Master of Arts - International Relations

MA International Relations examines the international system analytically: theories of international politics, security and conflict, global governance and institutions, international political economy, and regional dynamics, supported by research methods and a dissertation.

The source records a placement or applied element within the one-year structure, preserved in this sheet’s duration field — valuable in a field where employers weigh demonstrated research or policy work alongside academic credentials.

Assessment builds professional genres rather than only essays: policy briefs, risk assessments and analytical reports written to length and deadline, which is the output that consultancies, think tanks and international organisations actually evaluate.

The applied or placement element recorded in this course’s structure is worth confirming with DMU at offer stage, since demonstrated policy or research work distinguishes candidates in a field where academic credentials are common and practical experience is not. Students should also apply broadly at graduation rather than waiting on international organisations, whose recruitment cycles are slow and heavily competitive; political risk consultancies, public affairs firms and corporate intelligence hire faster and often pay better for the same analytical capability. The £16,800 fee applies across the three recorded September cycles. Candidates should also identify a dissertation area early, since supervision matching is strongest where a proposal aligns with departmental research in diplomacy and security.

Graduates enter policy analysis, risk consultancy, international programme work and public affairs, with home-country diplomatic and civil services a common route for international students. Graduate Route permission runs 18 months for post-2026 applicants, and dependants are excluded on taught study.