international_relations

Course length: One year full-time, two years part-time

Course starts: Induction 1 October, international student orientation from Sept.

January start: Induction 23 Jan, international student orientation from 22 Jan.


Studying the International Relations Masters at Middlesex in London will enable you to identify and assess national interests and analyse the foreign and defence policy needs of sovereign powers and the policy choices of national and international leaders.

We hold class meetings in surroundings strongly related to diplomatic activity and discussion. Our students are from all over the world and this diversity enhances debates and perspectives on global issues.

This course, which you can start in October or January, has step-off points at Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma levels and involves evening teaching, and guest lectures by diplomats, politicians and leading academics. Internship opportunities are encouraged but do not form part of the course.

Course highlights:

  • Evening teaching
  • Internship opportunities Guest lectures by diplomats, politicians and leading academics
  • Study trips
  • Step-off points at Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma levels

Download the course flyer

Modules

The global order has changed since 11 September 2001 and world politics is at a critical moment. Terrorism and extremism raise fundamental concerns about globalisation and peaceful co-existence. Studying international relations at Middlesex provides a relevant introduction to our rapidly changing world for the serious advanced student preparing for the future. We hold class meetings in surroundings strongly related to diplomatic activity and discussion. Our library facilities are used by international affairs professionals.

This programme is based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Classes are from 6.30 to 9pm on Tuesdays and-or Thursdays for two terms (full-time) or four terms (part-time).

Taught modules are assessed by book reviews, primary document reports and essays The final module is assessed by a dissertation proposal of 2,000 words, and the dissertation of 10,000 words.

Modules

  • Year 1
    Global Security (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module analyzes changes in the global security agenda since the end of the Cold War, both empirically and theoretically. The meaning of security is explored and competing theoretical perspectives in the discipline are compared. The transformation of military security threats is then analyzed with particular emphasis on the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the significance of global terrorism. The module then explores the rise of non-military issues of human security including environmental change, crime, disease, poverty, and disasters
    Globalisation (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module considers the implications for International Relations of forces of globalisation, both economic and cultural. It analyses the rise of international organisations, transnational politics and issues of global importance, and explores the theoretical debate surrounding these developments.
    Principles and Practice of International Relations (30 Credits) - Compulsory
    This module provides students with an understanding of how states interrelate and how and why foreign policy is made. Theoretical study is combined with an analysis of foreign policy decisions in the contemporary world.
    Research Skills (90 Credits) - Compulsory
    After six weeks of preparatory lectures, seminars and individual supervision, students present their dissertation proposals and, if satisfactory, proceed to writing a dissertation of 10,000 words.

 

Fees

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit

You would not usually pay more to study part-time than the full-time fee rate. Find out more about how to calculate your part-time course fee.

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students:£93 per taught credit

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject. We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years' work experience. Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification. To find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 87 (with at least 21 in listening & writing, 22 in speaking and 23 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements.

Application Procedure

Please apply directly to Middlesex University Code M110

How to Apply

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the University using our online postgraduate application form.

Non-EU international students can apply using the online form, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. To find out more, see further information under support in your country.

Apply now.

Careers

Many career opportunities exist for International Relations graduates. Working for the diplomatic services is a common destination, as is the voluntary sector where international NGOs often seek those with campaigning, policy and influencing skills. Furthermore, businesses throughout the world seek to employ people with knowledge of the global market place.

Student profiles

Ranjana Gujadhur
Age: 27
Overseas student

Mauritian student, Ranjana, qualified with an MA in International Relations in 2007 and is currently Course Coordinator at the Commonwealth Business Council in London on a project called CIBA (China-India-Brazil-Africa) Business Summit.

The project promotes trade and investment amongst Commonwealth members, South-South Collaboration, and also includes some non-commonwealth countries such as China.

Ranjana will also be going to the United Nations Headquarters in New York to work for the political affairs division in the area of security council & the charter.

"I want to do something that gives me job satisfaction and opportunities."
A former print and broadcast journalist and presenter, Ranjana says of her Middlesex experience:
"My International Relations course work, lectures and debates were extremely challenging. It was exactly what I was looking for."

Whilst a student here, she undertook a three months internship course at Cicero consulting, London, where she researched various projects for the clients, including a European PR campaign for a major membership organisation of pharmaceutical professionals. Her work involved PR strategy and press briefings amongst other things.

A Senior Associate of Cicero commented,
“I often eagerly brought Ranjana along to meetings with external parties because her input was extremely valuable.”
Ranjana says,
“I have learnt tremendously of a new country and its work culture and it has certainly enhanced my understanding of British Politics and the diverse challenging issues it faces today, which otherwise I would have been completely unaware of.”
She is working on her thesis on the United Nations Security Council Reforms, particularly looking at the enlargement of Membership possibilities within the context of power politics realities in today's world; the relevance of state sovereignty and national interest.