International Relations MA Greenwich Campus gre.ac.uk/ach/hpss
Why study this programme? MA International Relations offers a varied and interesting approach to the study of international politics, focusing on the diverse and challenging conditions facing countries in the international system. The programme will provide you with a firm understanding of contemporary issues in international politics. It is distinctive in that it gives particular attention to the perspectives, concerns and preoccupations of noncore states in the international system. It also draws on theoretical and empirical approaches that seek to explain international politics from the viewpoint of developing states, including post-colonial and fragile states and from the standpoint of those immersed in, or emerging from, conflict. These are fascinating times for anyone with an interest in international politics. Current issues include the rise of religious fundamentalism, terrorism, regional ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation and bio-security concerns, oil and other resource conflicts, poverty and deprivation, globalisation and financial crises. These are intertwined with the changing dynamics of international power relations and with concerns over the capacity of the international system to address contemporary and future problems and threats. More than ever, the international community faces demands to balance the need for global order with the provision of global justice. This programme develops critical perspectives on theory and practice in international politics and will enable you to understand and evaluate the key issues relevant to inter-state relations in the global arena. The interdisciplinary teaching team offers a range of expertise within the subject area and includes experts in international relations, international law, international human rights, political theory, British foreign policy, development studies and terrorism. This extensive subject knowledge is supported by the school s experience of more than 30 years in teaching at Master s level.
Why study with us? The Department of History, Politics & Social Sciences, part of the Faculty of Architecture, Computing & Humanities, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Subjects range from history, politics and international relations to sociology and philosophy. Through a rigorous and rewarding course of study, students gain an impressive range of skills, making them attractive to employers. Each discipline employs a wide variety of teaching strategies, ranging from lectures to class presentations and research projects. There is a strong focus on student support, both within the discipline and through our personal tutoring system. Students are encouraged to access extracurricular activities within the department and across the university. Subject-related societies help prepare students for graduate employment. Our proximity to central London has enabled us to establish valuable relationships with public sector, heritage and political organisations. Students develop their own links with these bodies through work placements and extracurricular activities such as volunteering. Our students study on the university s Greenwich Campus, which is part of the Old Royal Naval College and on the banks of the River Thames. The university s largest campus, it is centred on three baroque buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren at the end of the 17th century. The surrounding town is a bustling mix of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as some of the most famous tourist attractions in the country. There are also direct rail links into central London. What will you study? Theoretical Perspectives in International Politics (30 credits) Issues and Practice in International Politics (30 credits) Research Methods in International Politics (15 credits) Foundations for Postgraduate Study (15 credits) Dissertation (60 credits) Students must gain 30 credits from the following options courses: Public International Law (30); International Human Rights Law (30); Globalisation and Development (30); Crime, Terrorism and the State (30); Use of Force by States in International Law (30); and International Humanitarian Law (30) Career opportunities Graduates from this programme can take up positions in the civil service, international diplomacy, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, the European Union, United Nations and multinational corporations. They can find employment in journalism and in areas of public relations and marketing that require specialist knowledge of international politics. Teaching and assessment All courses are delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and occasional external speakers. The taught courses are assessed by written essays, workbooks, a research project, book review and presentations. The final project is a 15,000-word dissertation. Financial information For information on tuition fees and financial help, please visit gre.ac.uk/finance.
Key facts Attendance: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time The full-time programme runs from September to September. Formal taught courses run from September to May, with the remaining months dedicated to the completion of the dissertation, in consultation with a supervisor. Entry requirements: You should have: EITHER An undergraduate degree classification of 2.1 or above in a relevant discipline (in exceptional circumstances a 2.2 may be considered) OR a postgraduate diploma OR a professional qualification recognised as being equivalent to a good honours degree in a related area OR professional experience, research in a professional capacity or publication in journals or presentation at conferences/ seminars knowledge and skills commensurate with the standard of a good honours degree. If you do not possess the normal entry requirements, you may be accepted for the postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate and may then be considered for transfer to the MA. If you were educated in a language other than English and/or in a country where English speakers are in a minority, you should have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill) or an equivalent rating in another Secure English Language Test. How to apply: Applications to postgraduate programmes should be made online at gre.ac.uk/apply. There is no closing date for applications to postgraduate programmes, but many fill up quickly, so you are advised to apply early. You do not have to wait for first degree or other examination results. Application in early spring is advised. OR other qualifications and/or experience that demonstrate that you possess
Your next step University Open Days are held several times a year. They include a programme of talks and offer you the opportunity to speak to staff and students. You may also be given a tour of the campus. Dates can be found at gre.ac.uk/opendays, or contact the Enquiry Unit or International Office for further information. Why not sign up as a Greenwich VIP and create your own Greenwich web page, personalised to your choice of programme and interests? Becoming a Greenwich VIP is a fast route to ordering our publications, booking a place on an Open Day and finding out more about the university. You can also receive text and e-mail alerts, and enter our online competitions. Please sign up at gre.ac.uk/study. Department of History, Politics & Social Sciences University of Greenwich Greenwich Campus Old Royal Naval College Park Row London SE10 9LS For further information To find out more about studying at the University of Greenwich, please visit greenwich.ac.uk. UK students Enquiry Unit Telephone: 020 8331 9000 Fax: 020 8331 8145 E-mail: courseinfo@gre.ac.uk International/EU students International Office Telephone: +44 20 8331 8136 Fax: +44 20 8331 8625 E-mail: international@gre.ac.uk This document is available in other formats on request University of Greenwich, a charity and company limited by guarantee, registered in England (reg. no. 986729). Registered office: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS Every effort has been made to ensure that this document is as accurate as possible. However, the university reserves the right to discontinue any class or programme, to alter any programme or to amend without notice any other information detailed here. D11515-14 October 14