The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
International Relations (Distance Learning)
MA or PGDip or PGCert
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Full time: MA: 12 months; PGDip: 9 months; PGCert: 9 months
Part time: MA: 24 months; PGDip: 18 months; PGCert: 18 months
Department
Overview
Explore the pressing issues, actors and power struggles in today’s globalised world - and get the skills and sector insight to start a career in international relations.
On this course, you’ll examine the major players, organisations and global policies that underpin world politics and the global political economy. You’ll scrutinise their aims and explore their challenges. And you’ll learn how they impact states, societies and citizens - from a migrant crossing the Mediterranean to an official implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention.
You’ll also have the freedom to follow your interests. You might scrutinise the Paris Agreements. You might analyse the impacts of Fair Trade. Or you might examine social movements - like the Yellow Vests, the Flygskam movement, or the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
You’ll learn via our interactive online learning platform. And you’ll have the flexibility to balance your learning with other commitments.
You can also study this course on-campus
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Students are normally required to have at least a second-class honours degree from a university in the UK or an equivalent qualification from countries outside the UK. The degree should be in an appropriate discipline.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Please see the fees note
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2021 / 22
Home (UK) distance learning
Masters £7,700 (FT) £3,850 (PT); Diploma £6,700 (FT); Certificate £3,850 (FT)
International / EU distance learning
Masters £7,700 (FT) £3,850 (PT); Diploma £6,700 (FT); Certificate £3,850 (FT)
2022 / 23
Home (UK) distance learning
Masters £7,850 (FT) £3,925 (PT); Diploma £6,850 (FT); Certificate £3,925 (FT)
International / EU distance learning
Masters £7,850 (FT) £3,925 (PT); Diploma £6,850 (FT); Certificate £3,925 (FT)
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
There is a course scholarship available for MA International Relations (Distance Learning) for 2022. The application deadline is Monday 6 June 2022.
For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Learning and assessment
You’ll examine how global states and societies cooperate. You’ll question the methods behind world politics and the global political economy. You’ll interrogate how these systems impact individuals - like refugees and protesters. And you’ll determine how they affect global problems - like the climate emergency.
In your first semester, you’ll take three compulsory modules that will help you develop core skills and knowledge in international relations. You’ll examine the key theories, and their connection to live global issues. You’ll analyse various ways of understanding the global political economy, and you’ll develop research skills.
In your second semester, you’ll take three elective modules, focusing on the areas of international relations you care about most, like:
- Terrorism
- Migration
- Gender
- International development
- Conflict
- International ethics
You might debate approaches to debt in the Global South.
You might examine peacebuilding in conflict zones like Syria. Or you might analyse the ecological limits to development. You’ll also travel to The Hague and Brussels.
Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn directly from leading researchers in international relations. You’ll be able to nurture your interests and develop your expertise.
You’ll learn via:
- online discussion with your tutors and peers
- online quizzes
- narrated slides
- individual presentations
- case study analysis
- live consolidation webinars
And you’ll have access to the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society which runs topical events online.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment is conducted through a variety of assignments linked to the expected learning outcomes.
Assignments will include:
- essays
- presentations
- projects
- reports
- your dissertation.
These will be spread over the year to provide constant feedback and assessment.
Research
Our vibrant research culture is driven by a thriving and collaborative community of academic staff and doctoral students. from across the globe.
83% of International Relations and Politics research was recognised internationally, and rated as either excellent or world leading in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
Our research is organised within the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society.
Within the Centre we run four dedicated research groups:
- Critical Security Studies
- International Political Theory
- Cultures and Identities
- State and Society.
As well as meeting to discuss and analyse central texts in the field each group undertakes a number of activities including:
- organising work-in-progress seminars
- offering support and feedback for external grant applications
- hosting visiting fellows
- sponsoring seminars and symposia.
Find out more by visiting our web pages and browsing our staff profiles.
After you graduate
Career prospects
You’ll graduate with sought-after transferable skills - like:
- Project management
- Critical analysis
- Complex problem-solving
You’ll have keen intercultural awareness and communication skills. And you’ll be equipped to start international careers - in politics, NGOs, international development, the civil service, corporate social responsibility and more. You’ll also have the skills and knowledge to progress in academia and research.
‘The range of topics is impressive and seems to cover the key problems that confront governments, politicians and international policy-makers.’
Tricia Feeney, Founder, Rights & Accountability in Development
Our Staff
Dr Molly Cochran
Molly has research and teaching interests in international relations theory, international political thought, American pragmatism, human rights, gender and IR, and democratic global governance.
Read more about MollyDr Stephen Hurt
Stephen lectures on international development and South African politics.
Read more about StephenRelated courses
Programme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.