Taught course

International Relations (Distance Learning)

Institution
University of Portsmouth · School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree in Politics, International Relations, Peace Studies, Sociology, History, or another relevant subject. Equivalent (directly relevant to course content and extensive) professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Overview

Explore the complexities of contemporary world affairs on this MA International Relations, which you can study full-time or part-time alongside work or military service via distance learning.

You'll delve into the issues central to national and international security and conflict, including terrorism and political violence, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the impact of social movements, political resistance, cyber activism and rebellion.

With access to the entire course online, you'll learn how to challenge conventional thinking, develop your own perspectives, and take part in key debates about international relations, civil society and global politics. You'll sharpen your ability to analyse and critically assess, both in person and in the writing of reports, essays and policy briefs.

After the course, you'll be ready to contribute positively towards matters at the heart of global conflict and international security and defence. You'll be well prepared to progress further within a current military career, or for roles in security, development, social policy, governance, advocacy and communications.

Course highlights
    • Study essential debates, such as how nuclear and other security threats have evolved, whether global civil society can promote security, development and rights, how terrorism and political violence shape domestic and political affairs, and the role the EU endeavours to play in global politics
    • Develop specialist knowledge in areas relating to security, defence and international conflict
    • Learn from expert academics who are contributing to the latest international relations research, and hear expert guest lecturers respond to current global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine
    • Be able to immerse yourself in an international relations topic of your choice through your dissertation

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.

Career support

You'll benefit from:

Networking events

  • 1-to-1 appointments
  • CV and cover letter advice
  • Interview preparation and practice
  • Workshops to enhance your employability skills
  • Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
  • Support starting your own business
Careers and opportunities
There is high demand across a range of professions for those with a solid foundation in international relations and an unbiased global outlook. This International Relations Master's degree will give you invaluable insight into international organisations and the challenges they face, while enabling you to learn the skills to affect change, such as policy development, strategy and communication.
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for organisations such as the:
  • Armed Forces
  • Civil Service (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
  • Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
  • Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Graduates of this course have gone on to work in areas such as:
  • national, European and international state institutions
  • political parties
  • political lobbyists
  • NGOs
  • think tanks
  • international development
  • international human rights
  • security and risk analysis
  • foreign affairs analysis
  • political communication and journalism

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Online learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Online learningis available for this qualification

1 year full-time distance learning, 2 years part-time distance learning

Course contact details

Name
Admissions Team
Email
admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone
02392845566