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Queen's University Belfast

International Relations

Overview
This programme is designed to analyse various aspects of International Relations in a scholarly, critical and methodologically sophisticated manner.

Having introduced the theoretical and methodological components which facilitate our study of the field, the aim is to use these tools to examine, explain and understand the issues, topics and processes that make up our world, from security and terrorism, migration and mobility, to global financial crises.

The programme offers a balance between providing core content in the field of International Relations while allowing students to actively choose their area of specialism.

Why Queen's?
It is also possible to study for a PG Diploma in each of the areas covered by the MA programmes. The Diploma is constructed around the coursework elements of the MA programmes with no dissertation required. On successful completion of the coursework, however, it is possible to complete the dissertation for an award of MA.

Entry requirements

MA: normally a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject, or a 2.1 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience.

PG Diploma: normally a 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 57%) or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a Social Sciences, Humanities or Arts subject, or a 2.2 Honours degree (minimum 57%) or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject with relevant professional experience. Applicants who do not meet this entry requirement may, at the discretion of the relevant programme convenor, be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and/or an assessed piece of work. Admission under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered for this course.

Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and information on application procedures.

International Qualifications
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

Additional Information for International Students
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their studies. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
*taken within the last 2 years

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this programme, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this programme.

For additional information, please visit our website.
English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level.
Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Duration

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Learning and Teaching
Teaching is normally in afternoons and evenings.

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects
All of the MA programmes offered in the School provide our graduates with the skills to pursue a wide range of careers in the private, public and voluntary sectors. In addition they provide an appropriate basis for those who wish to proceed to Doctoral-level study.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Further enquiries

Dr Debbie Lisle
School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3853
E: d.lisle@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/happ/

Subjects taught

The programme has three different components: Core modules, Elective modules, and an MA dissertation.

(1) Core Modules: to acquire foundational knowledge and understanding in International Relations, students will take four core modules covering the evolution of International Relations as a discipline, issues of order, conflict and governance, and the trends toward globalisation, regionalisation and devolution.

Core Modules students currently must take:
Approaches to Research Design
International Political Economy
International Security, Theories and Issues in International Relations

(2) Elective Modules: the programme provides students with a number of elective modules that will enable them to specialise in areas of interest, build on foundational knowledge, and develop focused expertise.

Elective Modules students must take one of:
Conflict Intervention
Global Terrorism

Students must take one additional module from a list including*:
Conflict Intervention (if not already taken)
Global Terrorism (if not already taken)
Carbon Literacy for a Low Carbon Society and Economy
Ethnic Conflict and Consensus: The Power of Institutions
Gender, Politics and Democracy
Institutions and Politics of the EU Philosophy of Conflict and War
*This list of elective modules may vary from year to year.

(3) Dissertation: to enable students to develop their particular area of specialism, facilitate independent learning and instill a variety of skills such as project management, detailed analysis and self-motivation, students on the MA pathway must also write a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words.

Assessment method

The programme is assessed by a mixture of examination and continuous assessment (eg essays, projects, portfolios).

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
In general, there are no closing dates for the majority of courses (those with closing dates will be highlighted in the Course Finder). However we advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

Postgraduate Research
There is no standard closing date. You should however check both the Universitys website and refer to the relevant School/Institute webpage for information on deadline dates for postgraduate funding applications, as these will also determine when your application for admission should be submitted.