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International Relations Online MA

Studying MA International Relations, you will analyse key issues and concepts in world politics, and you'll gain a comprehensive and sophisticated appreciation for the field of study, allowing you to develop expertise and apply theories and concepts within particular issue areas, including international security, development, and US foreign policy. This programme will provide you with a set of analytical skills and knowledge that will allow you to think, talk, and write critically about contemporary international issues, as well as a firm foundation for further study.

  • Study in a truly international environment, with world-renowned academics possessing regional expertise in South America, South East Asia, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa

  • Thought-provoking modules based on modern-day issues and discussion points, such as Eu-UK relations, the Pandemic and the War in Ukraine
  • Flexible programme - tailor the course to your career trajectory by performing independent research on any topic of your choice

  • Professional skills development - advance your critical thinking and analytical skills along with debating skills, communication and time management.

Study options

Starting in
January 2026
Location
Fees
Home: TBC
Overseas: TBC
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

Challenge the policies that affect real people in this innovative and flexible programme. We tailor the modules to reflect the current political landscape, both domestic and international, meaning you get to delve into a wide gamut of captivating topics, from HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa to the rise of populism in Europe.

You will explore the historical significance of globalisation in lively group discussions and how it relates to a number of key issues in international relations, including state sovereignty and international order, conflict and war, human rights and the political economy of North-South relations.

The academics who are involved in the Mile End Institute and the Centre for European Research continue to conduct research on constantly changing policy issues and organise free events throughout the year - giving you front-row access to groundbreaking research in action.

You don’t have to have a background in Humanities or Social Sciences to complete this course.

Structure

  • One compulsory taught module

  • Three taught elective modules
  • 12,000-word dissertation
  • One non-credit bearing professional skills module (optional)

Masters Open Event

Masters Open Event

Join us on-campus and find out what it’s like to study a masters degree at Queen Mary.

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Compulsory/Core modules

The course provides students with a detailed examination - and critique - of theories of globalisation and assessment of contemporary globalising processes, and how these particularly influence the developing world.

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.

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.

Violent conflict and the use of force remain salient issues in contemporary international relations. While some have theorised that the advent of globalisation and spread of liberal democracy would make the use of force and violent conflict less relevant to the world, war and conflict have remained an integral part of the international system, as well as forming an obstacle to providing stability and security for many states. This module will engage with these issues.

Assessment

Teaching

Our interdisciplinary approach includes lectures led by internationally recognised academics at the cutting edge of their fields.

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 politicswhich 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.

Contact us

School of Politics and International Relations

Career paths

A master's from the School of Politics and International Relations offers a competitive advantage to enter several professions.

During your studies, you'll have access to support at every stage in 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 of this course have gone on to work in roles such as:

  • Project Coordinator

  • Freelance journalist

  • Account executive

  • Plan and policy analyst

  • Manager of student affairs

  • Finance inspector

  • Researcher.

Fees and funding

Part-time study

January 2026 | 2 years

  • Home: TBC
  • Overseas: TBC
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.

Conditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Part-time study

May 2026 | 2 years

  • Home: TBC
  • Overseas: TBC
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.

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.

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.

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