MA International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Leicester

Program Overview

Picture yourself mastering the twists of global politics with the University of Leicester’s MA International Relations—a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) powerhouse that dives deep into post-Cold War dynamics, challenging Western dominance and exploring non-Western perspectives. It’s perfect for anyone passionate about international issues, from aspiring diplomats to policy enthusiasts, blending theory with real-world analysis to sharpen your critical edge. You’ll graduate ready to tackle global challenges with confidence and insight.

Curriculum Structure

In your first semester, you’ll kick off with the core module that unpacks how the West upholds its ‘Order’ and sparks non-Western pushback, setting the stage for bold debates on power structures. You’ll pair it with options like International Security, probing modern threats from cyber warfare to nuclear tensions, or US Foreign Policy: Themes and Controversies, dissecting America’s global moves and their ripple effects.

The second semester builds momentum as you select from captivating choices such as The Politics of Human Rights, examining enforcement gaps in crises like migration and conflict, or Global Ethics in Practice, applying moral frameworks to dilemmas in aid, trade, and intervention. These modules hone your ability to craft sharp arguments and navigate ethical minefields.
Culminating in summer, you’ll pour it all into your 12,000-15,000 word dissertation, an independent deep dive into a topic of your choice—perhaps global cities from an Asian lens or religious conflict dynamics—guided by expert staff for a capstone that showcases your expertise.

Focus Areas: Contemporary IR theories, post-Cold War world order, Western vs. non-Western responses, security, human rights, and global ethics .

Learning Outcomes: Advanced analytical thinking, independent research prowess, reasoned argumentation on IR issues, plus transferable skills in communication, planning, and critical evaluation .

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): No specific accreditations noted, but the program aligns with careers in government, NGOs, and policy through research-inspired training from leading Politics and IR staff .

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MA International Relations at the University of Leicester build very real, career-ready skills through seminar-based teaching, intensive independent research, and constant practice in presenting arguments clearly and convincingly. You learn to design and carry out your own research projects, manage complex reading and data, and communicate confidently in both written work and seminar discussions, all while being supported by a well-resourced library and a strong student support system from the School of History, Politics and International Relations . This mix of guided seminars and self-directed work mirrors the kind of professional environments you’ll move into later, where you’re expected to analyse information, plan projects, and present your conclusions to others .

Here’s how that experiential side takes shape in your studies and environment:

• Teaching is delivered through seminars (typically two hours per week per module over an 11‑week semester), where you debate contemporary international issues, practice oral communication, and develop teamwork skills in small-group settings .

• Every module requires independent research and extensive directed reading, so you gain hands-on experience in planning research, managing sources, and producing well-structured written work such as essays and your dissertation .

• You complete a substantial research dissertation, which trains you to formulate your own research question, design a methodology, handle literature reviews, and deliver a long-form analytical project similar to policy or research reports used in professional roles .

• Transferable skills explicitly developed include conducting independent research, verbal and written communication, presenting, and planning, all of which are highlighted as core practical outcomes of the MA .

• Throughout the programme you have access to a “comprehensively resourced library” and an established student support system, giving you practical experience in using academic databases, digital catalogues, and other scholarly tools to support your projects

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Leicester’s MA International Relations go on to diverse careers in government service, international organisations, research, and sectors like banking, business, law and teaching, where a respected postgraduate qualification gives them a real competitive edge . Typical roles include policy or political research positions, work in international organisations and NGOs, journalism and media roles focused on global affairs, and civil service or diplomatic-track posts: this degree is designed to open multiple doors rather than lock you into a single path .

• The University’s Careers and Employability Service supports you with 1:1 careers guidance, CV and application advice, skills workshops, employer events, and an online jobs board with graduate roles, work experience opportunities, placements and internships, plus lifelong career support for alumni .

• Official course information highlights that a postgraduate degree in politics and international relations at Leicester provides a foundation for a wide range of career options, including government service, international organisations, political research, journalism, banking, business and teaching; specific salary figures are not published for this course, so this is N/A .

• Politics and International Relations staff play leading roles in global research networks and actively advise and engage with policy communities, civil society, the media and the public, giving you indirect exposure to policy-focused work and professional networks even while you study .

• The MA is a fully recognised UK postgraduate qualification from a long-established Russell-style research department; while there is no mention of a specific professional accreditation body for this degree, the qualification carries long-term value for careers in politics, policy and international affairs as a respected academic credential .

• Leicester notes that postgraduates from Politics and International Relations progress into roles across the civil service, business, law, the police, banking, journalism, management consultancy, librarianship and teaching, and some continue into research careers as lecturers, research associates or research assistants .