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International Relations MA

Different course options

Full time | University of Sheffield | 1 year | 30-SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

1 year

Start date

30-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

International Relations

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

How should we make sense of the many global challenges that are increasingly destabilising international politics? On this course you’ll learn how to practically address some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from global heating and ecological destruction, to geopolitical conflict, public health crises and rapid technological change.

Course description

On this course you will expand your understanding of contemporary international relations. You will investigate how the global order is constituted, the ways in which it functions, and whether it might be under strain.

Throughout your studies you will about key concepts and theories that will help you address the following questions:

Who are the key actors in international relations and how do they shape the context in which a range of urgent global challenges are identifiable?

How do states, their people, and global governance bodies influence international politics?

Why has the world order evolved in apparently less politically and ecologically stable ways in recent years?

Where should we look to try to make sense of global politics, and whose perspectives and interpretations should we privilege?

What critical theories and concepts can help us make better sense of a changing world that conventional ones seem increasingly unable to explain?

The MA International Relations degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some may have already studied politics and international relations previously, whereas others may have little academic experience in the subject but wish to better understand the evolution of global politics. Students come from all sorts of different backgrounds, and this really is evident in the classroom. You will be encouraged to share your knowledge and experience, and the varied perspectives help to produce fruitful and lively discussions in seminars.

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information.

Modules

This core module introduces you to the dominant analytical and methodological traditions in politics (broadly understood as ?positivism? and ?interpretivism?) and to the different ontological, epistemological, and methodological implications of each tradition for the study of politics. The module will require you to consider explicitly your approach to the study of politics, and understand both its strengths and weaknesses. By studying this module, you will be able to articulate coherently your understanding of what the discipline of politics entails, and what you consider to be the most appropriate way of studying and researching politics. As such, this module is an essential precursor to you specific programme and to your dissertation.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£11,120

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£23,760

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant social science, arts and humanities subject or other related subject.