Careers

Our postgraduate international relations graduates currently work in:

• policy analysis and creation roles within government, think tanks or NGOs
• vocation settings, including journalism, human resources or marketing within both the media and private sector
• research within academia, government agencies, or private sector businesses including polling, market research or research and development.

About the course

The MA International Relations course provides students with a contemporary, critical, and exciting insight into the vagaries of global politics. Students will study a range of modules, taught by research-active staff who are experts in their fields. The modules are assessed through a variety of both traditional, such as essays, presentations, critical reviews, and non-traditional, such as podcasts, blogs, simulations, assignments, which aim to assess and develop not only discipline-related knowledge but also transferable, soft skills necessary for future employment. Students will also complete a 12,000-word research dissertation on a topic of their choice. Whether it’s the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, the energy crisis, or the war in Ukraine, International Relations has never been more relevant.

This degree is aimed at applicants who wish to find employment in careers that require advanced research and communication skills, such as government departments, non-governmental organisations, businesses, marketing, journalism, or those wishing to proceed to postgraduate research.

Pathway Options  

• MA International Relations - one year  
• MA International Relations (with Placement Year)  - two year (not available to semester B entry)
• MA International Relations (with Advanced Research)  - two year

Why choose this course?

• Innovative curriculum: Modules are varied with contemporary relevance to current developments in international relations. These modules provide students with a critical insight into the realities and workings of the international political system.
• Geographic location: The University of Hertfordshire campus is situated within a 20-minute train ride to and from London. London is a global hub for political activity, our excellent location allows students to benefit from opportunities provided in the capital.
• Flexibility and skills: The range of study routes and entry points available allow students to develop core transferable skills and to tailor studies to meet individual needs and career aspirations.
• Research-led teaching: Students benefit from extensive in-class contact with expert research-active staff.  
• Diverse cohort: Learn alongside an internationally diverse group of students in a department with extensive experience teaching both home and international students.

Is this course for me?

This course would appeal to:

• graduates who have completed their BA degree in politics and/or international relations and would like to extend and deepen their subject knowledge
• graduates from related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, such as history, philosophy or sociology, keen to focus or specialise in international politics
• graduates seeking a flexible MA degree to balance with work and family commitments
• UK and international graduates looking to combine MA studies with advanced professional and research training
• graduates seeking MA studies in a closely-knit, supportive research community and those to education as mature students
• working or retired professionals looking to expand theoretical and empirical knowledge of the global political system.   

What will I study?

Our award-winning lecturers are delivered by research-active staff who will introduce and explain topical matters across the discipline of international relations. You will:

• participate in interactive stimulating lectures and seminars and take ownership of your own learning within a supportive and managed environment
• engage in simulation activities which replicate the international relations environment and experiences
• benefit from regular detailed and personal supervision sessions to support your independent research
• gain experience in presenting your research at a student conference where you will provide answers to unprepared questions
• have external speakers and industry visits allowing you to gain a wider understanding of where your degree fits into the broader framework of international politics
• attain insights through research study sessions looking into how theories, methods and methodologies operate in a real research environment.