MA International Relations (Part Time)

2 Years Part Time Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MA International Relations (Part-Time) at the University of Westminster offers a flexible, intellectually rich opportunity to explore global politics, power structures, state interactions and the dynamics of international order while balancing studies with work or other commitments. It suits students who want to develop critical analytical skills, engage with diverse political theories and contemporary issues such as conflict, development, human rights and diplomacy in a global city setting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Part-Time / Core Foundations)

In your first year of the two-year part-time programme, you build a solid academic foundation in international relations through core modules that introduce both theory and contemporary political challenges. International Relations: Theoretical Perspectives charts the development of IR theory and equips you with frameworks to analyse global structures, while Beyond International Relations deepens your understanding of key themes such as sovereignty, humanitarian intervention, human rights and the role of non-state actors. These ensure you gain both theoretical depth and the critical thinking skills valued in global affairs.

Year 2 (Part-Time / Research & Electives)

In your second year, you’ll undertake Dissertation and Research Methods, guiding you through a substantial independent research project on a topic aligned with your interests and professional goals — supported by academic supervision and structured research training. Alongside this, you choose from a broad range of option modules such as Controversies in United States Foreign Policies and Processes, Global Politics of Energy and Climate Change, Global Change: Toward a New Non-Western Order? and others, allowing you to tailor your specialisation toward areas like foreign policy analysis, development, security, climate governance or comparative politics.

Focus Areas (in a string)

International relations theory, global power and conflict, diplomacy and foreign policy, human rights and global justice, international political economy, climate and energy politics, research methods.

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Develop a robust understanding of international relations theories; critically analyse global political and security issues; design and conduct independent research; communicate complex ideas clearly in written and oral forms; apply analytical frameworks to real-world global challenges.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MA International Relations (Part-Time) at Westminster, your studies are designed to build practical insight, analytical confidence and professional experience that go beyond traditional classroom learning. From engaging with real political debates and research activities, to taking part in field-relevant experiences and student-led initiatives, you’ll develop the practical skills employers value — all while accessing first-class academic support and facilities in central London. Westminster’s Politics and International Relations community also hosts a variety of events, workshops and collaborations that help you bridge theory and practice across local and global contexts.

To show how this works in practice:

Field-Relevant Events & Seminars: The Department regularly invites leading academics, policymakers and guest speakers to seminars and workshops, helping you connect classroom learning with current global issues and real-world policy perspectives.
Student-Led Societies & Practical Activities: You can join groups such as the Westminster Model United Nations and Political Debating Society, where you’ll practise negotiation, public speaking, diplomacy simulations and argumentation — skills that replicate professional political and international relations environments.
Residential Weekends & Field Engagements: Annual residential weekends provide dynamic learning experiences involving debates, simulations and discussions with peers and faculty away from campus — helping strengthen community, critical thinking and applied analysis.
International Community Project: Through this initiative you can engage with London’s diverse communities on research and policy topics, gaining hands-on experience in social research, analysis and project coordination that relates directly to global political issues.
Library & Digital Research Tools: Westminster’s libraries and digital collections offer extensive access to specialist political science journals, databases and research repositories, empowering you to conduct in-depth research for coursework and your dissertation.
Internships & Career Support: While internships aren’t mandatory for this degree, Westminster offers internship placement support through its global networks and career services, helping you gain experience in fields such as policy, diplomacy, advocacy or government-related work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA International Relations (Part-Time) at the University of Westminster progress into roles where strong analytical ability, global awareness and research skills are essential — including Policy Analyst, Diplomatic or Foreign Affairs Officer, NGO Programme Officer, and International Research Consultant. Studying in central London while benefiting from Westminster’s career infrastructure means you can translate academic insight directly into professional opportunities in government, international organisations and the third sector:

Careers & Employability Support: Westminster’s Zone29 Careers & Enterprise provides personalised careers guidance, CV and interview support, employer-led workshops, mentoring, and access to internships and graduate roles. Importantly, Zone29 support remains available during your studies and for up to three years after graduation, helping you make confident career transitions.
Employment Stats & Salary Context: UK graduate data for Politics and International Relations–related pathways at Westminster indicates strong outcomes, with around 85–90% of graduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation and average earnings of approximately £26,000, reflecting solid market demand for IR skillsets.
University–Industry & Institutional Links: Through careers events such as “Explore Careers with International Organisations”, Westminster connects students with bodies like the UN Migration Agency (IOM) and other international and policy-focused organisations, offering insight into recruitment pathways and internships in global institutions.
Long-Term Value of the Degree: While the MA does not carry a formal professional accreditation, it embeds transferable skills — policy analysis, research design, critical reasoning, and professional communication — that are widely recognised and valued across public policy, diplomacy, NGOs, think tanks and consultancy roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA International Relations (Part-Time), you may choose to advance to research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in International Relations, Global Politics, or Security Studies, building on your dissertation and research training. This pathway supports progression into academia, advanced policy research, think-tank roles or senior advisory positions where deep analytical expertise is required.