

• Foreign Policy Analysis (15 credits)

• International Law and the Global Economy (30 credits)

• International Tax Law (30 credits)

• International Trade Law (30 credits)

• Money Laundering Law (30 credits)

• International Investment Law (30 credits)

Assessment method

At MA level, we do not use exams as forms of assessment. In your taught modules you will be assessed by coursework (100%); your final dissertation is worth 60 credits (1/3rd of your overall mark). Coursework for the two core 15 credit modules is a 3,000-word essay. Optional 15 credit modules are typically assessed by a 3,000-word essay. Many MA modules contain not only formative (formally assessed) coursework, but also summative assessments. These may take the form of presentations, book reviews, article reviews, and critical reflections on a set of theories, or short essays. As a rule, these types of work are due to be submitted at the end of the reflective learning week. You may expect feedback on formative assignments within two week of submission.