The Masters in International Relations is a full-time, taught programme running for 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programmes.

Programme Requirements

Students take modules to the value of 90 credits comprising taught modules to the value of 45 credits (Part I) and a dissertation to the value of 45 credits (Part II).

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I
HI6026 US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History (10 credits)
HI6035 Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: Case Studies in Crises and Decision-making (10 credits)
HI6056 Issues in World Politics (5 credits)
HI6092 International Relations Theories and Approaches (10 credits)

Plus 10 credits from:
HI6045 War and Peace: the European State System from 1648 to 1990 (10 credits)
HI6060 The Politics of Terrorism (10 credits)
HI6063 Work Placement and Portfolio (10 credits)
GV6115 European Security (10 credits)
LW6633 Public International Law (5 credits) and LW6566 Contemporary Issues in International Law (5 credits)*

Part II
HI6100 History Dissertation (45 credits)
A dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in September.

Note: All electives are chosen in consultation with the Programme Director and are subject to availability and timetable requirements.

*The two 5 credit LW modules must be studied as a 10 credit package.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2022/2023 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2022/2023.

Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations
Candidates who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MA in International Relations (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the particular field of study;
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the study of history/international relations/cultural contact;
• Evaluate and incorporate new insights informed by the forefront of the field of learning;
• Demonstrate competence in a range of level 9 research training methodologies and a range of discipline specific research skills;
• Take responsibility for their research agenda and project, and initiate and evaluate appropriate methodologies.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the particular field of study;
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the major issues and problems within the study of history/international relations/cultural contact;
• Evaluate and incorporate new insights informed by the forefront of the field of learning.