International Relations (MA) Part Time

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

The International Relations (MA) Part-Time at Cardiff University offers an advanced understanding of global politics, foreign policy, conflict, security and international law while allowing you to balance study with work or other commitments. It’s ideal for professionals or graduates who want to deepen their analytical, research and policy skills in international relations — taught by research-active experts in a supportive environment.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Part-Time – Stage One)

In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in international relations through core and optional modules that explore key concepts and debates in the field. You’ll study core areas like International Relations Theory, giving you the analytical tools to understand global political dynamics, and choose from optional modules linked to international security, environmental politics or political philosophy — helping you tailor your study to your interests. The emphasis on research methods here also equips you to engage critically with academic literature and prepares you for the independent work ahead.

Year 2 (Part-Time – Stage Two + Dissertation)

In your second year, you continue with further taught modules, deepening your insight into specialist areas of international relations such as foreign policy analysis or conflict management, and you begin preparing for your dissertation. You then complete a dissertation project that allows you to pursue a self-directed research topic of your choice under expert supervision — linking theory, methodology and real-world global issues. This process reinforces your ability to think independently and contribute original insight to the field.

Focus areas:

“International security, foreign policy analysis, international law, political philosophy, comparative global politics, environmental politics, digital technologies & conflict management.”

Learning outcomes:

“You will understand key international relations theories, develop research confidence and methodological skills, analyse contemporary global issues, and produce an independent, research-led dissertation that demonstrates your ability to engage with complex international challenges.”

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The International Relations MA is delivered by Cardiff’s School of Law and Politics, a research-intensive unit with a strong reputation for critical and interdisciplinary postgraduate teaching in politics and global affairs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying the MA International Relations (Part-Time) at Cardiff isn’t just about reading books — you’ll build real analytical and research skills, engage with global politics debates, and connect with professional environments through events, seminars, and optional work-experience opportunities. The School of Law and Politics is research-active and closely linked with external policy organisations, giving you access not only to academic expertise but to networks and activities that support practice beyond the classroom.

Here’s how experiential learning works in this programme:

Research-led learning with expert academic staff: The programme is taught by research-active experts in international security, foreign policy, international law and related fields — meaning your learning is grounded in the latest real-world insights and ongoing research debates.
Research methods and dissertation preparation: A strong emphasis on developing research skills and confidence equips you to undertake self-directed research for your dissertation — an experiential process involving project planning, data collection, critical analysis and academic communication.
Engaging speakers and interdisciplinary seminars: The School of Law and Politics hosts regular research seminars and visiting speaker events, giving you opportunities to hear from practitioners, scholars and policy workers — a valuable way to bridge theory and practice.
Links with external organisations: Through university connections with bodies such as the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and the United Nations Association (Wales), you have exposure to professional networks and events that help you link study with global policy-focused practice.
Placements & internships support via university services: Cardiff University’s placements team organises short-term internships and work-experience opportunities across sectors, which you can use to gain practical professional experience while studying or after graduation.
Facilities and learning resources: You’ll study in central Cardiff with access to university libraries, research facilities and a vibrant campus environment that supports academic inquiry and international engagement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this part-time MA typically go on to careers where analytical insight, global awareness and strategic thinking are valued — such as policy advisor / governmental analyst, international affairs consultant, NGO or international organisation officer, or communications and diplomacy-related roles — because the course builds strong research and critical-analysis skills alongside real-world understanding of global issues. Because Cardiff University is highly regarded by employers and maintains strong career-support services, you’ll be well-placed to transition into professional roles or further study when you complete your degree.

Here’s how Cardiff University supports you and what outcomes you can realistically expect:

• Dedicated Careers & Employability support: Through Student Futures and the central Careers & Employability team, you can access one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview workshops, job listings and employer events to help you prepare for roles in policy, international organisations, communications, public affairs and related fields.

• Strong overall graduate outcomes: Across Cardiff University, 95% of graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (2019/20 data), and the institution is ranked 12th best in the UK for employability in the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2024 — meaning employers actively target Cardiff graduates.

• Reputation with employers and networks: The School of Law and Politics — which delivers this programme — reports that 99% of its postgraduate graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after completing their course, demonstrating strong alignment with labour-market expectations in public policy, international affairs and research.

• Sector-wide versatility: The analytical, research, communication and policy evaluation skills you develop are valued across government, NGOs, international organisations, think-tanks, media and the private sector — giving you flexibility to pursue opportunities in diverse sectors.

• Connections to policy and international networks: The programme is linked with institutions like the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and the United Nations Association (Wales), adding opportunities for networking and insights into real-world international engagement.

Further Academic Progression:

You can also use this MA as a stepping stone to further research if you’re inclined — for example, pursuing a PhD in International Relations, Security Studies, Global Governance or related fields with support from Cardiff’s research-active academic community. Because the programme emphasises independent research and methodological skills, you’ll be well-prepared to undertake doctoral study or research-oriented professional roles.