MA International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

London Metropolitan University

Program Overview

The MA International Relations at London Metropolitan University gives you an in-depth understanding of how global politics works, why states and non-state actors interact the way they do, and how international issues like security, diplomacy and public law shape our world today. It’s ideal for students who want to build strong analytical and research skills in international affairs — whether you’re entering the field for the first time or enhancing your career prospects in diplomacy, policy or global organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year (Full-Time — 1 Year / Part-Time — 2 Years)

In this programme, you’ll start by grounding yourself in the core theories and frameworks that explain how the world operates politically and socially. Core modules such as International Relations: Theories and Challenges help you compare major international relations theories and apply them to real-world global issues in areas like conflict, security and diplomacy. You’ll also take Humanity in Peril: Navigating Security Concerns, a module that expands your understanding of modern security threats — from environmental challenges and population displacement to human trafficking and inequality — and examines how states and international organisations respond.

As you progress, the International Relations Dissertation and Research Methods module lets you develop professional research skills as you design, execute and write a substantial postgraduate research project under specialist supervision — enabling deep engagement with a topic that matches your academic interests or career goals. Alongside these, a range of option modules allows you to tailor your studies to your interests, such as The Practice of Diplomacy, Human Rights and the International Order, International Conflict Resolution, Public and Diaspora Diplomacy, Religion and International Relations and US Foreign Policy in the 21st Century. These options help broaden your expertise and prepare you for the kinds of analytic, policy-oriented and cross-cultural challenges that matter in global careers.

Focus Areas (in a string)

International relations theory, global security and conflict, diplomacy and public diplomacy, human rights and international order, research methods and postgraduate dissertation, religion and global politics, US foreign policy.

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Develop advanced critical understanding of key IR theories and contemporary global issues, conduct independent research and design a dissertation, apply analytical frameworks to global security and diplomatic practice, evaluate complex political processes across international actors and institutions.

Professional Alignment (accreditation)

This MA is part of the School of Social Sciences at London Met and is designed to equip you with the research, analytical and practical skills valued in international affairs, policy analysis, global organisations and diplomatic contexts. The programme’s vocational focus — including an option work placement — ensures your learning is directly relevant to professional and academic career pathways in global affairs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At London Metropolitan University, the MA International Relations program dives deep into practical global skills through interactive seminars, discussion-heavy sessions, and a standout work placement option that lets you apply theory to real international affairs—whether debating diplomacy or tackling security issues with peers from around the world. You’ll sharpen presentation, negotiation, and research chops using the university’s dedicated resources like specialist libraries and digital tools for policy analysis, all in a supportive environment that feels like a professional network from day one. This hands-on approach turns classroom insights into career-ready expertise for roles in policy, NGOs, or diplomacy.

Here’s how you’ll gain that edge through targeted experiences:

• Work placements: Secure opportunities in international organizations or think tanks via the program’s built-in placement module, giving you real-world exposure to global dynamics.

• Group discussions and presentations: Thrive in seminar-style classes emphasizing debates on modules like International Law and International Order or Terrorism and Counter Terrorism, building teamwork and public speaking skills.

• Independent research projects: Craft a 15,000-word dissertation with supervisor guidance, using London Met’s libraries and online research databases for hands-on analysis of topics like Human Security.

• Negotiation workshops: Develop diplomacy skills through practical sessions in modules like the Diplomacy option, simulating real negotiations for international careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of London Metropolitan University’s MA International Relations step confidently into roles like international policy analyst, diplomat, NGO advisor, or global security consultant, applying sharp insights on diplomacy, terrorism, and world order to make real impact in think tanks, governments, or aid organizations. With the program’s vocational focus—including work placements and a research dissertation—our alumni thrive in dynamic international careers, often advancing quickly thanks to honed negotiation and analytical skills from day one.

Here’s what propels you forward:

• Careers and employability services: Access dedicated support through the Graduate Outcomes team, including CV clinics, mock interviews, job fairs, and personalized mentoring tailored for international affairs roles.

• Employment stats: 96.7% of London Met graduates in work or further study within six months (2017 data, record high); strong progression in policy fields with competitive salaries reflecting London market rates.

• Industry partnerships: Ties to international organizations for work placements, plus alumni networks in diplomacy and NGOs providing direct pathways to entry-level and mid-career opportunities.

• Accreditation value: The MA’s practical emphasis and London Met’s global outlook deliver lasting credibility for ongoing professional growth in evolving fields like security and public diplomacy.

• Graduation outcomes: Alumni secure positions in research, advisory, and operational roles across Europe and beyond, leveraging dissertation projects for immediate career relevance.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this MA, pursue a PhD in International Relations or Global Politics at London Met or leading institutions, building directly on your 15,000-word dissertation and research methods training—perfect for diving into specialized topics like counter-terrorism or public diplomacy with funding and supervisor support already in your toolkit.