MA International Relations (Extended)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Swansea University

Program Overview

The MA International Relations (Extended) at Swansea University gives you a deeper and broader foundation in global politics than the standard master’s by adding an additional year of study that combines core international relations teaching with extended research and professional development. Designed for students who want to gain enhanced academic depth and extra preparation for careers or further research, this programme explores critical global dynamics alongside themes like security, post-colonialism and conceptual issues in social sciences.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Core Knowledge & Analysis

In the first year, you begin by building a strong grounding in key international relations concepts and theories. You’ll take compulsory modules such as Approaches to International Relations, where you unpack major theoretical frameworks, International Security in the Asia Pacific, which situates global politics in a crucial region, Conceptual Issues of Social Sciences to sharpen your critical thinking, and Postcolonialism, Orientalism and Eurocentrism, which challenges traditional perspectives and opens up diverse analytical lenses. This year ensures you understand both the historical roots and contemporary debates that shape international politics.

Year 2 – Advanced Study & Dissertation

The second year allows you to deepen your expertise and specialise your interests. You’ll select optional modules that broaden your understanding of topics such as war and conflict, cyber governance, democracy and constitutional design, or politics in contemporary Britain alongside your core foundations. The culminating part of this extended programme is your 60-credit dissertation project, where you conduct sustained, original research on a topic of international relations that matters to you, preparing you for professional policy work or postgraduate research.

Focus areas (in a string):

international relations theory, security studies (Asia-Pacific focus), post-colonial critique, conceptual issues in social sciences, specialised elective modules, extended independent research dissertation

Learning outcomes (in a string):

advanced critical understanding of global politics and security, ability to apply diverse theoretical perspectives, enhanced research and academic writing skills, capacity to produce independent policy-relevant dissertation research

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This programme is part of Swansea’s School of Politics, Philosophy and International Relations, a recognised centre for social sciences that equips graduates with analytical and research skills valued in government, international organisations, NGOs and academic fields. External professional accreditation is N/A but the degree’s structure aligns closely with roles in policy analysis, global affairs and research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA International Relations (Extended) at Swansea University not only deepens your understanding of global politics and security, it also gives you the chance to build practical skills and professional experience that matter in today’s competitive job market. While you’re learning advanced analytical concepts and undertaking an extended research project, you’ll also be supported by Swansea’s careers advisers, placement opportunities, and collaborative research environment — so your academic learning connects directly with real-world contexts and future career steps:

Below are some of the main ways experiential learning is embedded into the programme and university support — giving you both hands-on experience and career development tools:

Careers support and employability guidance:
You’ll have access to individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified careers advisers who help you with everything from CV building and interview practice to job search strategy and employer networking — tailored specifically for postgraduate students.
Work placements and internships:
Swansea’s careers service provides support in finding internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities that can complement your studies and give you valuable practical experience in policy, government or international organisations.
Employability workshops and employer engagement:
The university runs employability workshops, employer talks, bespoke events and careers fairs where you can learn professional skills, meet potential employers and explore what different sectors are looking for.
Research-driven learning & dissertation project:
Your extended dissertation (60 credits) offers structured support to conduct in-depth research on a topic that matters to you — and working closely with supervisors boosts your project management, independent research and analytical capabilities, which are highly valued in both academic and professional contexts.
Library & digital research tools:
You’ll have full access to Swansea’s Singleton Park campus library and digital research databases, giving you rich resources for dissertation research and policy analysis.
Collaborative and social learning opportunities:
Through student societies, international student events and collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds, you’ll develop teamwork, cross-cultural communication and leadership skills that transfer directly into professional settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MA International Relations (Extended) at Swansea University go on to a wide range of meaningful careers — including roles such as international policy advisor, government analyst, humanitarian programme officer or research associate — thanks to the programme’s strong emphasis on analytical skills and global understanding. Because Swansea’s careers support and employability services are designed to help you grow professionally from day one, you’re supported not just academically but also in turning your skills into real-world opportunities:

• University employability support: Swansea’s Careers and Employability team provides one-to-one career guidance, CV and interview preparation, short-term work placements, and employability workshops tailored for postgraduate students, helping you build confidence and professional readiness.

• Internships and placements: Through Swansea’s placements and internships support, you can gain valuable work experience and professional networking opportunities that enhance your CV and help prepare you for graduate roles in government, NGOs, research or policy sectors.

• Graduate Support Programme: Post-graduation support includes career development courses, one-to-one advice, employability events and access to fully funded internships to help you launch your career and gain early professional experience.

• Strong graduate employment data: Swansea’s broader data shows that 90 % of politics or related social science graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months of graduation, indicating solid outcomes for students who study in this field.

• Job search tools and partnerships: You’ll have access to Swansea’s digital jobs board and employer events, connecting you with local, national and international opportunities for part-time work, internships and graduate roles.

Further Academic Progression:

If your ambitions turn toward research or academia, this extended master’s also lays excellent groundwork for PhD study in International Relations or related social science disciplines, building your research skills and enabling you to undertake original, high-level academic work.