MA International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The MA International Relations at Nottingham gives you a strong, research-led foundation in how states and global actors interact — from war and diplomacy to global justice, security and international institutions. It’s ideal if you want to understand world affairs deeply, perhaps aiming for a career in diplomacy, policy, international organisations or research.

Curriculum structure

This is a one-year full-time Master’s programme (or part-time over two years) combining research methods, theoretical study and your own dissertation.

In the first phase, you’ll take core modules such as “Theory, Metatheory and Methodology” and “Methods and Methodology” — learning how political and social theories link to real-world dynamics, and developing robust qualitative and quantitative research skills including data collection, analysis, and mixed-method approaches.

Alongside that, you also build understanding of global politics, power relations, security, and international institutions — grounding yourself in the frameworks that shape international relations and preparing you to analyse real global issues.

Then you’ll go deeper with optional modules tailored to your interests — for instance you may explore international political economy, security studies, global governance, or human rights and global justice, depending on availability and your aspirations.

Finally, your degree concludes with a dissertation — an independent research project that allows you to apply your methods, theory and knowledge to a topic of your choice in international relations. This is your chance to become a specialist in a global-politics question that matters to you.

Focus areas: "Global politics & diplomacy; international security & conflict; global governance & institutions; international political economy; research methods; global justice and human rights"

Learning outcomes: "You will master advanced theoretical frameworks to analyse international relations, develop strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, critically evaluate global institutions and conflicts, and design and carry out independent academic research on global political issues."

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Nottingham, this MA isn’t just about lectures and reading — you join a research-intensive environment that gives you real-world training, academic-level resources, and chances to apply your learning through research, collaboration, and institutional exposure. As a student in the School of Politics and International Relations, you’ll benefit from excellent libraries, active research centres, methods-support services, and a global-minded academic community.

And here are some of the specific experiential learning supports and facilities you can tap into:

Engagement with a top-rated research school: The School of Politics and International Relations is acknowledged for its strong research output — around 82% of its research was rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in the latest REF (Research Excellence Framework) assessment.
Access to extensive library & research support resources: As part of the university, you have full access to its libraries — including special collections, archives, and digital databases — plus a dedicated Research Support team that assists with literature reviews, data-management, open-access publishing, and methodological training.
Research-led seminars, events & networking: The school regularly runs research seminars, lectures, and events with guest scholars, giving you a chance to engage with cutting-edge debates, build academic contacts, and deepen your understanding beyond the classroom.
Customisable learning through optional modules + dissertation research: The MA structure includes core modules, a wide range of optional courses, and a substantial dissertation — enabling you to tailor your studies to your interests (e.g. security studies, global governance, political economy) and build independent research projects.
University-wide facilities and campus support infrastructure: As a student at Nottingham, you benefit from the broader campus — libraries, study rooms, archival access, campus-wide resources and social/international community — which supports both academic work and personal growth.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MA are well placed to step into roles such as Policy Analyst, Diplomatic Service Officer, Researcher / Academic Fellow, or Government / Public Affairs Officer — and often find themselves working for public institutions, NGOs, international agencies, media or private organisations. The programme’s strong reputation, employer links and broad academic foundation help you build a versatile career ready for global or national contexts.

Here’s how Nottingham supports you — and what kind of outcomes alum typically see:

Dedicated careers support & lifelong employability services: The university’s Careers and Employability Service offers career-planning help, employer-network events, interview and CV workshops, job-search support and continuous guidance even after graduation.
Strong graduate employment outcomes & competitive starting salaries: According to recent data, a majority of University of Nottingham graduates across disciplines enter highly-skilled employment soon after graduation. The university reports that 2024 LEO data shows graduates have among the highest starting salaries outside London (e.g. median ~ £27,000 a year for many).
Broad employer and industry reach: GRaduates from the School of Politics & International Relations enter sectors including government and civil service, media and broadcasting, international organisations/NGOs, research and academia, consultancy, public affairs, and private-sector roles.
Global recognition & strong employability reputation: The University of Nottingham is ranked among the top UK institutions for graduate prospects and employability — for several years it has been listed among the most-targeted universities by top UK employers, which helps its graduates stand out in the job market.
Flexibility for diverse career paths: Given the MA’s broad coverage of international politics, global affairs, security, diplomacy, policy and research skills — many graduates adapt to roles not just strictly in IR but also in media, consultancy, public-policy, NGOs, broadcasting and even business or communications, depending on their interests.