International Relations at University of Glasgow - UCAS

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Course summary

This ESRC recognised research-training programme provides a broad and in-depth grounding in the study and methodologies of the most challenging problems our world currently faces, such as international conflict and instability, terrorism, climate change, or rapid globalisation. Building on a thorough understanding of international relations theory, our programme trains you in how to apply and leverage methods and research design to answer the most pressing societal questions of our time. WHY THIS PROGRAMME

  • If you are planning to pursue a research-intensive career or doctoral studies, including under the ESRC 1+3 scheme, this programme is designed for you. This degree provides a pathway to ESRC sponsored postgraduate fellowships.
  • This programme offers training in what international relations has to say about some of the most challenging problems in international politics and equips you with the appropriate methods and a good understanding of research design to analyse political data.
  • The MRes covers common material with the MSc in International Relations and provides in-depth methodological training for those who seek to continue their studies with a PhD degree at doctoral level. It draws on expertise in the fields of international relations theory, normative international theory, international security, international organisations, non-state actors, human rights, humanitarian intervention, and international political economy.
  • You will have the opportunity to approach the subject from a variety of disciplinary approaches through courses across the School of Social & Political Sciences, School of Law, history and other subjects.
  • You will benefit from a number of research and teaching initiatives which touch on important international issues, including Global Security Roundtable, Global Security Network, Glasgow Centre for International Development, Glasgow Refugee, Asylum & Migration Network; and Glasgow Human Rights Network.
  • You will be able to participate in a 3-day study trip to Brussels to gain first hand experience on how international relations is done in practice and get access to a highly sought after job market. Past visits have included the European Commission, the European Parliament, NATO, Scotland House, and the World Bank.
  • You will gain a wide range of transferrable skills, including how to convey complex ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing, or how to analyse problems in international politics to inform the public debate.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE You will take four core courses and two optional courses. You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and undertake independent research in the form of a dissertation. Core Courses INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY QUALITATIVE METHODS QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS RESEARCH DESIGN Optional Courses may include: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RESEARCH CHINA'S INTERNATIONAL POLITICS CHINESE POLITICS AND SOCIETY COMPARATIVE PUBLIC OPINION CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS AND GLOBAL POLITICS HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION: CIVILIAN OR SOVEREIGNTY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES THE INTERNET AND CIVIL SOCIETY MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS You can choose from a wide variety of courses in the School of Social and Political Sciences to achieve the remaining taught credits required to complete the programme. The Politics and International Relations, Central and Eastern European Studies, Sociology and Economic & Social History subjects all run a wide range of courses each academic year. Please note that the course options listed are an indicative list, and may not all be available in every academic year. The MRes International Relations can also be completed part-time.


How to apply

International applicants

International applicant information can be found via gla.ac.uk by searching for 'international'. Classes start September 2021 and you may be expected to attend induction sessions the week before.

Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in politics, law or related social science subject. We will consider applications from graduates from other fields, but you should submit a one-page personal statement indicating why you are interested in changing fields or the connection to your previous study. We will also take relevant work experience into account.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

All fees are published on the University of Glasgow website. https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/feesandfunding/

Sponsorship information

Sponsorship and funding information can be found via gla.ac.uk by searching for 'scholarships'.

International Relations at University of Glasgow - UCAS