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International Relations MA
Study level: Postgraduate
Our International Relations MA is both theoretical and practical and aims to prepare you for a career dealing with complex world issues.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Course code
AHT023
Start date
May 2024
Course overview
If you are interested in pursuing an international career in government, public administration, diplomacy, policy formation or research - on this programme, you’ll examine and interpret the challenges facing our interconnected world.
- We cover themes like globalisation, international law, international trade, diplomacy, war and peace. The course is designed to build on the strengths and expertise that the School of Humanities has in the field of international politics and security.
- We adopt a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on theories and practice from political science, history, sociology, economics and cultural studies, among others.
- You'll benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed.
Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
This course explores the discipline of international relations, from a theoretical and practical perspective and in the context of issues and events in contemporary politics and society.
- You can expect to explore the actions of governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies, private enterprise and international bodies in relation to key threats to international cohesion, such as terrorism, insecurity, poverty and human trafficking.
- You will have opportunities to gain insights into the motivations of policy-makers, as well as assess the impact of these threats on individuals, communities and countries.
- The School of Humanities works to maintain a network of professional contacts spanning diplomats and diplomacy specialists in a range of prestigious external organisations, both private and public such as Chatham House, the International Slavery Museum and the Royal African Society. These links are reflected in hosted talks and events (subject to availability).
- This course attracts students from the UK, the EU and overseas, all linked by a common interest in the nature of the world in which we live and the problems it confronts. It offers both an academically challenging experience and one that should be of practical use in a future career.
Collaborations with other organisations
Confucius Institute
The School of Humanities is home to the Confucius Institute. This is a collaboration created through collaboration with Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, which aims to promote an understanding of the Chinese language and culture.
What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
The course has been devised primarily as a one-year full-time programme. It may also be taken over two years on a part-time basis with the part-time students participating in the same classes as the full-time students.
During the first two semesters, you will study eight mandatory modules designed to establish the core agenda of the programme. In semester three, you will be required to complete a 15,000-word dissertation and take the Global Professional Development module.
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester. However, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first year. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending on the module. Assessment methods could include:
- Essays
- A dissertation
- Reviews
- Reports
- Reflective writing
- Practical coursework
- Presentations
- Management consultancy project.
Assessment may also include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
In addition to the international opportunities2 already described, the School of Humanities currently has a collaboration with Lazarski University in Warsaw, Poland. Students from both institutions have also previously participated in Model European Parliaments in Coventry and in Lecce, Italy. We have also held Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities, including webinars and exchange visits2, with the University of Costa Rica, the University of Buenos Aires and with the South-South International Cooperation organisation in Sicily.2.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
| Student | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £11,200 | Request fee information |
| EU | £11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary** £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary** |
Not available |
| International | £18,600 | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU Support Bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
Facilities
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities is joining two of our school’s completely refurbished Art and Design buildings and adding a range of new facilities4, which is planned to fully open in 2023. These will include a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects and immersive studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities in a dedicated environment.
The Library
The library offers a team of dedicated academic liaison librarians who provide specialist help and support. You’ll also have access to subject specific databases of journal articles related to international relations.
Delia Derbyshire Building
The Delia Derbyshire complex offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.
Confucius Institute
The School of Humanities is home to the Confucius Institute. This is a collaboration created with Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, which aims to promote an understanding of the Chinese language and culture.
Careers and opportunities
Upon successful completion, you should have knowledge of:
- The nature of the international system and its development over time.
- How international relations adapt to different political environments.
- The conduct of international relations, as practised by key institutions and actors.
- Differing approaches to, and prominent issues of debate within, the study of international relations.
- How the boundaries of the subject matter are advanced through research by being at the forefront of the discipline.
You should be able to:
- Critically review information sources, to gather and marshal relevant evidence successfully.
- Apply knowledge of the dynamics of international relations in a wide range of situations and organisations.
- Show awareness of, and sensitivity to, differing international environments and the impact these have on political, economic and social actors.
- Apply advanced research skills, identify appropriate sources and methods, take personal responsibility and demonstrate initiative in dealing with complex and unpredictable environments.
Employers are looking for individuals with the ability to work across different cultures, manage teams and possess problem-solving and critical analysis skills.
The CMI accredited1 module will help set you apart in a competitive job market. It'll provide practical leadership skills to critically evaluate and develop solutions for complex issues that you could experience in your future organisations.
We encourage you to gain first-hand experience through volunteering and placement opportunities2. Previously students have undertaken internships in embassies and high commissions, such as the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, think-tanks, including the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin and the South-South International Cooperation organisation in Palermo, and undertaken research in universities abroad such as the Arab-American University in Jenin2.
Where our graduates work
The course prepares you for roles such as public administration within a Foreign Service or other government departments, international civil service (such as the United Nations or European Union), international agencies and non-governmental organisations, as well as multinational corporations, the international media, teaching and research.
Our previous graduates have been successful in securing employment in the foreign services of a range of countries from Ethiopia to the UK, as well as working in government departments in Barbados, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the United Kingdom. Several have gone on to enter the diplomatic service in their home country, others have sought careers in international organisations, non-governmental organisations or international commerce and business.
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
How to apply
UK students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
International students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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