On this course you will gain a critical awareness of contemporary theoretical debates in the field of international relations, international political economy and globalisation.
You will study current affairs in politics and international relations, as well as problems emerging from the globalised world economy.
Study will allow you to gain critical and engaging understanding of international problems from a variety of perspectives. This will be achieved by teaching and evaluation by internationally known experts in their areas of study. Research methods are incorporated into teaching practice, but extensive research methods training sessions and workshops are available.
International Relations and Globalisation is also available as a part-time distance learning option (see video below).
This course includes three core modules that distinguish this MA degree from others. This course is designed for ‘real life’ researchers who want to know about our current world and to question the very foundations of decision-making in the contemporary economic, social, and political context.
The course as a whole allows you to specialise according to your own interests in international relations, whether this is within the field of international political economy, political theory, geopolitics, security, terrorism, and so on.
You may also qualify for the Practicum in International Organisations, which is a chance to do a learning work placement in an international organisation in Geneva.
Distance learning (part time) modules are run by tutors who provide all materials for student research and reading around particular topics assigned via the virtual Blackboard. Students participate through reading set texts; actively contributing to online discussions about questions set by module tutors; essay and report writing; and listening and reflecting on podcast lectures.
You will take two core modules in the first semester, and one in the second semester. You will also choose one optional module in the second semester.
You can exit with a postgraduate diploma or progress to the Masters by completing the dissertation in semester 3.
Semester 1
International Political Economy (30 credits) (Core)
International Political Economy (IPE) is not an 'economics' module, and covers a wide range of subjects including the role of international organisations, as well as states, in global governance; poverty, dependence, and development; productive and reproductive labour; labour markets and globalisation; rising inequality in the 'developed' world, and more. You will analyse specific case studies to look at how people are affected by global power dynamics in the current global political economy, and make links with the study of transnational relationships across various actors.
close
International Relations Theory (30 credits) (Core)
This module provides an introduction to key themes and theories of International Relations (IR). It covers the traditional and non-traditional approaches and theories that are part of this sub-discipline of politics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and critical approaches to theorising. Each session combines an in-depth coverage of theories with an emphasis on relating theory to global politics.
close
Semester 2
Globalisation and Geopolitics (30 credits) (Core)
This module aims to examine how the national and international moments of contemporary politics are interrelated; to develop a critical understanding of the social-historical processes of globalisation; and to examine the agents and strategies that drive the current trajectories in geopolitics.
close
Then choose one optional module from:
International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
This module explores a deeper understanding of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, as the problematic foundation for interpretation and application of human rights law.
In this module, you will acquire the analytic tools necessary to understand and replicate the methods and legal techniques used to argue a violation of international human rights law and a familiarity with the major debates and controversies surrounding the interpretation of international human rights law and its impact at the domestic and international level.
You will also develop a critical understanding of the multi dimensional characteristics of human rights interpretation, involving institutional politics, socio-economic claims and competing visions of justice.
close
Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
This module offers the chance to develop an understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East. You will be able to cultivate your ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke.
close
Political Participation: The crisis of liberal democracy?
(30 credits)
This module examines the evidence for a participatory crisis by focussing on five areas. Firstly, you will analyse the different theories of why people participate and why they don’t including: socio-economic models, mobilisation theories and social capital. Secondly, you will look at the empirical evidence for decline – what are the trends in political engagement and attitudes? How do they differ from the so-called golden age of the 1950s-60s? Was there ever really a golden age? Thirdly, you will examine those commonly held responsible for turning people off politics, notably, how far the behaviour of politicians and the negative reporting of the media contributes to disengagement. Fourthly, you will assess different forms of collective participation from the problems of traditional organisations, such as parties and trade unions, to the rise of protest and consumer politics. Finally, we consider some of the solutions to citizen disengagement and the future direction of political participation.
close
Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
This module is divided into three parts. The first covers the controversial claims concerning the role of the media: tools in the hands of the terrorists, an ally of the government, or something different altogether? The second deals with issues such as the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in reporting terrorism; the use of the media by the terrorists; the attempt at managing the media by governments; and the effects of media coverage on the public. The third part involves a practical group project, aimed at testing the claims which can be found in the literature in relation to the role of the media in connection to terrorism.
close
Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
This module allows students to develop an advanced knowledge of British Foreign Policy and British strategic thinking about foreign policy in the years 1903-2003. It examines in particular Britain's relations with all of the major western European powers, China, the United States, Russia/the Soviet Union and the countries of the Middle East.
close
Contemporary Maritime Security
You will analyse contemporary maritime strategies and naval doctrines and assess the utility of maritime forces in the constabulary, diplomatic and benign roles. You will develop an understanding of the economic and legal aspects of maritime power; the relationship of naval power with other forms of maritime activity; and the dynamics of sea power in the contemporary globalised world.
close
If you do not wish to continue onto the dissertation project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma if leaving the course at this stage.
Semester 3 (MA only)
Dissertation (60 credits)
You will work with your supervisor, and write an independently researched and written dissertation with your supervisor.
close
In place of the dissertation, you may instead apply for the Practicum in International Organisations. This Practicum involves 12 week internships in international organizations in Geneva, with Erasmus funding. This is an excellent chance to work in the field, to network across relevant sites in Geneva, and gain the experience of the hands-on work of global governance as conducted by international/intergovernmental organisations.
Distance learning structure
Year one, January
International Political Economy (30 credits) (Core)
International Political Economy (IPE) is not an 'economics' module, and covers a wide range of subjects including the role of international organisations, as well as states, in global governance; poverty, dependence, and development; productive and reproductive labour; labour markets and globalisation; rising inequality in the 'developed' world, and more. You will analyse specific case studies to look at how people are affected by global power dynamics in the current global political economy, and make links with the study of transnational relationships across various actors.
close
Year one, September
International Relations Theory (30 credits) (Core)
This module provides an introduction to key themes and theories of International Relations (IR). It covers the traditional and non-traditional approaches and theories that are part of this sub-discipline of politics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and critical approaches to theorising. Each session combines an in-depth coverage of theories with an emphasis on relating theory to global politics.
close
Year two, January
One optional module:
International Human Rights Law (30 credits)
This module explores a deeper understanding of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, as the problematic foundation for interpretation and application of human rights law.
In this module, you will acquire the analytic tools necessary to understand and replicate the methods and legal techniques used to argue a violation of international human rights law and a familiarity with the major debates and controversies surrounding the interpretation of international human rights law and its impact at the domestic and international level.
You will also develop a critical understanding of the multi dimensional characteristics of human rights interpretation, involving institutional politics, socio-economic claims and competing visions of justice.
close
Political Participation: The crisis of liberal democracy?
(30 credits)
This module examines the evidence for a participatory crisis by focussing on five areas. Firstly, you will analyse the different theories of why people participate and why they don’t including: socio-economic models, mobilisation theories and social capital. Secondly, you will look at the empirical evidence for decline – what are the trends in political engagement and attitudes? How do they differ from the so-called golden age of the 1950s-60s? Was there ever really a golden age? Thirdly, you will examine those commonly held responsible for turning people off politics, notably, how far the behaviour of politicians and the negative reporting of the media contributes to disengagement. Fourthly, you will assess different forms of collective participation from the problems of traditional organisations, such as parties and trade unions, to the rise of protest and consumer politics. Finally, we consider some of the solutions to citizen disengagement and the future direction of political participation.
close
Terrorism and the Media (30 credits)
This module is divided into three parts. The first covers the controversial claims concerning the role of the media: tools in the hands of the terrorists, an ally of the government, or something different altogether? The second deals with issues such as the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in reporting terrorism; the use of the media by the terrorists; the attempt at managing the media by governments; and the effects of media coverage on the public. The third part involves a practical group project, aimed at testing the claims which can be found in the literature in relation to the role of the media in connection to terrorism.
close
Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
This module allows students to develop an advanced knowledge of British Foreign Policy and British strategic thinking about foreign policy in the years 1903-2003. It examines in particular Britain's relations with all of the major western European powers, China, the United States, Russia/the Soviet Union and the countries of the Middle East.
close
Contemporary Maritime Security
You will analyse contemporary maritime strategies and naval doctrines and assess the utility of maritime forces in the constabulary, diplomatic and benign roles. You will develop an understanding of the economic and legal aspects of maritime power; the relationship of naval power with other forms of maritime activity; and the dynamics of sea power in the contemporary globalised world.
close
Middle East and Terrorism (30 credits)
This module offers the chance to develop an understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East. You will be able to cultivate your ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke.
close
Year two, September
Globalisation and Geopolitics (30 credits) (Core)
This module aims to examine how the national and international moments of contemporary politics are interrelated; to develop a critical understanding of the social-historical processes of globalisation; and to examine the agents and strategies that drive the current trajectories in geopolitics.
close
Year 3, semester 1 and 2
Dissertation Or, you may apply for the Practicum in International Organizations.
Part-time structure
Year 1, Semester 1
International Political Economy
Year 1, Semester 2
Globalisation and Geopolitics
Year 2, Semester 1
International Relations Theory
Year 2, semester 2
One optional module:
International Human Rights Law
Political Participation: The crisis of liberal democracy?
Terrorism and the Media
Never Complain, Never Explain: British Foreign Policy Making 1903-2003 (30 credits)
Contemporary Maritime Security
Middle East and Terrorism
Year 3, semester 1 and 2(MA only)
Dissertation
