Overview

The MA (International Relations) is a full-time, taught programme running for 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Students take modules to the value of 90 credits comprising taught modules to the value of 45 credits (Part I) and a dissertation to the value of 45 credits (Part II).

Note: All electives are chosen in consultation with the Programme Director and are subject to availability and timetable requirements.

Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations

Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations.

Programme Requirements

For information about modules, module choice, options and credit weightings, please go to Programme Requirements. 

Programme Requirements

Module List

Code	Title	Credits
Students take 90 credits.
Part I
Students take 45 credits as follows – all listed core modules (35 credits) and 10 credits of elective modules:
Core Modules
HI6026	US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History	10
HI6035	Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: Case Studies in Crises and Decision-making	10
HI6056	Issues in World Politics	5
HI6092	International Relations: Theories and Approaches	10
Elective Modules
Students take 10 credits from the following:		10
HI6045	War and Peace: the European State System from 1648 to 1990 (10)
HI6060	The Politics of Terrorism (10)
HI6063	Work Placement and Portfolio (10)
GV6115	European Security (10) 10
LW6633 plus LW6566	Public International Law (5) plus Contemporary Issues in International Law (5) 1
Part II
Students take 45 credits as follows:
Core Modules
HI6100	History Dissertation 2	45
Total Credits		90

¹

The two 5 credit LW modules must be studied as a 10 credit package.

²

A dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in September.

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in International Relations (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the particular field of study;
  
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the study of history/international relations/cultural contact;
  
• Evaluate and incorporate new insights informed by the forefront of the field of learning;
  
• Demonstrate competence in a range of level 9 research training methodologies and a range of discipline specific research skills;
  
• Take responsibility for their research agenda and project, and initiate and evaluate appropriate methodologies.