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Program Overview
Durham’s MA in International Relations immerses you in debates about international politics and international organisations, equipping you to challenge conventional thinking and analyse global challenges. The program blends theory and empirical study and offers core modules plus flexible options so you can tailor your study toward your interests and career goals, with a substantial 10,000-word dissertation as the culmination.
Curriculum structure
Year 1 centers on core foundations: International Relations Theory and International Organisations, plus a substantial 10,000-word Dissertation. Optional modules—such as Contemporary Political Philosophy, The Politics of Global Europe, Ideologies and Political Thought, International Politics of the Middle East, and The Politics of East Asia—enable you to specialise. Each module comprises around 300 hours of learning, including at least 20 hours of class contact, and assessments may include essays, group projects, presentations, and podcasts.
Focus areas
Learning outcomes: You will develop the knowledge and skills to critically review developments in international relations, evaluate concepts and theories, and draw lessons from real-world studies using quantitative and qualitative investigations.
Experiential Learning
Durham’s approach combines lectures, seminars, and independent study to develop practical skills alongside research capability. You will learn in a vibrant community within the School of Government and International Affairs, benefiting from ongoing research and opportunities to engage with contemporary issues through regular seminars and lectures. A key element is the substantial dissertation, supported by a supervisor throughout the process.
Transition in experiential learning:
- Group projects, presentations, and podcasts as part of assessment
- Dissertation supervision and support
- Regular seminars and lectures
- Access to modern facilities in the Al Qasimi Building and the School of Government and International Affairs
- Connection to research centres and institutes within the School
Progression & Future Opportunities
On completion, graduates are well placed to pursue careers in international organisations, politics, and the civil service, while others move into journalism, teaching, business, and research. The university supports employability through its careers programme, employment-related events, and a global alumni network.
- Careers services: careers programme, employment-related events, and alumni network
- Alumni destinations: House of Commons; Clifford Chance; Accenture; British Airways; Ernst & Young; British Telecom; Goldman Sachs; PwC; Royal Navy; Channel 4; HSBC; Teach First; BlackRock; Audit Commission
- Graduation outcomes: graduates pursue roles in international organisations, politics, and the civil service; others enter journalism, teaching, business, and research.
2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree or overseas equivalentPersonal statement outlining interest and understanding of the programmeAlternative qualifications: International Foundation Year available for international studentsFoundation Programme available for home studentsDegree in Social Sciences preferable; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of this requirementjournalistteacherresearchercivil servantacademic
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Durham University
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