Compulsory modules

Continuity and Change in World Politics (30 credits)
How have national and international political systems, structures and alliances developed and evolved in the post-World War II period? This module explores the global and national orders that structure the modern world, focusing on the institutions and practices within, between and beyond nation-states, and examining how and why these have evolved in response to changing political, societal, security and economic contexts.

Foundations of Social Research: Design and Philosophy (30 credits)
This module explores key approaches, principles, and methods employed in Politics and International Relations research. You will develop an advanced understanding of the core philosophical and analytical approaches adopted in the field; increase your awareness of how research projects may be designed; and expand your knowledge of evidence-gathering in the discipline. You will also develop the ability to select and deploy research designs and methods best suited to a chosen task, and to later critically evaluate these choices.

Contemporary Political Challenges (30 credits)
National and global politics face urgent and wide-ranging challenges in today’s world. This module focuses on the most pressing contemporary problems confronting people, society, and actors at the national, international and global levels. Based upon cutting edge research, you will examine the root causes of, and responses to, these challenges. In addition, you will also assess why barriers to addressing these challenges remain and reflect on how these could be overcome.

Masters Dissertation in Politics and International Relations (60 credits)
The dissertation in Politics and International Relations allows you to research and investigate a topic, issue or question of your own choosing, in considerable depth. It is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to focus on the themes, theories, problems, or cases that you are most passionate about and to apply your learning and research skills to your own project. You will be supported and guided in your dissertation work by a supervisor who has expertise in your chosen field. 

Optional modules

Please note: You will choose one of the following optional modules.

Analysing Public Policy (30 credits)
Public policy seeks to address the biggest problems facing society. But how does it find solutions to these problems and how successful are the solutions proposed? This module examines the theory and practice of policy-making in a number of different policy areas. You will investigate the ways in which these problems emerge, how they are defined and constructed, how policy agendas are set, how decision-making takes place, how policies are implemented, and how successfully policies achieve their intended goals.

Conflict, Security and Diplomacy (30 credits)
Why is global politics increasingly conflict-ridden and insecure, and what can be done to change it? This module explores the root causes of contemporary global tensions by investigating geopolitical power struggles, economic instability, and the rise of non-state actors. It examines the efforts of international organizations, states, and civil societies to tackle these challenges, assessing the effectiveness of diplomatic initiatives, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution strategies in a rapidly evolving global landscape.