Course summary
Overview Explore the complexities of contemporary world affairs on this MA International Relations, which you can study full-time or part-time alongside work or military service via distance learning. You'll delve into the issues central to national and international security and conflict, including terrorism and political violence, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the impact of social movements, political resistance, cyber activism and rebellion. With access to the entire course online, you'll learn how to challenge conventional thinking, develop your own perspectives, and take part in key debates about international relations, civil society and global politics. You'll sharpen your ability to analyse and critically assess, both in person and in the writing of reports, essays and policy briefs. After the course, you'll be ready to contribute positively towards matters at the heart of global conflict and international security and defence. You'll be well prepared to progress further within a current military career, or for roles in security, development, social policy, governance, advocacy and communications. When you graduate, you'll be in a strong position to generate creative solutions that benefit the global economy and international society. You'll be suited for roles in security, development, social policy, governance, advocacy and communications. Previous graduates have gone on to work in parliaments, political parties, third sector and civil society organisations. Prefer to study on campus? If you'd rather attend university in person, you can study MA International Relations on campus. What you'll experience On this course you'll:
- Study essential debates, such as how nuclear and other security threats have evolved, whether global civil society can promote security, development and rights, how terrorism and political violence shape domestic and political affairs, and the role the EU endeavours to play in global politics
- Develop specialist knowledge in areas relating to security, defence and international conflict
- Learn from expert academics who are contributing to the latest international relations research, and hear expert guest lecturers respond to current global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine
- Be able to immerse yourself in an international relations topic of your choice through your dissertation
- national, European and international state institutions
- political parties
- political lobbyists
- think tanks
- security and risk analysis
- foreign affairs analysis
- political communication and journalism
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 module worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits. Modules (full-time) Core modules include:
- Contemporary Security in International Relations (30 credits)
- Exploring International Relations (30 credits)
- Defence and Deterrence (Dl) (30 credits)
- Dissertation (30 credits)
- Dissertation (45 credits)
- European International Relations: Facing New Challenges (30 credits)
- NGOs & Social Movements (30 credits)
- Researching International Relations (15 credits)
- Researching International Relations (30 credits)
- Resistance and Rebellion (30 credits)
Assessment method
You’ll be assessed through: academic essays briefing papers and reports blog posts narrated presentations a major independent project or dissertation You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. This includes group discussions, peer review activities, and virtual seminars. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a second-class honours degree in Politics, International Relations, Peace Studies, Sociology, History, or another relevant subject. Equivalent (directly relevant to course content and extensive) professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5. |
PTE Academic | 65 | An overall score of 65 with a minimum of 65 in each skill. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 91 | 91 with a minimum of 24 in Reading, 23 in Listening, 25 in Speaking and 24 in Writing. |
Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 176. | |
Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 176. | |
Trinity ISE | Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
EU | £4700 | Year 1 |
International | £4700 | Year 1 |
England | £4700 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £4700 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £4700 | Year 1 |
Wales | £4700 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £4700 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £4700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP