International Relations

Course details Immerse yourself in debates about international politics, international organisations and how they influence relationships between nations. The MA in International Relations will equip you with the skills to challenge conventional thinking and analyse your own views about some of the most pressing global challenges. The course covers both theoretical and empirical aspects of international relations, examining the history of the field, as well as in-depth study of the major international organisations that contribute to the global order. As the course progresses you will gain an understanding of how the international community has developed, and the forces that shape its development. Focusing on contemporary issues such as globalisation, foreign policy, humanitarian intervention, and the role of international organisations, you will develop the knowledge and skills to critically review developments in the theory and practice of international relations. You will learn to evaluate concepts, theories, and paradigms, drawing lessons from real-world studies informed by quantitative and qualitative investigations.

Why Durham University? Postgraduate politics and international relations provision at Durham explores political life across the globe. We apply our research expertise in the theory and practice of politics to discover more about the systems and processes that shape our world. Our academic staff have a genuine passion for politics and are leading experts in the study of these areas, as they exist across Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and the wider Muslim world, Africa, and America. We are a research-led School offering high-quality learning in essential quantitative and qualitative research methods alongside in-depth study of key areas of political and international theory. These include Comparative Institutions and Political Behaviour, Environmental Politics, Global Security and Peacebuilding, International Political Economy, and International Relations. We believe that in a democracy, active citizenship requires awareness, participation, and the ability to comprehend public debate. Our vision is to offer a study of politics that not only includes but goes beyond career preparation to consider how to be better human beings and good citizens.

Career Opportunities Our courses focus on developing self-aware, thoughtful, and ambitious global citizens with the skills and knowledge to secure rewarding and stimulating careers inside and outside of politics. Our postgraduates achieve successful careers in many fields including local and national government, diplomacy, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces. Former postgraduate students have taken up roles with leading employers including the House of Commons, Clifford Chance, Accenture, British Airways, Ernst and Young, British Telecom, Goldman Sachs, PwC, the Royal Navy, House of Fraser, Channel 4, HSBC, Teach First, Black Rock, and the Audit Commission.