Entry requirements

UK

Degree requirements

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Politics or a related discipline.

Other routes

Candidates that do not currently meet the set entry requirements may also have the option to study the Graduate Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences. Meeting the required grades on completion of this programme will provide a pathway to study MA International Relations.

Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The global financial crisis: a failure of governments or markets? This thought-provoking programme is your chance to dissect and discuss cutting-edge subjects relevant to today’s political landscape. If you are interested in the hard questions and are excited at the prospect of exploring them, this International Relations MA could be perfect for you.

What you'll study

Challenge the policies that affect real people in this innovative and flexible programme. We tailor the modules to reflect the current political landscape, both domestic and international, meaning you get to delve into a wide gamut of captivating topics, from HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa to the rise of populism in Europe.

You will explore the historical significance of globalisation in lively group discussions and how it relates to a number of key issues in international relations, including state sovereignty and international order, conflict and war, human rights and the political economy of North-South relations.

The academics who are involved in the Mile End Institute and the Centre for European Researchcontinue to conduct research on constantly changing policy issues and organise free events throughout the year - giving you front-row access to groundbreaking research in action.

You don’t have to have a background in Humanities or Social Sciences to complete this course.

Structure

  • One compulsory taught module
  • Three taught elective modules
  • 12,000-word dissertation
  • One non-credit bearing professional skills module (optional)
Programme changes for 2020

At Queen Mary, we have been adapting to the challenges of Covid-19 so we are ready for the new academic year, with all the academic, pastoral and community support you need to settle in and thrive. For your chosen programme of study, the result is an innovative blended learning offering, giving you access to a world-class education whether or not you can join us on campus from September. For more information, please visit our dedicated FAQ pages.

Please note that the modules listed below are for students starting the programme in September 2020.

Coronavirus FAQs

Coronavirus FAQs

Advice and guidance for applicants

Guidance for applicants

Compulsory/Core modules

Dissertation
Contemporary World Politics: Theories, Concepts, Themes

Elective modules

Case Studies in EU Policy Making
Latin America in the Modern World
Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development
International Security: War and Peace in a Global Context
International Public Policy: Concepts and Practice
International Migration Policy
International Relations of the Middle East
Themes and Cases in US Foreign Policy

You must take either the ‘International Security: War and Peace in a Global Context’ module or the ‘Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development’ module. You can take both of these modules if you wish.

Assessment

Dissertation

The final dissertation is your chance to conduct in-depth and independent research on a topic that is of direct interest to you and your career goals. Previous outstanding work includes:

  • Is China challenging US economic hegemony?
  • Postcolonial President? Barack Obama and humanitarian intervention
  • Globalisation, inequality and underdevelopment: The myth of economic convergence
  • Is the UN fit to prevent genocide?

Information for international students

English language requirements

If you got your degree in an English speaking country or if it was taught in English, and you studied within the last five years, you might not need an English language qualification - find out more.

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa.

Fees and funding

Queen Mary alumni get a £1,000 discount on their fees. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award

Queen Mary alumni get a £1,000 discount on their fees. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award

Funding

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
School of Politics and International Relations
Email
pgtadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 7882 8587