Global Pandemics, climate change, international terrorism are just some of today’s threats. Help to influence change with an international Relations Masters.

What is an international relations Masters degree?

Northumbria’s International Relations Conflict and Security Masters gives you the opportunity to study regionally differentiated responses to international conflict, across different countries and nations, focusing on the relationship between international and national interests.

Our course will allow you to investigate key developments in international conflict and security, the responses to them and analyse the ways in which security, development and humanitarian agents adapt to instability as a policy challenge. You will study different types of war and conflict, including inter-state war, inter-state wars (ethnic or civil conflict, independence movements, new wars and complex emergencies), international terrorism; as well as political, institutional and legal tools and frameworks to address them.

Do I need a degree in international relations to do a Masters?

Our Master's program is open to students from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines.

What can I do with an MA international relations degree?

Our MA will prepare you for careers in areas such political/policy analysts, programme/development officers, consultants, risk analysts, advocacy/outreach officers, and journalists. As well as to management positions in international organisations, NGOs, government, the development sector, media, academia, and the military/private security providers.

Modules and Learning

What will I learn on an international relation Masters course?

Our MA programme has four core modules and an independent guided piece of research in the form of a dissertation.

Core modules:

•             International law and global justice (30 credits)

•             Contemporary challenges in conflict, war and security (30 credits)

•             Theorising conflict, war and security (30 credits)

•             International security governance (30 credits)

•             Dissertation (60 credits)

Teaching staff

Who will teach me on the MA International Relations, Conflict and Security?

You will be taught by experienced academics whose expertise is underpinned by a strong track record of related research activity.

We have enthusiastic and well-published teachers and researchers from across the UK and Europe. Our team is one of the most research-active groups in the Department of Social Sciences, publishing widely in well-known academic journals, responding to contemporary issues and developments, as well as engaging with wider political ideas that shape the way we think and act.

Meet our staff who teach the International Relations Masters.

Facilities

What facilities are available to me on an international relations Masters programme?

In conjunction with traditional lectures and seminars, we use a range of technology-enhanced applications including Blackboard and electronic reading lists to support your learning.

The teaching team are also keen to pioneer new approaches to engage you via smartphones and associated apps and via social media, with the aim to improve your learning experience. We will experiment with new ways of engaging you via tablets and other devices to enable individual and group interaction.

Research-Rich Learning

How will I be introduced research throughout the degree?

Research is embedded into the structure of this degree, and from the very beginning you will experience a mix of research-led, research-tutored and research-based teaching.

There will be case-study learning, which means that you have to engage with real-life cases and use your theoretical learning to make decisions.

You can choose from a number of options for your dissertation: literature-based, empirical, or placement-based. You will be supported throughout the process by your dissertation supervisor, and the breadth of staff research interests provides you with the scope to pursue your interests, wherever they may lead.

Your Career

Is International Relations a good career?

Our MA International Relations, Conflict and Security is designed to give you a firm grounding in theoretical and professional development. You will graduate with a wide range of transferable skills that will enable you to work in a range of conflict and security analysis related contexts.

You will be particularly suited to careers in areas such as banking and accountancy services, local and national governments, non-government organisations (NGO’s), multi-lateral and intergovernmental organisations. Roles include, diplomat, consultant, civil servant, political affairs officer, economists, journalist, public relations or media relations manager, amongst others.