MA International Politics (Dual Degree)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Aberystwyth University

Program Overview

Aberystwyth University’s MA International Politics (Dual Degree) lets you earn two prestigious Masters—one from the world’s first IR department and another from American University in Washington D.C.—immersing you in critical theory at Aberystwyth and practical policy in the U.S. capital, ideal for ambitious global leaders eyeing diplomacy or think tanks. You’ll bridge European perspectives on power and conflict with American expertise in governance and economics, gaining unmatched networks and credentials .

Curriculum Structure

Your first year at Aberystwyth builds foundations with the core International Politics: Theories and Concepts (IPM1920), unpacking sovereignty, anarchy, and security through seminars challenging Euro-centric views on wars and alliances. You’ll select from options like British Counterinsurgency Warfare (IPM8820) or Critical Studies in Asia-Pacific Security (IPM4920), honing analysis via debates and case studies on modern conflicts, plus the Research Paper (IPM2360) for guided independent inquiry .

The second year shifts to Washington D.C. at American University, starting with core Social Science Research Methodology and Economics modules that equip you with quantitative tools and policy evaluation skills through hands-on projects. Specialisation options in fields like Energy and Environment, International Development, or US Foreign Policy culminate in a Practicum in International Affairs or Substantial Research Paper, blending classroom learning with D.C. practitioner interactions .

Focus areas: IR theory, security/counterinsurgency, research methods, U.S. policy, global governance .

Learning outcomes: Critical analysis, policy formulation, cross-cultural research, professional networking .

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberystwyth University’s MA International Politics (Dual Degree), you’ll gain unparalleled practical experience through immersion in two world-class settings—first building critical theory skills in seminar debates and research groups at Aberystwyth, then applying them via policy interactions and practitioner networks in Washington D.C. at American University. The second-year Optional Practical Training scheme offers internships with U.S. government or NGOs, complemented by hands-on projects, presentations, and access to departmental research facilities like seminar rooms and the postgraduate skills programme for thesis development and career prep . This global, experiential pathway equips you for real-world impact: key opportunities include.

• Optional Practical Training internships: Work experience with D.C. government/NGOs during or after Year 2 at American University .

• Seminar debates and research groups: Interactive sessions in modules like International Politics: Theories and Concepts with staff office hours .

• Practicum in International Affairs: Hands-on policy project or Substantial Research Paper with practitioner input in Washington .

• Departmental facilities: Research seminars, masters workshops, postgraduate training—no specific software, group projects, field trips beyond D.C. immersion, labs noted

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Aberystwyth University’s MA International Politics (Dual Degree) command elite global roles, blending critical European IR theory with U.S. policy expertise for unparalleled career acceleration in diplomacy, NGOs, and think tanks. You’ll shine as a diplomatic service officer, international development specialist, policy analyst, or civil service advisor: this dual credential from two top IR powerhouses opens doors worldwide .

• Aberystwyth Careers Service delivers bespoke CV reviews, interview simulations, networking with diplomats/NGOs, and D.C. internship guidance under Optional Practical Training .

• 95%+ postgrads employed or advancing studies within 6 months; dual-degree grads average £35k-£50k starting in policy/security, with swift senior trajectories .

• Year 2 D.C. immersion links to U.S. government/NGOs for internships and practitioner networks via American University’s policy community .

• No accreditation needed; #1 UK IR research status (REF) plus AU prestige ensures lifelong elite standing .

• Alumni thrive in Diplomatic Service, Civil Service, NGOs, international orgs, journalism, military, and business leadership .

Further Academic Progression: Leap to a PhD at Aberystwyth or American University, converting your dual dissertation into funded research on global security or governance for academia or top-tier advisory.