MA International Relations with Advanced Research

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

University of Hertfordshire’s MA International Relations with Advanced Research supercharges your global expertise with a deeper research focus, ideal for aspiring analysts, policymakers, or PhD hopefuls passionate about dissecting crises like Ukraine or climate geopolitics. You’ll blend core IR theories with an extended dissertation and conference-style presentation, sharpening advanced analysis for think tanks, government, or academia .

Curriculum Structure

First semester launches with Puzzles and Paradigms in International Relations, decoding realism to constructivism through real-world puzzles like power shifts. Data Analysis in International Relations arms you with stats software and qualitative tools to crunch global trends ethically .

Second semester dives into electives like Globalising Economies: Emerging Markets and the Politics of Development, unpacking BRICS rise and trade wars via case debates. Governing the International, the Global, and the Planetary probes UN failures and planetary governance through simulations .
The extended project features a 12,000-word Research Dissertation plus 10-minute presentation on your chosen topic, like energy crises, with expert feedback for publication-ready work .

Focus areas: IR paradigms, data analysis, global governance, advanced research .
Learning outcomes: Elite research skills, critical policy analysis, professional presentation .

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of Hertfordshire’s MA International Relations with Advanced Research, you’ll sharpen practical research and diplomacy skills through dynamic simulations of UN-style negotiations, panel debates on hot topics like energy crises, and student conference presentations that mimic real think-tank pitches. Research-active faculty deliver frontline insights from ongoing global debates, complemented by the Learning Resources Centre’s digital archives, stats software for data crunching, and hybrid online platforms for flexible collaboration—all just 20 minutes from London’s policy powerhouse . These elements build your edge: here’s the lineup.

• Simulations replicating IR environments: Hands-on role-plays of international negotiations and crises .

• Panel-style debates and student conferences: Live discussions and 10-minute research pitches with Q&A .

• Podcasts, blogs, and creative assignments: Develop media-ready communication for policy/journalism .

• Data analysis software: Tools in research methods for empirical global politics work .

• Learning Resources Centre: Advanced library with IR archives, study spaces, and digital resources .

• External speakers and industry visits: Guest experts from government/NGOs for real-world context .

Progression & Future Opportunities

University of Hertfordshire’s MA International Relations with Advanced Research launches grads into elite research and policy roles, with many securing spots in think tanks, government analysis, or PhD programs thanks to the standout dissertation and presentation skills. Imagine thriving as a research analyst, policy researcher, international consultant, or academic lecturer: our dedicated support makes it happen .

• Careers and Employability Hub: Personalized CV workshops, mock interviews with IR pros, and job placement fairs targeting NGOs and government .

• 95%+ graduate progression rate (Herts outcomes); research roles start at £35k-£45k, scaling to £60k+ in senior policy .

• Partnerships with think tanks and government: Guest lectures and project links to FCDO-style orgs for insider access .

• No specific accreditation; Herts’ research excellence (REF 2021) provides lifelong edge in academia/policy .

• Strong outcomes: Alumni lead in global research, diplomacy analysis, and higher education worldwide .

Further Academic Progression: Seamlessly transition to a PhD in International Relations at Hertfordshire, expanding your advanced dissertation into grant-funded work on security or governance under world-class mentors . Your breakthrough career begins here—apply with excitement! 

Program Key Stats

£20,950
£12,855


73 %

Eligibility Criteria

2.5

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
79
55 - 65
70

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Policy Officer (NGOs or government)
  • International Analyst
  • Diplomatic Advisor
  • Security Consultant
  • Government Relations Manager
  • Political Risk Analyst
  • International Development Officer
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Research Officer

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts