27Nov
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MA in Politics and International Relations equips you with the skills to challenge conventional thinking, master complex political concepts, and analyse your own views about some of the most pressing global challenges. Immersing yourself in debates about a wide range of issues, from human rights and the ethics of armed conflict to the history of political thought, you will develop the knowledge and skills to critically review the complex relationships between governments and societies. You will learn to evaluate concepts, theories, and paradigms, drawing lessons from real-world studies informed by quantitative and qualitative investigations. Your learning will be informed by a wealth of ongoing research by experts working at the forefront of their field. Core modules in political ideologies and thought and international theory and organisation form the foundation of the course. The remaining modules can be tailored to suit your interests, with options spanning topics from Designing Political Inquiry to Global Governance. The optional modules also give you an opportunity to analyse the politics and international relations of different regions of the world in greater depth, taking account of regional political and economic factors. These interests can be further developed through the researching and writing of the dissertation. As a student in the School of Government and International Affairs, your learning will be informed by a wealth of ongoing research by experts working at the forefront of their field, with areas of expertise including political philosophy and the history of political thought, comparative political science, and international relations. On completion, graduates are well placed to pursue careers in international organisations, politics, and the civil service. Others move into the wider fields of journalism, teaching, business, and research.
Modules
Core modules: You will study two core taught modules, taking one module from each of the following pairs. Pair One: Ideologies and Political Thought examines some of the major developments in the history of political thought since the Enlightenment through the study of ideologies and/or political ideas in Britain. Using primary and advanced secondary research, you will build a conceptual and historical appreciation of the significance of these developments. This module develops your awareness of the role that political thought has played in defining core aspects of political discourse. Contemporary Political Philosophy investigates the critical debates in contemporary political philosophy. You will focus on contemporary debates where political philosophy shapes and drives action in responding to pressing political issues. Potential topics include human rights, social injustice and individual duties, justice, liberty and equality, and the ethics of armed conflict. You will develop the conceptual and critical skills needed to assess the arguments on all sides of the debate. Pair Two: International Relations Theory explores both mainstream and critical approaches to how we understand some of the most fundamental dynamics shaping world politics. It provides you with an advanced understanding of key concepts and theories in the field of international relations and how our theories and concepts interact with the processes and practices of an increasingly globalized world. International Organisations familiarises you with the approaches used to analyse the role of international organisations in global politics. You will learn about the history of organisations, their functions, development, internal dynamics, and explore contemporary debates on their current role in international relations. The module aims to provide an understanding that extends beyond the core institutions of global governance, including less formalised institutions and those that lie beyond the West. The Dissertation is the third core module. It is a substantial piece of independent work in a related aspect of politics and international relations. The 10,000-word dissertation is the culmination of the MA, bringing together elements of learning from across the course. Examples of optional modules: Contemporary Political Philosophy; Core Concepts in Political Science; The Politics Global Europe; Designing Political Inquiry; Global Governance; Global Political Theory; Ideologies and Political Thought; International Politics of the Middle East; International Relations Theory; International Organisations; The Politics of East Asia.
Assessment method
Teaching is centred around the School of Government and International Affairs, a vibrant learning community that is home to multiple research centres and institutes. The MA is largely delivered via lectures and smaller, student-led seminar groups. Each taught module is built around 300 hours of learning, a large proportion of which is made up of independent reading, preparation, and written assignments. Each taught module includes a minimum of 25 hours of class contact, which gives you the opportunity to review course material in group discussions. The dissertation is an important part of the course. To support you in this, you will be appointed a dissertation supervisor based on a broad match with your dissertation topic. As well as providing dissertation-specific guidance, you can also contact your supervisor for general academic support. To keep your learning up-to-date and relevant, we place great importance on integrating new and innovative research into the curriculum. In addition, we deliver regular seminars and lectures which are available for all postgraduate students. These events provide opportunities to engage with contemporary issues in political and international studies. Taught modules are principally assessed by essays. As the course progresses, we provide ongoing feedback through formative assessments to help you to recognise your strengths as well as identify any areas that may require improvement. The course culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor. The dissertation is worth one-third of your final mark.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. A degree in the field of Social Sciences is preferable, however, in assessing the application we also take into account other facilitating factors such as relevant such as relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. Two satisfactory academic references. In cases of applicants who have significant relevant experience, one work-related reference and one academic reference would be considered appropriate.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £12900 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25500 | Year 1 |
| International | £25500 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £25500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE