International Relations

This masters degree will equip you with the tools to understand and analyse a range of contemporary global issues. You’ll look at real-world challenges, including international division, rising powers, national and global security threats, the rise of populism, and worldwide ethical dilemmas. This will give you a comprehensive grounding in core conceptual, empirical and theoretical debates in international relations. Mainstream and critical approaches are taught side by side, covering a range of practical cases and perspectives from around the world. In addition, you'll deepen a number of skills that are crucial to enhancing your career development and research ability.

Modules

To gain the 180 credits you require for this qualification, you must study the modules in the order shown below and pass part 1 before progressing to part 2.



Compulsory modules/Credits

• MA International relations part 1 (D818) 90

• MA International relations part 2 (D828) 90



You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

You must hold a UK honours degree or equivalent to be accepted for the MA in International Relations. A degree in International Relations, International Studies or a closely related subject would be ideal. If your degree is not in International Relations, you will be required to show some knowledge of the subject and the study skills expected of a graduate in this field. You should be aware that a degree of at least 2.1 or equivalent will greatly increase your chances of successfully completing the MA.



Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details. If you’re not sure whether your English skills are good enough, there is some help and guidance at our Skills for OU Study website.

2 years part-time study.



How long it takes

Most students study the MA in International Relations part-time, completing 90 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 20–25 study hours each week.



You must complete the MA in International Relations within 10 years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

This masters degree will give you advanced knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary global changes, preparing you for jobs in International Relations. It develops your social science research skills, applying these across multiple projects and an independently researched dissertation. Students graduating from this degree will have demonstrated analysis of complex situations, finding, evaluating and using various sources, and presenting work to different audiences.



The MA will be relevant to International Relations jobs in a range of sectors including the civil service, international organisations and charities, think-tank and policy research, and serves as excellent preparation for further academic research (e.g. a PhD).