MA International Relations (Research)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

MA International Relations (Research) at Manchester gives you deep training in global politics, theory and research — ideal if you want to study international affairs at an advanced level or plan on moving into research, policy analysis, or academia. This course suits you if you’re interested in critical global issues (governance, human rights, environment, conflict, global justice) and want to build strong research-design skills to understand or influence world politics.

Curriculum Structure

This is primarily a one-year full-time master’s (or two-year part-time) combining core theory, research methodology, optional specialisation, and a major dissertation.

In the initial phase, you take core modules like “Research Design and Skills”, “Graduate Seminar in International Relations Theory”, and “Critical Approaches in International Politics”. These give you a rigorous grounding in IR theory, research design, and critical thinking — preparing you to engage with global issues in a structured, scholarly way.
Alongside this, you choose from a wide set of optional modules depending on your interests: for example, “Governing in an Unjust World: Justice and International Relations”, “Global Governance”, “Human Rights in World Politics”, “Critical Environmental Politics”, or “Gender, War and Peace”. This allows you to specialise in particular global challenges — whether justice, environment, human rights, security or governance.
Finally, you complete a substantial research dissertation under supervision — a major independent project that enables you to explore in depth a topic of your choice (e.g. migration, conflict, global ethics, foreign policy analysis, global governance, etc.).

Focus areas

“International Relations Theory; Global Governance & Institutions; Human Rights & Global Justice; Environmental Politics & Global Ethics; Foreign Policy & Security Studies; Critical Approaches in Global Politics; Research Design & Methodology; Conflict, War & Peace Studies; Gender and Global Politics; Global Social–Political Challenges.”

Learning outcomes

“You will develop advanced analytical and theoretical understanding of global political systems; rigorous research-design and qualitative/quantitative research skills; ability to critically assess global issues such as justice, conflict, environment, human rights and governance; capacity to conduct independent, policy-relevant research; enhanced academic writing, argumentation and policy-analysis skills; and readiness for roles in research, policy, diplomacy, international organisations or further academic study.”

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you join this MA, you don’t just get lectures: you gain access to one of the top research-university infrastructures in the UK. That means excellent libraries, research support, study spaces, and resources that make it easier to conduct serious research — including your dissertation — and to engage with global-scale issues in a professional, well-resourced environment.

Here are the main experiential learning supports you get at Manchester:

Access to a top-tier academic library system: The University of Manchester Library is one of only five UK National Research Libraries, with over four million print books, ~800,000 e-books, 50,000+ electronic journals and hundreds of databases — perfect for IR, politics, global studies research.
Modern, 24/7 study and research spaces: You get access to the Main Library (open until midnight), group-study rooms (with PCs and monitors) and bookable quiet or group spaces — ideal for dissertation work, group discussions, or remote lectures.
Special collections & archival resources: Through the library system — including the John Rylands Research Institute and Library — you can use rare books, manuscripts, archival documents and extensive historical records. This is very valuable for students interested in diplomacy, international history, conflict studies, global governance, etc.
Research support services tailored for postgraduate students: The library offers help with bibliometrics, research data management, literature reviews, open-access publishing, and other research-skills training — helping you to develop professional-level research methodology, which is crucial for the “Research” MA.
Flexible resources and IT support: As a social-sciences postgraduate, you get access to IT services, networked study areas, and support for software or digital tools needed for research or analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Manchester’s MA International Relations (Research) often move into careers in diplomacy, policy, international organisations, research/think-tanks or global public affairs — well-suited for roles such as Policy Analyst, Diplomat / Foreign Affairs Officer, International Organisation Officer, Researcher/Analyst. The strong academic foundation and research-oriented nature of the programme also makes it ideal for further academic or PhD-level work.

And here’s how Manchester helps make those outcomes realistic:

Comprehensive career support via the University’s Careers Service — as a student (and alumnus) you get access to career-counselling, CV/interview prep, employer-engagement events, mentoring via schemes such as the “Manchester Gold Mentoring,” and alumni networks.
High employability and employer demand: The University is described as “the second most targeted UK university by major graduate employers” in 2024, which suggests that graduates of Manchester (including from postgraduate programmes) are sought after in the job market.
Broad sector mobility: With a degree in IR + research skills, you can fit into government (civil service, foreign/foreign-policy ministries), NGOs & international organisations, think tanks, policy consultancies, global affairs departments of corporations, and academia — giving you flexibility across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Long-term academic and professional value: Because this is a “Research” MA — with focus on theory, methodology and independent research — it gives you strong credentials for PhD admissions, academic research, or specialised policy-research roles, increasing long-term career flexibility and credibility.
Support for networking and global exposure: The University’s global reputation, large alumni network and career-employability services make it easier to connect with employers, NGOs, international institutions — giving you access to international opportunities.