International Relations MA

Duration

13 Months

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Want to understand major issues affecting the world today? Our MA in International Relations will help you get to grips with what’s unfolding in real time.

Find out about the changing global order and the power shifts towards China and other emerging economies. Learn about the role of organisations such as NATO and how the international economy affects what happens in Britain.

And explore the threats to human security, such as a shortage of food and water, and how the international community should respond to state killings. You will also look at the way countries co-exist in the face of rapid change and the importance of policy-making and decisions at a global level.

As part of the course, you will have the opportunity to choose a specialist pathway in intelligence.

The MA is taught and assessed entirely online, giving you the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere. You will still get lots of tutor engagement and support, with world-class staff who bring a wealth of experience.

You will use digital platforms for a weekly programme of study and will debate key topics with fellow students.

It will also involve completing a dissertation on a research area of your choice. Recent dissertation topics have looked at issues focusing on aspects of China, Africa, gender, and cyber security.

We attract a diverse range of students, who bring their own unique perspective to the MA. They include members of the armed forces from both the UK and other countries, who often fit their studies round deployment. Diplomats and aid workers have also joined the course in recent years, along with teachers and people from international think-tanks.

Whether you’re looking to study for enjoyment, to develop your professional profile in a related field, or to take your research to the next level, this MA is for you.

Find out about the changing global order and the power shifts towards China and other emerging economies. Learn about the role of organisations such as NATO and how the international economy affects what happens in Britain.

And explore the threats to human security, such as a shortage of food and water, and how the international community should respond to state killings. You will also look at the way countries co-exist in the face of rapid change and the importance of policy-making and decisions at a global level.

As part of the course, you will have the opportunity to choose a specialist pathway in intelligence.

The MA is taught and assessed entirely online, giving you the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere. You will still get lots of tutor engagement and support, with world-class staff who bring a wealth of experience.

You will use digital platforms for a weekly programme of study and will debate key topics with fellow students.

It will also involve completing a dissertation on a research area of your choice. Recent dissertation topics have looked at issues focusing on aspects of China, Africa, gender, and cyber security.

We attract a diverse range of students, who bring their own unique perspective to the MA. They include members of the armed forces from both the UK and other countries, who often fit their studies round deployment. Diplomats and aid workers have also joined the course in recent years, along with teachers and people from international think-tanks.

Whether you’re looking to study for enjoyment, to develop your professional profile in a related field, or to take your research to the next level, this MA is for you.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA International Relations

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA International Relations

Part-time study

If you wish to study this course part-time, its duration is two years. You will be expected to complete modules totalling 180 credits.

Distance learning

While there is no expectation for you to attend our campuses, you are more than welcome to take advantage of our facilities, including our libraries, sports equipment and Students’ Union.

We have extensive experience in helping distance learning students, so you can access the same level of student support via our online learning platforms.

Part-time study

If you wish to study this course part-time, its duration is two years. You will be expected to complete modules totalling 180 credits.

Distance learning

While there is no expectation for you to attend our campuses, you are more than welcome to take advantage of our facilities, including our libraries, sports equipment and Students’ Union.

We have extensive experience in helping distance learning students, so you can access the same level of student support via our online learning platforms.

Course content

This course offers fresh insights by familiarising students with the latest developments in the field and equipping students with an understanding of International Relations through the analysis of relevant contemporary international problems.

The core modules enable you to examine the theories and concepts of International Relations and provide context for research concerns focused on this fascinating discipline. You will gain an understanding of the historical and theoretical contexts of International Relations to enable you to address the demands posed by global problems. Your dissertation will be supervised and guided by staff but it is a student-centred piece of independent work. Topics may be drawn from the areas covered in your module selection, or aligned to your personal experience, and your tutors will support you with the development of your research question.

The MA International Relations degree allows you to specialise in your course of study through options or through pathway routes.

  • Option modules include Concepts in International Studies, Introduction to Genocide and Mass Violence or Diplomacy in Historical Focus.
  • The International Relations Pathway explores the impact of changing global power on the post-45 US led economic, political security order, and analyses change and potential futures in International Relations. 
  • The Intelligence Pathway examines the role of intelligence in international relations, explores the establishment and development of intelligence agencies, and critically analyses the use of intelligence from the Second World War to the present.

This course offers fresh insights by familiarising students with the latest developments in the field and equipping students with an understanding of International Relations through the analysis of relevant contemporary international problems.

The core modules enable you to examine the theories and concepts of International Relations and provide context for research concerns focused on this fascinating discipline. You will gain an understanding of the historical and theoretical contexts of International Relations to enable you to address the demands posed by global problems. Your dissertation will be supervised and guided by staff but it is a student-centred piece of independent work. Topics may be drawn from the areas covered in your module selection, or aligned to your personal experience, and your tutors will support you with the development of your research question.

The MA International Relations degree allows you to specialise in your course of study through options or through pathway routes.

  • Option modules include Concepts in International Studies, Introduction to Genocide and Mass Violence or Diplomacy in Historical Focus.
  • The International Relations Pathway explores the impact of changing global power on the post-45 US led economic, political security order, and analyses change and potential futures in International Relations. 
  • The Intelligence Pathway examines the role of intelligence in international relations, explores the establishment and development of intelligence agencies, and critically analyses the use of intelligence from the Second World War to the present.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Diplomacy, Law And Governance 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits

Intelligence

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Intelligence In Policy And Practice 40 credits
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits

Russian Studies

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
International Relations Theory 40 credits
Russia And Russian Security 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits

Contemporary China

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
China In Global Context 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Diplomacy, Law And Governance 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits

Intelligence

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Intelligence In Policy And Practice 40 credits

Russian Studies

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits
Russia And Russian Security 40 credits

Contemporary China

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
International Relations Theory 40 credits
The Changing Global Order 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
China In Global Context 40 credits
Dissertation In International Studies 60 credits

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree or above, or relevant professional experience.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you’ll be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.

A 2:2 honours degree or above, or relevant professional experience.

Language level must be at least IELTS 6-6.5 or equivalent. However, you’ll be considered if you have a level of fluency to meet the needs of the course.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Support for distance learners

Studying remotely doesn't mean that you will be left to study alone. Which is why we ensure that however you study with us, you'll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students. Read more

However you study with us, or wherever in the world you’re based, you’ll still be able to access the same services as our on-campus students, including IT and study support, online library, careers and wellbeing service. We’ll help to connect with other online learners to help you get the most out of your learning experience and feel a part of the community. Find out more: Support for distance learners

Off-campus library services

Distance learners benefit from a range of services including access to e-books, postal loans of physical books, online support from subject librarians and more. Read more

Library services and learning resources

We offer an extensive range of library services to our off-campus students and help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our comprehensive online catalogue of eResources are available for you to search for and access material such as eBooks, journals and databases. Our team of librarians can help you find your way around the electronic resources and library catalogues, or if there’s something specific you need, they can help you to source it.

Our LibGuides provide information and advice on using our online resources, with specific pages for each subject area, and can help you search for quality-assured websites. 

Find out more: Library Resources

Blackboard (VLE)

Blackboard is a virtual learning environment which houses your learning content. It enables online teaching/learning, provides spaces to build online communities and knowledge sharing.

Careers

After completing the MA International Relations, you’ll be equipped with the critical and reflective skills, as well as a range of other transferable skills, that are attractive to employers. These can be adapted to a range of professions including, but not limited to:

  • Education
  • National, Foreign or Defence Ministries
  • Armed Forces
  • Security Services
  • International or Regional Organisations

Alternatively, if you wish to develop your dissertation further, you will be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

As a distance learning student you will be expected to study independently, but the content of the modules will be provided in a structured manner to support you through the material and to prepare you for your assessments. Support will be available when you need it and you can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.

Our teaching is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environments. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are and whenever works for your. This includes notes, recorded presentations, activities and discussion forums, where you can debate subjects with your tutors and fellow students.

As a distance learning student you will be expected to study independently, but the content of the modules will be provided in a structured manner to support you through the material and to prepare you for your assessments. Support will be available when you need it and you can contact your tutor by phone, email or in person.

Our teaching is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environments. This means you can access a range of materials to support your studies wherever you are and whenever works for your. This includes notes, recorded presentations, activities and discussion forums, where you can debate subjects with your tutors and fellow students.

Assessment

During your course you will undertake two different types of assessments, informal assessments (also known as formative) and formal (also known as summative). Your formative assessments are designed to enhance your engagement with the taught content of your modules and to prepare you for your summative assessments. They also provide you with the opportunity to receive feedback on your progress.

Your summative assessments contribute towards your final grade and degree classification and will assess you based on the learning outcomes of your modules. Your summative assessments could include a combination of written assignments, contributions to discussion boards, critical reviews, digital poster presentations and dissertations.

During your course you will undertake two different types of assessments, informal assessments (also known as formative) and formal (also known as summative). Your formative assessments are designed to enhance your engagement with the taught content of your modules and to prepare you for your summative assessments. They also provide you with the opportunity to receive feedback on your progress.

Your summative assessments contribute towards your final grade and degree classification and will assess you based on the learning outcomes of your modules. Your summative assessments could include a combination of written assignments, contributions to discussion boards, critical reviews, digital poster presentations and dissertations.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide you with plenty of support during your studies. However, you can also access assistance from our Academic Skills team, who can help you online with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills, etc.)
  • Written English (including structure, punctuation, grammar, etc.)
  • Academic writing (including referencing skills)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision and assessment skills (including time management)

 

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that feedback is very important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to enable you to achieve your potential. To ensure that you can benefit from regular feedback, your tutors will provide a combination of written and verbal feedback, on both an individual and general assessment level.

We usually give you feedback on your formative assessments within 20 working days, but the format for the feedback will vary for each module.

We know that feedback is very important for you to be able to gauge your progress and to enable you to achieve your potential. To ensure that you can benefit from regular feedback, your tutors will provide a combination of written and verbal feedback, on both an individual and general assessment level.

We usually give you feedback on your formative assessments within 20 working days, but the format for the feedback will vary for each module.

For each of your taught modules, you will have specific sessions delivered through our online learning platforms. These engaging and interactive sessions will enable you to benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff and will signpost you to supplementary resources to support the content of the module. These sessions will also be recorded, so you can access the learning material at any time, giving you the freedom to study anywhere and anytime.

In addition to the module content, you will also be able to arrange online meetings with your tutors and dissertation supervisor, to review your progress on the course, to clarify module content, to provide support for assessments and to receive feedback on your work.

For each of your taught modules, you will have specific sessions delivered through our online learning platforms. These engaging and interactive sessions will enable you to benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff and will signpost you to supplementary resources to support the content of the module. These sessions will also be recorded, so you can access the learning material at any time, giving you the freedom to study anywhere and anytime.

In addition to the module content, you will also be able to arrange online meetings with your tutors and dissertation supervisor, to review your progress on the course, to clarify module content, to provide support for assessments and to receive feedback on your work.

Independent learning

In addition to your online sessions, you will be provided with a wealth of additional resources to enable you to experience a rich variety of perspectives and insights to share and discuss with your tutors and fellow students. You will be required to engage with the literature, videos, podcasts, activities and additional resources that will be provided on the virtual learning platform, and use this information to help you complete your formal and informal assessments.

In addition to your online sessions, you will be provided with a wealth of additional resources to enable you to experience a rich variety of perspectives and insights to share and discuss with your tutors and fellow students. You will be required to engage with the literature, videos, podcasts, activities and additional resources that will be provided on the virtual learning platform, and use this information to help you complete your formal and informal assessments.

Staff

We are a research-active department with internationally recognised expertise. This provides our students not only with world-class subject experts, but with considerable levels of research-informed teaching and pedagogical experience as well.

The curriculum design of this MA is structured around core modules which have been developed to reflect the key requirements of the subject discipline of International Relations as well as the research expertise of each staff member contributing to the delivery of the course.You will also have the opportunity to undertake your dissertation under the supervision of our expert staff, which provides you an excellent chance to tailor your degree to your area of interest.

Dr Fiona Robertson-Snape

Senior Lecturer

Fiona's expertise is in international relations theory and international ethics. Her research interests cover international society, human rights and international criminal justice.

Fiona's profile

Dr Tony Craig

Associate Professor

Dr Tony Craig is Associate Professor in Modern History. His research primarily focuses on the contemporary security history of Britain and Ireland.

Tony's profile

Alun Thomas

Associate Professor

Dr Alun Thomas is Associate Professor of Eurasian Studies, specialising in the modern history and contemporary politics of Russia and Central Asia. His research interests include border-making, state-building, and economic change.

Alun's profile

Dr Anthony Mckeown

Lecturer

Anthony teaches International Relations in the Modern Era; Global Policy Analysis and Money, Trade and Development.

Anthony's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £9,165 per course

For the course starting on 27 January 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £8,865 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time, distance learning
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £9,135 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library and online resources, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library and online resources, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Full-time, distance learning 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations

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