Study options
- Starting in
- January 2026
- Location
- Distance Learning
- Fees
- Home: £6,150
Overseas: £12,750
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The course fee is charged per annum for 2 years. Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.
What you'll study
What is the appropriate relationship between the public and private sectors? How can public policy deal with issues of cultural diversity and value conflict? Challenge the policies that affect real people in this innovative and flexible programme. This course is tailored to reflect the current political landscape, both domestic and international, so that you can delve into a wide range of fascinating, relevant topics such as HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa and the rise of populism in Europe.
Throughout the course, you’ll debate the historical significance of globalisation in lively group discussions and explore its relation to a number of critical issues such as European politics, international relations, political theory, and global security and development.
You will be taught by academics with real-world experience in working in international bodies and carrying out projects for global agencies and NGOs.
The focus of the course modules is comparative, focusing on the policymaking process in developed and developing countries, as well as the work of key international institutions.
You will have the opportunity to extend your professional networks, taking advantage of the regular opportunities at Queen Mary, University of London, to meet and engage with a wide variety of global policymakers, charity leaders, and NGO activists.
The academics involved in the Mile End Institute and the Centre for European Research continue to research constantly changing policy issues and organise free events throughout the year - giving you front-row access to groundbreaking research in action.
Structure
- Two compulsory taught modules
- Two elective taught modules
- 12,000-word dissertation
Compulsory/Core modules
This course will consider the principal forms in which US foreign policy has been practised and interpreted since the foundation of the Republic. Amongst these are American Exceptionalism and Anti-Americanism, 'spheres of influence', liberal interventionism and protectionist isolationism, Cold War containment, the `War on Terror' following 9/11, and the strains on unipolarity in the early 21st century. Amongst the case studies linked to these themes, we shall consider the role of Native Americans and immigration, the war of 1898, gunboat diplomacy in the Caribbean, the ideas of Woodrow Wilson, the Vietnam War, the consequences of the 9/11 attacks, and the challenges posed by China.
The Masters' Dissertation is an independent programme of study of an approved topic within the field of Politics. It is designed to enable students to undertake independent research and, through this, allow them to develop a specialised knowledge in an area of the Politics discipline which is of particular interest to them. Thus, it may draw upon, and develop an existing topic or issue associated with a module that they have studied in the earlier part of their programme, or emerge out of a student's specific research interest in an area not covered by other course modules. Although the dissertation is meant to be an exercise in independent research and writing, each student will be offered guidance and support through the assigning of a supervisor within the School who will oversee the progress of the dissertation.
This course aims to provide a critical overview of the theory and practice of two of the crucial 'end' stages of the policy process: delivery and evaluation. The module will examine how governments and public agencies around the world have sought to upgrade their delivery and evaluation capacity in recent decades. The course will explore the development of theoretical and empirical academic literature and provide opportunities for students to apply this material to selected case studies relevant to the group. Practitioners will be encouraged to reflect on their practices and experiences.
This module will provide a structured introduction to key issues and concepts in policy analysis. The module will give students a solid grounding in theories of the policy-making process while enabling students to apply those insights to practical case-studies of policy formulation and implementation in the real world. The module will also provide students with background on the key traditions and approaches to public administration and policy-making in countries around the world, both developing and developed countries. Issues to be covered on the module will include the nature of public policies; the policy context: institutions and actors; theoretical approaches to the policy process; policy problems and agenda-setting; decision-making; implementation/new public management; evaluation; governance; public policy beyond the nation-state; policy change and policy convergence; future challenges for policy-makers.
The module is designed to give students a good command and understanding of key concepts and theoretical traditions in International Relations and their relevance for understanding contemporary themes in world politics. The module seeks to provide students with a more nuanced understanding of the various social forces and processes shaping world politics including the co-constitutive relationship between the theory and practice of international relations. The module also aims at developing the students' capacity to reflect critically about the main claims, strengths and weaknesses of theories in international relations.
Assessment
Teaching
Our interdisciplinary approach offers blended educational pathways, including lectures led by internationally recognised academics and interaction with Queen Mary’s independent Virtual Learning Environment, QMplus.
You will gain invaluable insight from guest speakers, experience ground-breaking research and develop communication skills through interactive seminars, presentations and lively group discussions with your peers.
We invest in both your educational and personal development, and you will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will support you during your studies.
Where you'll learn
Facilities
About the School
School of Politics and International Relations
The School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary has an interdisciplinary structure that enables us to deliver a modern approach to educational research.
With a focus on high-quality teaching and innovation, the school ensures engaging educational pathways, alongside supportive staff and excellent research facilities. Our staff are active researchers with diverse interests across politics, international relations, and sociology, from security and war to migration and environmental politics, which is reflected in our high-level teaching and the breadth of our programmes.
We are also a member of the Russell Group of leading research universities in the UK.
Career paths
A master's from the School of Politics and International Relations offers a competitive advantage to enter into several professions. You'll have access to support at every stage of your degree, including one-to-one academic guidance, tailored workshops, and external guest speakers on topics such as careers in public affairs and working in parliament.
Graduates from the School have progressed to work for:
- Department for Education
- local councils
- Institute of Engineering.
Fees and funding
Part-time study
January 2026 | 2 years
- Home: £6,150
- Overseas: £12,750
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Part-time study
May 2026 | 2 years
- Home: £6,150
- Overseas: £12,750
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the School of Politics and International Relations falls within the following English band:
Band 5: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.