International Relations MA

Postgraduate
Conversion course

This course aims to help you understand global challenges and learn to drive positive change, preparing you for an impactful career in international relations.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST011

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Postgraduate events

Ask a question

Course overview

Our International Relations MA course focuses on global challenges such as conflict, sustainability and human rights. It is open to graduates from any field, offering you the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge to help you negotiate key issues that affect and shape the global community.

Understanding global action: explore the actions of governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies, private enterprises and international bodies in relation to key threats to international cohesion.
Peacebuilding and security: explore key challenges to global security and the processes of restoring peace.
Assessing power: analyse the motivations of key powerbrokers and their impact upon the global community.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Explore perspectives on international relations, looking at how states and non-states interact, collide, communicate and collaborate to maintain stability and harmony in a volatile global context.

Build experience with global experts: develop theoretical knowledge whilst gaining practical insights from speakers and organisations working on global challenges.²
Engage in applied learning: apply your understanding of international conflict management to real-world challenges through practical exercises such as crisis simulations and model United Nations (UN) activities.
Innovative teaching: our teaching, learning, and assessment opportunities are enhanced by personalised attention to help achieve your career aspirations. Workshops are interactive, supportive learning environments. Assessments are varied, providing you with an opportunity to create a broad portfolio of experience and skills.
Broaden your employability: take an employability-focused approach to learning, building a portfolio of skills that you can use to pursue a career in a wide range of fields, from the Civil Service to the Diplomatic Corps, governments, NGOs and transnational organisations such as the UN.

Collaborations

Endorsement by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning global affairs. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Global Affairs in Action module, you will receive RSA digital badging.

What you'll study

This course considers both theoretical and practical perspectives, focusing on current events shaping global politics and society. Gain skills to identify, analyse and address critical global issues, preparing you to make impactful decisions.

Modules

Diplomacy and Human Rights – 30 credits

Explore the key debates around the evolving nature of international human rights. Carefully analyse these rights, assessing their use and relevance in today’s world. Study the evolution of diplomacy and its role in protecting individual rights during global conflicts and crises. Use independent research and critical reflection to assess diplomatic strategies and international laws addressing human rights violations, preparing for impactful work in international relations and human rights.

Compulsory

Sustainability and Resilience – 30 credits

Explore how resilience and sustainability tie into contemporary international relations (IR). As global challenges (such as counterterrorism, economic development, public security, climate change and ecological degradation) intensify, resilience has been encouraged by leading governments and international organisations. Study the theories of resilience and sustainability and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing the challenges of an interconnected world. Develop your advanced knowledge, critical thinking and independent research skills, preparing you to contribute to academic work and careers in international relations, policy-making and global governance.

Compulsory

Security, Warfare and Rebellion – 30 credits

Explore the critical issues of warfare, rebellion and international security. Examine key case studies, assessing the historical and contemporary factors that shape global conflict and security. Compare policy and the cultural aspects of conflict and rebellion, and study them as responses to the political and social impacts of a dynamic, often unstable world where state and non-state actors clash. Gain the analytical and research skills needed to bridge the gap between theory and practice in international security, preparing you for both academic research and professional roles in the security sector.

Compulsory

Global Affairs in Action – 30 credits

Explore global issues from a practical, practitioner-led perspective. Created with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), this module helps you learn from international practitioners and reflect on how academic knowledge applies to real-world security practices. Study the concept of cultural diplomacy, engaging with real-world implications which emerge from the exchange of ideas, art, literature and other cultural vectors. Through a series of workshops delivered by visiting experts and field professionals and visits to UK-based international security institutions², engage in discussions that challenge you to evaluate how the concepts studied in the classroom are applied in practice. Reflect on whether academic literature and theories are mirrored in views, experiences, and policies of individuals and organisations working in international security.

Compulsory

Managing International Affairs – 30 credits

Study peace processes and international relations (IR) theory, giving you a thorough understanding of the frameworks behind state interactions, especially in conflict and post-conflict resolution. Look at key themes and concepts that shape global political dynamics, examining the complex factors that influence state behaviour, the causes of conflict, and the conditions for achieving and maintaining peace. By combining IR theory with real-world case studies, develop the skills to analyse and interpret international events through a theoretical perspective.

Compulsory

Crime and Justice in the International System – 30 credits

Study the international issues of modern slavery and examine corruption and injustice in political and economic areas, analysing these issues' global complexities. Look into the key provisions of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which addresses various forms of corruption, including bribery, trading in influence, abuse of power, human trafficking and corruption within the private sector, as well as the related crime of money laundering. Assess the causes and impacts of international corruption, such as how they undermine governance, development and human rights. Consider how law, governance, and ethics tackle modern slavery and corruption.

Gain the skills to engage with policy debates and develop responses to corruption and modern slavery, preparing you for roles in international governance, policymaking and advocacy.

Compulsory

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

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group activities
workshops
practical studio sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

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

presentations
group projects
live simulations
portfolios
written documentation.

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 Sicily.²

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline.

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

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any 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: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

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

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
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 and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

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

Tuition fees 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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our George Eliot Building plays host to interactive seminars, advanced research training and group project activities. Interact with like-minded students, cross the Edible Garden to relax at the Hub or immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

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.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Successful graduates may seek positions in the following job roles:

public administration within foreign service or other government departments
international civil service (such as the United Nations or the European Union)
international agencies and non-governmental organisations
intercultural mediation
transborder charities
think tanks
research and further study
teaching
multinational corporations
international media.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

demonstrate a systematic understanding and/or new insights related to international relations, much of which is at, or informed by research at, the forefront of their field of study
exhibit a critical understanding of contemporary threats to states and individuals in both physical (in)security and human security
demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques, standards, and ethics relevant to both academic and professional problem-solving contexts
demonstrate innovation in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge
manage complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate your conclusions clearly via a variety of mediums to specialist and non-specialist audiences
demonstrate self-direction and enterprise in tackling and solving problems, and act both autonomously and in groups in planning and implementing tasks
demonstrate organisational skills: manage time effectively, to set objectives and to evaluate the performance of oneself and others
critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and equality, diversity and inclusion at a strategic level.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of this course have been successful in securing employment in:

the foreign services of a range of countries, from Ethiopia to the UK
working in government departments in Barbados, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the UK.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.