Course overview

The MA International Relations focuses specifically on the pragmatic, real-world application of international relations theory to policy and strategy, and the rigorous examination of practical problems, building close relations with outside bodies including think tanks and NGOs. The course examines the theory and definition of the state and relations between states, but also the roles of other institutions and organisations, including multinational companies and transnational crime organisations. You will study theoretical foundations in the discipline, but also explore more pragmatic concerns, with a strong vocational emphasis on how theory affects and is affected by events on the ground.

This course is distinct in offering:

• A practice-based approach through role-play, scenarios and brief writing
• Teaching by lecturers with a background/expertise in: international strategic planning and security, defence analysis, UN training, conflict communications, Foreign Office, new media, risk analysis.
• Cutting-edge lectures and seminars from prestigious guest speakers, practitioners, diplomats, and strategists
• Opportunities to undertake internships, placements and visits to a wide range of organisations (which may include UN seminars, EU -various departments, Government bodies, think tanks, media agencies, Janes defence and others)
• Opportunities to study in Paris with international diplomats and strategists (and possibly Dusseldorf in future)
• Links to Cambridge University, international speakers and seminars at CRASSH.

Additional course information

In addition to studying the historical and theoretical background of international relations you will also have the opportunity to explore some of the following topics and themes: the global risk society; policing and security, corruption and cross-border crime; terrorism and terrorist activity, including definitions of terrorism and state violence; insurgency and asymmetric wars; communication in conflict zones and in peacekeeping; war reporting and propaganda; the impact of the new media, 24/7 reporting and the CNN effect; unilateral and multilateral military intervention in contemporary international relations and global politics; the politics of resources and sustainability; strategic planning, and economic and global health issues. The emphasis is on decision-making, planning and debate, and you will be encouraged to participate in interactive sessions, respond to specific scenarios, write to briefs and undertake critical analysis. You will also have opportunities to develop or enhance research methods skills.

Taster Day

Come to our MA International Relations Taster Day on Thursday 20th June to find out more. Book your place.

Assessment

Forms of assessment will include: Role-play scenarios, briefs, written reports, poster presentations, group projects, dissertation, longer essays, case studies, research proposal, short analyses of global events, short review papers, practical data gathering exercises, short abstracts of core course readings.

Special features

Opportunities to study abroad, prestigious guest lecturers, opportunities to work or visit relevant.

Come to our MA International Relations Taster Day (Thursday 20th June, 1.30-6pm) and find out more: Register by clicking here.

Facilities

Study in Cambridge; purpose built Court room for debates and role-play opportunities.

Study abroad options

Opportunities to study in Paris at CEDS or University of Dusseldorf for one semester (TBC)

Meet the team

Ian Shields OBE - Security and Strategy, Military Ethics; Air and Space Power; the Media; Civil-Military Relations. Former RAF commanding officer and Vulcan bomber pilot, Member of the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff's Strategic Forum.

Caroline Jaine - Communications and new media, media perceptions, strategic communications, conflict transformation, diaspora diplomacy, public diplomacy, cross-government strategy. Former Head of Communications at the Foreign Office.

Carina O'Reilly - European security and organised crime, and local policing and local governance. Freelance defence and security analyst, formerly editor and analyst at Janes, global country risk analyst for Cambridge International Research on Current Affairs.

Dr Anna Markovska - Transitional countries; serious crime; corruption, drug abuse

Dr Samantha Lundrigan - Criminological profiling systems; profiling serial offenders, research methods

Colleen Moore - violent crime, comparative criminology, terror as crime

Bill Tupman - Global security, cross-border responses to organised crime and terrorism, terrorist financing and the political economy of terrorism

Professor Bronwen Walter - Irish diaspora studies, identity and hybridity, genealogy and citizenship

Associated careers

Diplomacy and diplomatic services, strategy and strategic planning, public services, foreign office, UN and other bodies, local government, NGO's, charities, education, journalism and press agencies.

Links with industry/Professional recognition

Links with CEDS, ILERI in Paris, University of Dusseldorf (TBC)

Various bodies including diplomacy and diplomatic services, strategy and strategic planning, public services, foreign office, UN and other bodies, local government, NGO's, charities, education, journalism and press agencies.

Work placements

Opportunities to work and study in a variety of institutions, agencies and organisations as appropriate.

Entry Requirements:

A good/ 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) and/or relevant professional experience

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements