Course summary
The International Politics MA programme is for students who want to explore international politics more widely. It is designed to help you follow your specific interests and specialise your knowledge. The course has been designed to give you the chance to pursue your own questions about the way the world works – and to shape arguments where you feel it doesn’t. The knowledge and skills you develop during the course will enable you to explore a number of rewarding career options – from supporting NGOs to working with the civil service or media. Is the USA a benevolent global leader or a neo-imperial power? How does the shift in power from the West to the Rest reshape international politics in the 21st century? Can states act effectively in a world increasingly shaped by international institutions and global economic actors? The International Politics MA will challenge your point of view and help you:
- Explore an expansive and ever-changing subject and gain an advanced specialist education in international politics
- Learn about the broad contours of the field while developing specialisms backed by real-world research
- Probe the ideas that structure the way we think about the world and examine the institutions that determine events
- Focus on how you can use this new understanding to judge global affairs for yourself Examine and critically evaluate the complex structure of relationships between governments, transnational actors and networks, and intergovernmental organisations
- Gain an advanced conceptualisation of global political issues in the 21st century
- Understand contemporary theoretical debates and the rapid political change in the contemporary world
- Develop your analytical capacities through a variety of learning techniques
- Prepare for a diverse range of careers, as well as provide contextual knowledge that will be applicable for life-long learning in a rapidly changing political and social world.
Modules
The structure of this MA gives you the flexibility to design your own degree. The taught modules are completed in Terms 1 and 2, normally over a single academic year for full-time students and over two academic years for part-time students. You are required to take a total of 120 credits in taught modules. There is one core module – 'Theories of International Politics' (15 credits) taught in the first term . The remaining credits will be made up of elective modules that you must choose from the list of electives opened to students in the MA International Politics. Throughout the year you can choose elective modules that suit your interests. You can also opt to pursue your interests by studying across departments with optional modules from the Department of Sociology and Criminology and The City Law School. The number of elective modules you take will vary depending on the number of 15- and 30-credit modules you choose. All modules run for a minimum of eleven weeks (or one term). Core module: Theories of International Politics (15 credits) The module provides you with theoretical approaches to the study of international relations/politics by allowing you to examine dominant and contemporary theories, such as realism, liberalism, Marxism as well as post-structuralism,, feminism, green politics, post-colonialism, and constructivism.
- Dissertation (60 credits)
- Understanding Security in the 21st Century (15 credits)
- Cultures of Capitalism (15 credits)
- Theories of Global Political Economy (15credits)
- Global Ethics: Principles, Power and Politics (15 credits)
- Human Rights and the Transformation of World Politics (15 credits)
- Global Capitalism: Past, Present and Future (15 credits)
- Political Economy of Global Finance (15 credits)
- The Politics of Forced Migration (15 credits)
- Global Governance (15 credits)
- Strategy, Diplomacy and Decision-making (15credits)
- Foreign Policy Analysis (15 credits)
- Economic Diplomacy (15 credits)
- Russian Foreign Policy from Stalin to Putin (15 credits)
- Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)
- Applied Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)
- Criminal Minds (15 credits)
- Developments in Communication Policy (30 credits)
- Global Media Industries (30 Credits)
- Law and War (30 credits)
- Minorities and Indigenous People in International Law (30 credits)
Assessment method
In taught International Politics modules you will be assessed by written coursework (100% of the module mark). There are no exams at the MA level. Coursework for International Politics modules is typically a 3,000-word essay for 15 credit modules, or an equivalent type of written piece (such as a policy paper or a research proposal – see the cases of IPM127 and IPM111 respectively). The formal assessment in taught International Politics modules aims to help you develop your analytical written skills. All other skills and educational aims associated with the MA International Politics degree programme will be developed through a range of summative assessments. These may take the form of student presentations, book reviews, article reviews, short essays, role plays and case studies, policy memos and/or write-ups that reflect on an out-of-class activity or engagement with events and activities around London that form live-action examples of concepts taught in the classroom. Details will be provided within your modules during the teaching term. In IPM125 (Theories of International Politics) your formal assessment includes a 3,000-word essay engaging with the theoretical paradigms explored in this module, and performing the role of ‘academic discussant’ on one week’s topic. This role requires you to present key readings for that week, identifying the main conceptual and theoretical debates to be discussed in that week’s session. Please note that modules offered from other departments/centres may contain a different set of assessment requirements.
Entry requirements
You should have a first or upper second-class honours (or equivalent) degree in politics, the social sciences, humanities or law. However, we also welcome applications from those with substantial experience in human rights organisations, NGOs, social services, journalism and other related sectors. If English is not your first language you will need the following qualification: - IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each sub-test) OR - A first degree from a UK university or an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia or the USA. All applicants that require a Student visa must meet the minimum Home Office English Language ability requirements before City can issue the Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) that is needed to apply for a Student visa.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £21320 | Year 1 |
| International | £21320 | Year 1 |
| England | £11330 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11330 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11330 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11330 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
City, University of London
Northampton Square
City of London
EC1V 0HB