International Relations MA

Study level: Postgraduate
A colourful map of the globe.

Our International Relations MA is both theoretical and practical and aims to prepare you for a career dealing with complex world issues.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Course code

AHT023

Start date

January 2025


Course overview

If you are interested in pursuing an international career in government, public administration, diplomacy, policy formation or research - you’ll examine and interpret the challenges facing our interconnected world on this course.

  • We cover themes like globalisation, international law, international trade, diplomacy, war and peace. The course is designed to build on the strengths and expertise that the School of Humanities has in the field of international politics and security.
  • We adopt a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on theories and practice from political science, history, sociology, economics and cultural studies, among others.
  • You'll benefit from industry-relevant teaching and resources with support designed to help you succeed.
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

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Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

This course explores the discipline of international relations, from a theoretical and practical perspective and in the context of issues and events in contemporary politics and society.

  • You can expect to explore the actions of governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies, private enterprises and international bodies in relation to key threats to international cohesion, such as terrorism, insecurity, poverty and human trafficking.
  • You will have opportunities to gain insights into the motivations of policy-makers, as well as assess the impact of these threats on individuals, communities and countries. 
  • The School of Humanities works to maintain a network of professional contacts spanning diplomats and diplomacy specialists in a range of prestigious external organisations, both private and public such as Chatham House, the International Slavery Museum and the Royal African Society. These links are reflected in hosted talks and events (subject to availability).
  • This course attracts students from the UK, the EU and overseas, all linked by a common interest in the nature of the world in which we live and the problems it confronts. It offers both an academically challenging experience and one that should be of practical use in a future career. 

Collaborations with other organisations

Confucius Institute

The School of Humanities is home to the Confucius Institute. This is a collaboration created with Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, which aims to promote an understanding of the Chinese language and culture.


What you'll study

During the first two semesters, you will study eight mandatory modules designed to establish the core agenda of the programme.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

The course has been devised primarily as a one-year full-time programme. It may also be taken over two years on a part-time basis with the part-time students participating in the same classes as the full-time students.

During the first two semesters, you will study eight mandatory modules designed to establish the core agenda of the programme. In semester three, you will be required to complete a 15,000-word dissertation.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester. However, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first year. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending on the module. Assessment methods could include:

  • Essays
  • A dissertation
  • Reviews
  • Reports
  • Reflective writing
  • Practical coursework
  • Presentations.

Assessment may also include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Previous students have participated in Model European Parliaments, in Coventry and in Lecce, Italy. We have also held Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities, including webinars and exchange visits, with the University of Costa Rica, the University of Buenos Aires and the South-South International Cooperation organisation in Sicily2.


Entry requirements

Successful applicants should normally hold a second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Applicants who can demonstrate considerable experience at an appropriate professional level but who do not have the formal academic entry qualifications may also be admitted, subject to an application and assessment.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Successful applicants should normally hold a second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200   Request fee information
EU £11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,600   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

You will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus.

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities in a dedicated environment4.

The library entrance and students walking outside

The Library

The library offers a team of dedicated academic liaison librarians who provide specialist help and support. You’ll also have access to subject specific databases of journal articles related to international relations.

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Delia Derbyshire Building

The Delia Derbyshire complex offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium. 


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you should have knowledge of:

  • the nature of the international system and its development over time
  • how international relations adapt to different political environments
  • the conduct of international relations, as practised by key institutions and actors
  • differing approaches to, and prominent issues of debate within, the study of international relations
  • how the boundaries of the subject matter are advanced through research by being at the forefront of the discipline.

You should be able to:

  • critically review information sources, to gather and marshal relevant evidence successfully
  • apply knowledge of the dynamics of international relations in a wide range of situations and organisations
  • show awareness of, and sensitivity to, differing international environments and the impact these have on political, economic and social actors
  • apply advanced research skills, identify appropriate sources and methods, take personal responsibility and demonstrate initiative in dealing with complex and unpredictable environments.

Employers are looking for individuals with the ability to work across different cultures, manage teams and possess problem-solving and critical analysis skills.

We encourage you to gain first-hand experience through volunteering and placement opportunities2. Previously students have undertaken internships in embassies and high commissions, such as the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, think-tanks, including the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin and the South-South International Cooperation organisation in Palermo, and undertaken research in universities abroad such as the Arab-American University in Jenin2.

Where our graduates work

The course prepares you for roles such as public administration within a Foreign Service or other government departments, international civil service (such as the United Nations or European Union), international agencies and non-governmental organisations, as well as multinational corporations, the international media, teaching and research.

Our previous graduates have been successful in securing employment in the foreign services of a range of countries from Ethiopia to the UK, as well as working in government departments in Barbados, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the United Kingdom. Several have gone on to enter the diplomatic service in their home country, others have sought careers in international organisations, non-governmental organisations or international commerce and business.


How to apply