Postgraduate Studies: Taught Masters Courses

We offer 11 one-year or part-time Masters programmes, including joint degrees with the Departments of Law and Philosophy, as well as a dedicated research methods Masters that provides the training to embark on a Ph.D degree.

New for 2009-10

MA in Global Security

Following 9/11, global security has undoubtedly become one of the most prominent fields of research in political science. This course will examine from theoretical and empirical perspectives the `new´ threat of global terrorism and contestation over military intervention in various regions. It will seek to identify what are the new global security challenges and the impact on patterns in international relations.

MA in Global Security

MA in European Governance and Politics

This programme explores key debates about new patterns of governance in the EU, and with the EU´s impact on current and future member states (Europeanisation). It combines core elements in the study of the EU with an innovative focus on Europe beyond the borders of the EU, as well as choice from a broader range of options.

MA in European Governance and Politics

MA in European Law, Governance and Politics [jointly taught with the Department of Law]

The growth of new forms of governance in the EU has blurred the traditionally distinct boundaries between law and politics. This programme offers core elements in the study of European law, governance and politics to provide a distinctive interdisciplinary programme for overseas and home-based students coming from law, politics and other cognate disciplines.

MA in European Law, Governance and Politics

Other MA Programmes

MA in Research Methods in Politics/International Relations

This course is intended as a preparatory degree for MPhil and PhD research. The course design meets the new research training guidelines provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It is built around three complementary strands: generic social science methods training; politics/international relations methods training; and a specialist training pathway in one area of politics/international relations

MA in Research Methods course details

MA in Politics

This course is designed with the maximum flexibility so that you can choose your own pathway to an MA in Politics. It is ideal for students with a broad range of interests in politics or for those who want to construct a curriculum around a particular area of interest.

MA in Politics course details

MA in International Studies

This course addresses key debates in the discipline of International Relations and reflects on issues of critical importance in today's world. It offers in-depth knowledge of contemporary IR theory and a practical knowledge of regional problems and challenges to global stability.

MA in International Studies course details

MA in International Political Economy

A key issue in international politics is globalisation. This course examines the nature and direction of global change, focusing on political and economic aspects, including thematic issues concerning hegemony, development, governance and co-operation. It sets the historical context and provides a practical approach to analysis of this change.

MA in International Political Economy course details

MA in Globalisation and Development

Globalisation constitutes the most important challenge confronting nation-states (developed, developing and least-developed) in the twenty-first century. Issues including financial instability and contagion, poverty and famine, war and insecurity, the rise of new powers like China and India, climate change and environmental degradation, human trafficking and immigration can all in some way be linked to the global politics of economic integration.

MA in Globalisation and Development details

MA in Governance and Public Policy

Most public policy-making is no longer simply a national endeavour. Globalisation and other international developments increasingly influence the process of policy-making. This course explores the tension between domestic and international actors in the context of a multi-level policy process and the practical challenges for policy-makers in an increasingly complex policy arena.

MA in Governance and Public Policy course details

MA in Global Politics and Law [jointly taught with the Department of Law]

The MA in Global Politics and Law aims to investigate critically an exciting interdisciplinary area between law and politics, centring on the theme of internationalism - denoting a focus on common intellectual themes around issues such as human rights and implications of international law, justice and democracy. Students will be encouraged to take intellectual risks and utilise the academic resources of both disciplines.

MA in Global Politics and Law Course Details

MA in Political Theory [jointly taught with The Department of Philosophy]

Designed for students with an interest in issues in contemporary political philosophy, such as rights, global justice, war, democracy, as well as key figures in the history of political ideas, including Plato, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx and Rawls, this course is taught jointly by the Departments of Philosophy and Politics, both leading departments in the UK, with international reputations for teaching and research.

MA in Political Theory course details