This MA in International Relations and Politics is intended for students who want to study global conflict and cooperation without having to commit to weekly campus attendance. The curriculum provides rigorous blocks of study that prepare students for roles in security, development, social policy, governance, advocacy, and communications in local and global institutions. The course focuses on modern insecurity, important drivers of political and public policy decision-making, and the application of analytical concepts to local and worldwide political events. Students will learn advanced analytic skills and effectively articulate their findings in reports, policy briefs, and essays. The program is meant to be adaptable, allowing students to balance their academic responsibilities with personal and professional obligations.
University of Portsmouth
International Relations and Politics MA
Entry Requirements
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree in Politics, International Relations, Sociology or History, or a 2:1 honours degree in another relevant humanities or social sciences subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
Career Prospects
This degree aims to develop skills and knowledge for career advancement and shaping an informed global citizen. Graduates from International Relations and Politics courses have worked in parliaments, political parties, third sector, and civil society organizations. The Careers and Employability service can assist in finding relevant work experience, such as placements, internships, and voluntary roles, to complement your studies. The service also offers up to 5 years of support for career advancement. Previous graduates have gone on to work in parliaments, political parties, third sector, and civil society organizations.
Course Details
The Block Taught MA International Relations and Politics is an intensive course that offers a unique approach to studying. Instead of studying multiple modules simultaneously, students travel to the University for a single week to study a single module, with coursework handed in at the end of the module. This intensive form of study can be easier to fit into work and other life commitments. The course consists of four taught modules over the year, or two each year for two years, if studying part-time.
Teaching staff are internationally recognized and actively researching in their respective areas. They are members of international professional associations for Politics and International Relations, such as the Political Studies Association, British International Studies Association, International Studies Association, European Consortium for Political Research, and European Union Studies Association.
Students will be assessed through informal assessments, seminars, and peer review sessions before final marks. Feedback on practice and formal assessments is available to help students improve in the future.
The University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK) provides one-to-one support in areas such as academic writing, note-taking, time management, critical thinking, presentation skills, referencing, working in groups, revision, memory, and exam techniques. Students also have access to Moodle, participation in Academic Enrichment Programme (AEP) activities, access to the Faculty Research Skills Hub, the School Student Representatives Hub, support by the Faculty Librarian, and a personal tutor, personal tutorial meetings, and dissertation supervision.
Course Modules
Comparative Public Policy – 30 credits
Contemporary Security in International Relations: Providers and Challenges – 30 credits
Defence and Deterrence – 30 credits
Dissertation – 45 credits
Exploring International Relations – 30 credits
Researching International Relations – 15 credits
Are you ready to start building your future?
Contact our admission counseller and get a free consultation.
