MA International Relations and Democratic Politics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MA International Relations and Democratic Politics at the University of Westminster offers you an advanced, critical and comprehensive framework to make sense of global politics and democratic processes, exploring how power, governance and democratic ideas intersect in today’s complex world. It suits students who want to deepen their analytical skills, engage with political theory and practice, and prepare for careers in research, policy, diplomacy or international organisations.

Curriculum Structure

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

From the outset, you’ll be challenged to think deeply about both international relations and democratic politics, through core modules such as Democratic Politics: Key Debates and Issues, which critically examines the evolving nature of democratic thought in different contexts, and The Politics of Global Complexity: Rethinking Governance, Power and Agency, where you’ll unpack contemporary debates on governance, power dynamics and shifting global structures. A central part of your learning is the Dissertation and Research Methods module, where you receive structured guidance and research training that prepares you to develop your own substantial, original research project tailored to your interests and future aspirations. Over the course of the year (or two-year part-time route), you also choose from a wide range of option modules — for example Diplomacy and Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice or Democratic Innovations: Participatory Spaces around the World — allowing you to shape your studies around specialist interests and emerging areas of political inquiry.

Focus Areas (in a string)

International relations theory, democratic politics, global governance, power and agency, research methods, diplomatic practice, political analysis, comparative politics.

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Critically evaluate democratic theories and political systems, apply advanced international relations frameworks, conduct independent research and produce a substantive dissertation, analyse global political processes, communicate complex political arguments effectively.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MA International Relations and Democratic Politics at Westminster, your learning extends well beyond traditional lectures into active engagement with real political and global contexts. You’ll develop practical research skills and analytical confidence through workshops, seminars and independent projects that mirror the kinds of tasks political analysts, policy makers, and researchers undertake in professional settings. As part of a diverse community in central London, you also benefit from rich library resources, access to academic networks and opportunities to explore global governance institutions up close — an ideal environment to build practical experience alongside your studies.

Here’s how your experiential learning unfolds in concrete ways:

Research Training & Critical Workshops: You’ll engage regularly in Research Methods training embedded in the programme, where you gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting research, analysing political data, and presenting findings — skills essential for policy or academic careers.
Interactive Seminars & Group Projects: Many modules are delivered through interactive lectures, seminars and workshops that encourage discussion, debate and collaborative analysis; you’ll work with peers to present research, critique theories, and explore real-world political challenges.
Field-Relevant Exposure: International Relations students have taken part in field visits, such as a three-day trip to institutions including EU bodies and NATO headquarters in Brussels, offering firsthand insight into international governance and diplomacy.
Library & Specialist Resources: You’ll have full access to the University’s libraries and digital databases, including political science journals, historical archives and international policy reports — essential tools for coursework and your dissertation research.
Internship & Career Support: Westminster’s Zone29 Careers & Enterprise offers guidance on internships, work placements and professional experiences that you can take alongside or after your programme; you can also find international placements and traineeships and explore funding options like the Turing Scheme.
Democratic Education Network & Guest Events: The School of Social Sciences hosts seminars, public lectures and conferences with experts from NGOs, think tanks and international organisations, enhancing your exposure to real policy discussions and professional networks.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA International Relations and Democratic Politics often move into rewarding careers where they influence public policy, global governance, democracy-related work and international engagement — such as Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Officer, Civil Servant in government and Researcher or Advocate in NGOs or international organisations. Because this programme combines rigorous academic understanding with practical analytical skills and professional exposure, it prepares you for both specialist roles and broader opportunities in political and international affairs:

University Career Support: Westminster’s Zone29 Careers & Enterprise service offers tailored career guidance, access to job and internship listings, workshops, employer networking, mentoring and practical support in preparing applications and interviews — momentum you can carry into your post-degree job search.
Graduate Outcomes & Earnings Context: While specific MA-level figures for this programme aren’t separately published, Politics and related graduates at Westminster are well-employed after graduation, with average earnings around £26,000 15 months after completing their degree and a strong overall employment rate, demonstrating solid outcomes for politics and international relations fields.
University–Industry Engagement: The Westminster School of Social Sciences features active links with international research networks, public lectures, the Centre for the Study of Democracy, and events exploring careers with organisations such as the United Nations, supporting your ability to build relevant professional networks.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Westminster’s strong emphasis on applied knowledge, analytical skill development and real-world exposure — embedded across the Politics and International Relations portfolio — boosts your credibility with employers in policy, public affairs, research and global advocacy.
Graduate Directions: Graduates from the School’s politics and IR courses regularly progress into roles within government bodies, NGOs, think tanks, media and international institutions, reflecting the programme’s relevance across sectors that value critical thinking and global awareness.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your MA International Relations and Democratic Politics, you can continue your academic journey with advanced research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in Politics, International Relations or Global Governance, positioning yourself for careers in academia, high-level policy research or specialist consultancy. This pathway builds on the strong analytical and methodological skills you develop during your MA and prepares you to contribute new knowledge to political science and international studies.