International Relations and Democratic Politics

Entry requirements

You should have a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent in Social Sciences or Humanities; equivalent qualifications from overseas are welcome. Your application must be supported by a reference written on institutional notepaper by an academic familiar with your abilities. Applications from mature candidates are welcomed.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The Masters in International Relations and Democratic Politics provides an advanced critical and comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping state, inter-state relations and global politics. Drawing on key theoretical interpretations of democratic politics, the course probes into various tenets of democratic thinking (ranging from pluralism and civil society to egalitarianism and human rights), and explores the interplay between theory and practice in old and new democracies and in processes of global governance.

Is democracy a concept limited to a world of territorially-bounded national communities? Can democracy still limit power in a global world? How does democratic policy making operate in the face of complexity? By raising and examining such questions the course explores the changing and contested understandings of democracy in contemporary thought as well as its application to the international sphere in our increasingly complex world.

Information for international students

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing, 5.5 in Listening, 5.5 in Reading and 5.5 in Speaking, or equivalent. The University offers pre-sessional summer programmes if you need to improve your English before starting your course.

Fees and funding

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page. As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.