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MRes International Relations

Different course options

Study mode

Full time

Duration

2 years

Start date

SEP-25

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MRes - Master of Research

Subject areas

International Relations

Course type

Research

Course Summary

We live in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world where events that unfold on other continents can affect our lives very quickly. Sometimes politicians can work together in a search for solutions but disagreement, and even the possibility of conflict, never seems far away.

Our MRes International Relations is a two-year course, designed to give you additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. You study modules on international relations and research methods across your two years, while developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

You are familiarised with the theories and conceptual tools used to analyse world politics and explore how different theories and conceptual tools speak to contemporary debates and events. You also take modules on topics including:

  • Forecasting global trends
  • International security
  • The analysis of conflict and peace
  • Research methods
  • Research design
  • Political theory

Our MRes International Relations offers excellent preparation for PhD research in this field, covering all aspects of international relations with additional training in research design and research methods. You learn how to develop theories, conduct research, and explore the empirical implications of theoretical models using the most appropriate empirical methods.

Your future

An MRes puts you in a particularly strong position to succeed in a research degree. We offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates have gone on to academic and research focused careers as post doctorates and staff in Universities around the UK and EU.

Other recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:

  • The Civil Service
  • Local government
  • The World Bank
  • The United Nations
  • NATO
  • YouGov and YouGov America

Modules

This module offers an introduction to the theory and practice of quantitative data analysis techniques. The goals are to provide students with the skills that are necessary to: 1) read, understand, and evaluate the academic literature, and 2) design and carry out simple studies that employ these techniques for testing substantive theories.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£10,000

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£21,700

Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics or a 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to: Comparative Political Systems, Constitutional Democracy, Contemporary World Affairs, Current Affairs, Democratic Theory, Econometrics, European Integration/Dynamics of Integration, Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy, Game Theory etc.

University information

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change. It is a learning institution that fosters a culture of boldness and curiosity, where creativity in academia is encouraged. At Essex, students are taught by world-leading academics in a supportive and research-intensive environment. Over the duration of its sixty-year history, Essex has met and exceeded expectations for success, winning...more

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