The MA in International Relations is an interactive and engaging programme aimed at challenging preconceptions and making learning fun and practical.
There are numerous modules aimed at helping make sense of the interconnected world we live in while dealing with some of the most controversial topics of our time. You can complete an in-depth research-based dissertation or a placement in an appropriate organisation such as a government department, NGO or international organisation. This fosters a deeper understanding of the organizations that are involved in international relations as well as giving students an in depth look inside an organization which they may wish to work for in the future.
Upon completion of this course you’ll have a wide and nuanced understanding of the role international relations plays in everyday life. You will be able to analyse the public policies that make up the international field to apply theory to the real world of international relations.
Within the teaching team there is a wealth of expertise in Asia Pacific Studies and the team have frequently been called upon to advise the UK government on foreign policy with regard to North Korea, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Japan.
Why study with us
- The course introduces postgraduate level IR theory and its real-world applications through either international placement or dissertation.
- Dr. Lawrence, the course leader, is an internationally respected expert in terrorism and security. She often consults with government and regularly provides expert commentary to a variety of media outlets.
- Past students have taken international trips to Washington DC, New York, Germany, Prague, Cyprus, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Taipei, Seoul, and Tokyo.
What you'll do
- The MA in International Relations is a unique degree allowing students the flexibility to select modules that align with their interests and to complete a substantial research project on a topic of their choosing
- We place great emphasis on student-centred learning, which involves you in becoming aware of, reflecting on and evaluating your own achievements
- Students are given the option of completing a placement instead of a dissertation, which will allow students to select and apply for placements with a wide variety of organisations in locations around the world.
Module Overview
Compulsory Modules-
International Relations Theory
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Researching International Relations
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Contemporary Issues in International Relations
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International Relations Placement
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International Relations Dissertation
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China-Japan-Korea Trilateral Relations
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Globalisation and Economic Development in the Asia Pacific
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International Labour Markets
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Power, Violence and Oppression
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International Drug Policy
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Cybercrime: An International Context
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Challenges in Global Development
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Public Policy of Terrorism and Security
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Peace and Conflict Studies
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British Foreign and Defence Policies Since 1945
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Public Policy Analysis
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Explaining inter-Korean Relations
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North Korea: History, Politics and International Relations
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Development in Fragile States and Accountable Institution
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Divided Nations: Disputes, Violence and Conflict
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Comparative Social policy and Social Change
Future careers
Students who wish to continue to further study will be prepared to take up places in MRes and PhD programmes at the University and around the world. They will additionally be well placed to take up a role in a variety of international organisations who generally require their staff to have a graduate degree for research and analyst roles.
Upon completion of this course students will have a wide and nuanced understanding of the role international relations plays in everyday life. They will be able to analyse the public policies that make up the international field to apply theory to the real world of international relations.
Graduates will be able to produce superior written material and provide graduate level research to potential employers giving them a firm step up on the competition.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Learning and assessment
Our teaching approach is primarily in a workshop style. That is, you will find that there are a lot of discussion and problem-solving activities, in which you are expected to take a full and active part. Occasionally, you may also be asked to prepare and lead parts of a class yourself, either individually or together with fellow-students.
Underlying this is our firm belief that active participation, questioning and debate is a better way of learning than a one-way mode communication based purely on transferring information.
In several of the modules, role play simulations will be used to help students understand and apply the knowledge they are learning to the real world of terrorism, security and governance. These simulations help students understand conflict from a variety of perspectives and allow future leaders to understand and gain perspective on opposing sides. The conflict resolution and negotiation skills students develop during these simulations is directly applicable to situation present in much of the world.
Learning at this level is therefore not simply concerned with the passive acquisition of facts and information, but the development of critical thinking and analytical skills, both in terms of what you read and in relation to your own assumptions and practice.
Learning will also take place through assignments, simulations, group projects, and presentations. By the end of the programme, the essential skills we would like you to develop include self-motivation and autonomy, innovation and flexibility, critical analysis and evaluation, practical problem-solving and decision-making, reflection and self-analysis, planning and organising, interpersonal and team-working skills and an understanding of culture and cultural contexts.
UCLan has an active Model United Nations student society and participates in a national conference yearly. The Model UN society has won several student awards for best student society in the past.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.