MRes International Relations

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

You need a 2.2 degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Studies, American Studies, United States Politics, Economics, Finance or Statistics 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, Governmental Processes/Systems, Human Rights, Ideology and Political Analysis, International Economics Law, International Economics Relations, International Trade/Business Law, International Law, International Public Relations, International Security, Law of Armed Conflict, Micro/Macro Economics, Peace Studies, Philosophy (MA Political Theory only), Political Conflict, Political Decision Making, Political Economy, Political Sociology, Public Administration, Public International Law, Public Policy Analysis, Quantitative Reasoning, Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Terrorism, and Theories of Development. We will also consider applicants with a 2.2 degree in an unrelated subject and have at least six months relevant work experience such as working with a NGO.