MA International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

Oxford Brookes University’s MA International Relations is your gateway to understanding today’s global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict through the lens of how states, organizations, and communities interact. It’s ideal for career changers, recent grads in politics or social sciences, or professionals seeking to boost their impact in international roles, with a mix of theory, real-world projects, and a field trip to Brussels and The Hague .

Curriculum Structure

In your first semester, you’ll dive into core foundations with International Relations in Theory and Practice, exploring diverse theories like critical, poststructural, and feminist perspectives applied to issues such as security, migration, and environmental crises. You’ll also tackle Global Political Economy, analysing economic systems, debt in the Global South, and their effects on refugees and protesters, building advanced research skills through case studies .

Semester two lets you specialise with electives like Sustainability, Social Justice and Global Politics, debating ecological limits and fair trade, or Critical Approaches to Terrorism, examining state responses and counter-terrorism ethics. Another option, Dilemmas in International Ethics, challenges you to navigate moral issues in peacebuilding and global governance, all via group presentations and debates that sharpen your professional voice .

The summer caps it with your dissertation—a deep dive into a passion project, from Paris Agreement scrutiny to conflict zone analysis—presented at a postgraduate event for feedback, turning your ideas into polished, impactful research .

Focus areas: Global challenges, IR theories, political economy, sustainability, terrorism, ethics, security, justice .
Learning outcomes: Critical analysis, project management, intercultural awareness, research skills, persuasive communication for global careers

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Oxford Brookes University’s MA International Relations, you’ll gain practical, career-boosting skills through small-group seminars, real-world case studies, and hands-on group presentations that mirror professional debates in global policy circles. The program emphasizes applied learning with access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library for deep research dives, plus the Centre for Global Politics, Economy and Society for expert insights and networking—all in a supportive environment with diverse international peers . This setup turns theory into actionable expertise, especially via a standout field trip and work placements: here’s what sets it apart.

• Field trip to Brussels and The Hague: Visit key sites like the European Commission, NATO, International Criminal Court, and European Parliament for direct exposure to how global organizations operate—travel and accommodation covered in fees .

• Work-Based Learning module: Secure a placement with IR-relevant organizations to link theory to practice, reflecting on professional experiences in security or international affairs .

• Group work and presentations: Collaborate on case studies and debates in modules like Global Political Economy, building teamwork, communication, and analytical skills .

• Bodleian Library and Centre for Global Politics: Unlimited access to extensive resources, digital archives, and research events for independent projects and dissertation prep .

Progression & Future Opportunities

Oxford Brookes’ MA International Relations sets graduates up for impactful international careers, with alumni moving into roles such as Research Analyst at Africa Risk Consulting, Senior Consultant at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, Communications Officer at Save the Children, Parliamentary Assistant to a Westminster MP, and Commercial Manager in the net zero energy sector . So you can clearly see typical paths: research analyst, NGO communications officer, parliamentary assistant, and consultant in government or sustainability-focused industries all become realistic next steps .

• The dedicated Careers team supports you with one‑to‑one advice, job‑search guidance, help with CVs, applications and interview prep, plus access to employer events and an online vacancy system tailored to students and graduates, including international and EU students .

• The MA page highlights that you’ll leave with highly sought‑after transferable skills—project management, critical analysis, problem‑solving, communication and intercultural awareness—preparing you for careers in international development, corporate social responsibility and work with NGOs; specific employment rates or salary figures for this course are not provided, so this is N/A .

• You gain real‑world exposure through placements with local MPs and NGOs such as Asylum Welcome and Oxfam, plus a field trip to Brussels and The Hague where you visit institutions like NATO and the European Commission, building concrete links to international organisations and policy environments .

• The degree is a recognised UK master’s from Oxford Brookes, a university that emphasises employability and work‑related learning; while there is no mention of a separate professional accreditation body for this MA, the qualification offers long‑term value for roles in diplomacy, NGOs, government and global business .

• Official course information underlines that graduates develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to “make a global difference”, and the named alumni outcomes show the programme’s track record in risk consulting, defence, international NGOs, parliamentary work and the low‑carbon sector .