International Relations (Distance Learning)
MA or PGDip or PGCert
Key facts
Start dates
September 2020
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
Gain a grounding in research methods with our International Relations MA/PGDip/PGCert. Our course covers the central foundations of the contemporary discipline of International Relations. This has grown beyond the traditional concern with inter-state relations.
Distance learning gives you the flexibility to fit your studies around other competing demands. You will have full access to our e-learning facilities and interact online with a variety of learning activities. These cover a range of materials and guided online discussion and debate.
The course integrates research and teaching. And allows you to focus on your areas of interest through a range of optional modules.
You will benefit from links with international NGOs, many of which are based in Oxford. These include Oxfam and Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID).
Our graduates have built successful careers in a variety of disciplines including:
- social work
- management
- teaching
- lecturing
- publishing
- journalism.
A scholarship is now available for the MA International Relations (Distance Learning).
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
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
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
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
Students studying for the MA/PG Dip in International Relations (Distance Learning) are required to complete three compulsory modules during Semester 1 (20 credits each). And another three modules in Semester 2.
MA students are required to complete a 12,000-word dissertation. This will be on a topic related to any aspect of international relations. The dissertation also involves a presentation at an online dissertation seminar, where you will present your dissertation topic and proposal to your peers and members of staff.
PG Certificate students will take 3 modules: International Relations in Theory and Practice and Global Political Economy. And one other module (excluding Advanced Research in International Relations).
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
Research is fundamental to the International Relations programme. You will be taught by a team of research-active scholars who are all specialists and publish in their areas of expertise. We include aspects of our research in all our courses, teach specialist modules in our areas of expertise and supervise dissertations in our specialist subjects.
We use a range of online teaching methods to aid the quality of learning opportunities for your' knowledge and understanding of International Relations.You will learn through the following methods:
- narrated PowerPoints
- videos
- online discussion forums
- online seminars
- 1-1 essay clinics.
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
The programme will appeal to students who have a broad interest in international affairs, and to those whose future work is likely to involve the public sphere in an international and global context. It is relevant to careers in media and general management, as well as in the civil service, intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations. It will also appeal to those wanting to progress to a research degree.
“The range of topics is impressive and seems to cover the key problems that confront governments, politicians and international policy-makers: the environment, global governance, the role of global civil society, migration, international finance and terrorism”
Tricia Feeney (Executive Director, 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 StephenProgramme 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.