MA International Relations with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

Research opportunities: Benefit from advanced research and Placement Year pathway options.
Industry-focused content: Explore contemporary debates within International Relations whilst studying energy scarcity, ecological changes, and ideas on global justice
Employment prospects: Our graduates work as policy advisers, communications managers, and researchers for NGOs, government institutions, and large multinational organisations

A good second-class honours degree, or equivalent, with the merit of each application being assessed on an individual basis.  Contact Dr Benjamin Nutt for more details.
Short personal statement with background information all about you (no more than 1000 words), explaining why you have interest in international relations.
A work or academic reference.
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other bands.
Should you not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English may help you achieve the level required.
More information about English language qualifications are available on our international pages.


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Life and Medical Sciences
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
Careers

Our postgraduate international relations graduates currently work in:
- policy analysis and creation roles within government, think tanks or NGOs
- vocation settings, including journalism, human resources or marketing within both the media and private sector
- research within academia, government agencies, or private sector businesses including polling, market research or research and development.

About the course

The MA International Relations (with Advanced Research) course provides students with a contemporary, critical, and exciting insight into the vagaries of global politics. Students will study a range of modules, taught by research active staff who are experts in their fields. The modules are assessed through a variety of both traditional, such as essays, presentations, critical reviews, and non-traditional, such as podcasts, blogs, simulations, assignments, which aim to assess and develop not only discipline-related knowledge but also transferable, soft skills necessary for future employment. Students will also complete a 12,000-word research dissertation on a topic of their choice. Whether it is the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, the energy crisis, or the war in Ukraine, international relations has never been more relevant.

This Advanced Research award provides students with opportunity to further hone and advance their personal research, analysis, and communication skills. Students will complete the extended dissertation project on a topic of their choice. The extended dissertation combines a 12,000-word research project and a 10-minute conference style presentation. This helps prepare students for conducting independent research as well as communicating that research in a professional setting. This degree is aimed at applicants who wish to find employment in careers that require advanced research and communication skills, such as government departments, non-governmental organisations, businesses, marketing, journalism, or those wishing to proceed to postgraduate research.

Pathway Options

MA Journalism & Media and Communications - one year
MA Journalism and Media Communications (with Advanced Research) - two year
MA Journalism and Media Communications with Placement Year - two year
MA Journalism and Media Communications (Sandwich) - Semester B

Why choose this course?

Innovative curriculum: Modules are varied with contemporary relevance to current developments in international relations. These modules provide students with a critical insight into the realities and workings of the international political system.
Geographic location: The University of Hertfordshire campus is situated within a 20-minute train ride to and from London. London is a global hub for political activity, our excellent location allows students to benefit from opportunities provided in the capital.
Flexibility and skills: The range of study routes and entry points available allow students to develop core transferable skills and to tailor studies to meet individual needs and career aspirations.
Research-led teaching: Students benefit from extensive in-class contact with expert research-active staff.
Diverse cohort: Learn alongside an internationally diverse group of students in a department with extensive experience teaching both home and international students.

Is this course for me?

This course would appeal to:

graduates who have completed their BA degree in politics and/or international relations and would like to extend and deepen their subject-knowledge
graduates from related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, such as history, philosophy or sociology, keen to focus or specialise in international politics
graduates seeking a flexible MA degree to balance with work and family commitments
UK and international graduates looking to combine MA studies with advanced professional and research training
graduates seeking MA studies in a closely-knit, supportive research community and those to education as mature students
working or retired professionals looking to expand theoretical and empirical knowledge of the global political system.

What will I study?

Our award-winning lecturers are delivered by research-active staff who will introduce and explain topical matters across the discipline of international relations. You will:

participate in interactive stimulating lectures and seminars and take ownership of your own learning within a supportive and managed environment
engage in simulation activities which replicate the international relations environment and experiences
benefit from regular detailed and personal supervision sessions to support your independent research
gain experience in presenting your research at a student conference where you will provide answers to unprepared questions
have external speakers and industry visits allowing you to gain a wider understanding of where your degree fits into the broader framework of international politics
attain insights through research study sessions looking into how theories, methods and methodologies operate in a real research environment.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Debates and Dilemmas in International Relations	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide you with advanced knowledge of scholarly debates in the discipline of International Relations as well as their significance for the analysis of practices in the international scenario. The module begins by contextualising the origins of the discipline, which lead to the emergence of the first great debates in International Relations. It then explores the evolution of paradigms, theories and debates throughout the 20th century until the fade of the Cold War. In the last part of the module, you are introduced with most recent, cutting-edge theoretical approaches to make sense of the current challenges in the international arena.
Energy and Environmental Politics	15 Credits	Optional
This module seeks to enhance your capacity to develop an interdisciplinary, systematic and critical understanding of the interrelated nature of energy policy and environmental issues. Focusing primarily on the EU framework, but also other regions, the course enriches your understanding of energy sector strategic responses and governmental initiatives to key current environmental challenges. It introduces you to the key historical stages in the evolution of environmental politics, focusing particularly on the tipping point from which there is a growing awareness of the human impact on ecosystems. You will also examine the political processes and realities that shape energy and environmental policy, including: internal political debates, decision-making procedures, and policy design and implementation. Finally, the module also seeks to comprehensively unpack the key features of real cases and trends in contemporary energy and environmental policy.
International Political Economy: Contemporary Dynamics and Approaches	15 Credits	Optional
Do we live in an age of recurrent economic crises? Should finance be regulated and, if so, how and by whom? What are gig economy and platform capitalism? This module provides you with a robust and critical knowledge of key concepts, issues and developments which characterise the global economy of the late 20th and 21st century and offers you both mainstream and critical theoretical approaches to understand these. It draws attention to the social and ethical implications of financial speculation, post-Fordist production and consumption, especially with regard to global inequality. Through the module, you will develop an ability to analyse, compare and critically evaluate fundamental assumptions and arguments in IPE and IPE-related literature. Against this background, you will be able to independently assess the challenges faced by any attempt to politically regulate the contemporary global economy and will have the opportunity to propose and sketch innovative ways to overcome these.
Justice in International Relations	15 Credits	Optional
Whether focusing on climate change and conduct in war or human rights and world hunger, International Relations is an ethically charged subject. However, there is no agreement on how best to address these issues or even if ethical considerations should influence global political actions. This module focuses on whether or not questions of justice should and/or do shape the contours of global politics. Throughout this module you will critically analyse the theoretical debates on global justice and apply these positions to real-life policies and problems. You will also explore the scholarly debate between questions about order, how the world 'is' structured, and justice, how the world 'should' be structured. By the end of the module, you will have a comprehensive grasp of the theories of global justice and an in-depth understanding of how ethical considerations shape international relations.
Governing the International, the Global, and the Planetary	15 Credits	Compulsory
In recent years, governance at a supra-state level has been in crisis. The international, the global and the planetary are conceptual and normative tools put in place to challenge an increasingly convoluted world. What is the future for governance in contemporary international politics? Who will be its vanguard? Are there state-based approaches applicable for the emerging planetary crises, such as global pandemics and climate change? These are the thematic questions that underpin the module. To explore these, you will engage with a range of theoretical perspectives, and apply these to a variety of practical cases and contemporary topics, including peace and security, human rights, global health, and climate change, amongst others. By the end of the module, you will possess a detailed understanding of how the governance of the international, the global and the planetary attempt to overcome some of the most pressing contemporary political issues.
Designing Research in Global Politics	15 Credits	Compulsory
On this module, you will be introduced to the complex world of professional research and exposed to the range of skills and tools researchers use to produce, critique and disseminate knowledge. You will learn how to design research projects from scratch and the best practice for circumnavigating any ethical conundrums you might face in the field. Dynamic, research active staff, will introduce you to the different methods and methodologies used to conduct International Relations-based research as well as many of the approaches used to analyse data within the Social Sciences more broadly. You will be given the opportunity to explore and practise these approaches and methods in a practical context, so as to better understand their individual strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the module, you will possess a competent understanding of the research process and have a sophisticated knowledge of the different ways you can communicate your findings.
Geopolitics: Development and Diplomacy	15 Credits	Optional
The emergence of new global powers, rapidly changing and developing spheres of influences, and conflicts defined by geography, make Geopolitics a field of study with contemporary relevance. Through a combination of both topical and historical issues, students will unpack the intricacies of debates within geopolitics, geostrategy, diplomacy, and development. Applying a historico-spatial narrative, the module will allow students to explore key events in Geopolitical history, including, but not limited to, the development of nation-states, border disputes, diplomatic relations, and broader theoretical concepts like imperialism, post-colonialism, and globalisation. Additionally, students will analyse contemporary world events within a spatial context, including: terrorism, irredentism, partition, shatterzones, food security, and climate change. The module is underpinned by the ontologies and epistemologies that have shaped theories of Geopolitical thought and how knowledge is simultaneously changing over time, shaping the world, and altering our perceptions of it.
Data Analysis in International Relations	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on data analysis techniques and approaches within International Relations. Students will explore a variety of approaches and methods used to analyse empirical data, including discourse analysis, content analysis, and case study analysis. Students will also critically evaluate the effectiveness of different data analysis approaches and methods.
Puzzles and Paradigms in International Relations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the core theoretical and conceptual debates at the heart of the discipline of International Relations. Students will explore the broad theoretical paradigms within International Relations. Students will also use theory to help explain some of the most pressing puzzles in International Relations.
Globalising Economies: Emerging Markets and the Politics of Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is a unique response to current seismic changes in global politics and economies, essential to an understanding of the modern world and future challenges. You will learn about the national development strategies of middle-income countries as well as how these fit into the wider changing global power system.
Extended International Relations Dissertation	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module gives students the opportunity to produce and present an independent piece of research in the form of a 12,000-word written dissertation. Students will select a topic that interests them, will conduct independent study under the guidance of a supervisor, and present their research design to their peers.
International Relations in Practice	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on aspects of International Relations with a practical element. Students will explore a range of topics, including Diplomacy, Foreign Policy Analysis, Activism, Intelligence, Popular Culture, and Journalism, focusing primarily on their practical dimension. Students will also engage in practical activities to help hone their interpersonal/employability skills.
Governing the International, the Global, and the Planetary	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the debates surrounding multi-level governance within global politics. Students will explore three analytical and normative concepts, the international, global and planetary, and unpack their impact on contemporary world order. Students will also study and critically analyse contemporary topics, including human rights, global health, and climate change.
The Politics of Conflict and Peace	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the causes of international and domestic conflict. Students will unpack a range of themes from security, conflict, and peace studies, including war, terrorism, humanitarian interventions, and peacebuilding. Students will also critically reflect on the suitability of contemporary theories and approaches to peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
Conflict, Peace and Security	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module explores the causes and contributing factors to international and domestic conflict. The module covers themes concerning national and international governance of conflict-related insecurities, including conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding approaches. The module explores advanced theoretical perspectives of a qualitative nature aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of violent conflict, and engages with advanced approaches to peacebuilding, including liberal and post-liberal frameworks. The module offers an in-depth discussion of the dynamics of conflict at the micro, meso and meta levels of analysis.
Conspiracy and Truth in International Politics	15 Credits	Optional
From the idea that 9/11 was an 'inside job' orchestrated by the US government to the political 'hoax' of the COVID-19 pandemic and Donald Trump's stolen election win of 2020, 21st century politics is rife in conspiracy theories. But why are events of political significance surrounded by conspiracies offering alternative explanations? And is the prevalence of conspiracies in democratic politics actually new? This module introduces different theoretical perspectives from political philosophy, political psychology and sociology that provide understanding for the political quality of truth and conspiracy. Through a number of historical and contemporary case studies, the module unpacks how international politics is shaped and changed by truth claims, their contestation, and conspiracy theories. The module explores both what is distinct about contemporary 'post-truth politics' and how it mirrors the national and international political dynamics of 19th and 20th century conspiracies.

Key staff

Dr Benjamin Nutt

Find out more about Dr Benjamin Nutt

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MA International Relations with Advanced Research	Download
MA International Relations with Advanced Research	Download

Programme specifications
MA International Relations	Download
MA International Relations	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £11655 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £17950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £17950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £12360 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £18800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £18800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/01/2025 31/01/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
23/01/2026 31/01/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
23/01/2027 31/01/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
23/01/2026	31/01/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2026	31/05/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
23/01/2027	31/01/2028	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)

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MA International Relations with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

Careers

About the course

Why choose this course?

Is this course for me?

What will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

2026