Curious about studying International Relations MAat University of Westminster, London? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Regent Campus
Full Time
Jan 2027
1 Year
The International Relations MA provides an exciting and innovative programme for exploring the forces that shape our world. From armed conflict and terrorism to state collapse, inequality, migration, energy insecurity, climate change, and global governance, the programme challenges students to think critically, debate diverse perspectives, and develop innovative insights into the most pressing international issues of our time. You will examine various aspects of international order and politics, including the dynamics of international social and political power relationships and conflicts, and state-building. These topics are explored comparatively in relation to governmental, political and social processes, and in the contexts of various historical continuities, discontinuities, and contrasts. This MA is highly relevant in today's interconnected world, equipping graduates with advanced analytical, research, communication, and cross-cultural skills sought after in many sectors.
This module analyses the theory and the practice involved in giving international content to universal values and aspirations today. Part I analyses how two central tenets of realism have come under question: national interest and sovereignty. Part II considers the rights of the individual in the international sphere, focusing on humanitarian assistance and human rights. Part III traces the impact of new international practices to extend democracy, and Part IV analyses the recent developments in international justice and law. Part V considers whether a new global political actor is emerging ? global civil society ? which can overcome the international/domestic divide.
You will receive supervised guidance and research methods training (through a series of research method workshops, the Dissertation induction and colloquium seminars, and individual Dissertation supervision sessions) to prepare you for your Masters Dissertation on an agreed research topic. You will begin identifying your Dissertation interests at the start of your studies, when you will be able to discuss your ideas with different tutors who may direct you towards taking appropriate option modules that support your future research studies. This module must be taken either following the completion of all other modules, or concurrently with modules in your second semester.
This module charts the development of International Relations (IR) as an academic discipline, locating the dominant theoretical perspectives within their historical and political contexts. The central theme is the analysis of how a broad range of theories reflect changes in the subject of IR theory ? the sovereign state. It looks at the role of theory in IR, the historical development of the discipline, and focuses on competing theories. A central aim of the module is to familiarise you with the rich debate within the discipline and allow you to make up your own mind about your choice of theories. It is therefore particularly suitable if you have no previous background in IR.
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