MA International Relations and Security

at University of Liverpool

The programme, based on the strength of the department, will furnish its participants with and advanced understanding of the key issues in international relations and security. There are four core modules, as follows:
 

International Relations Theories module

Through this module you will begin to understand the main theories in the international relations literature and apply these theories to explain peace and war in the international system.
 

International System module

The international system module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to today’s international system and security challenges. In particular, the module will explore to what extent the International Relations theories can help us to understand today’s developments. The module draws on the unique expertise in the Department of Politics at Liverpool: violent non-state actors. We are experts on terrorism, international criminal actors, human trafficking, insurgents and private military and security companies.

Research Methods in Politics module

The research methods module will familiarise you with some of the most commonly used qualitative and quantitative methods for political research. These include case study design and a basic introduction to descriptive statistics.

Dissertation module

In this module students will put all their research skill to work and develop a 12,000 – 15,000 word dissertation. One of the major advantages of the module is the freedom of choice: the student is free in choosing the research subject, and the opportunity to conduct independent research.
 

The core modules are complemented by optional modules. Students are free to choose three modules at their own discretion. Still, the programme design provides pathways suggestions (which are not mandatory) in order to assure coherency of studies. Each pathway is designed to complement the core modules, yet offers a unique additional specialization and qualification.
 

Pathway I: International Relations and Security
 

The pathway would deepen you understanding on matters international relations and security discussed in the core modules.

• POLI130 The International Politics of the Mediterranean and the Middle East

• POLI150 Contemporary Anti-Slavery, Forced Labour and Human Rights

• POLI 353 The Puzzle of Civil War

• POLI 347 Strategies Studies in Conflict and Terrorism

• POLI 328 EU as an International Actor

• POLI 321 International Intervention

• POLI 510 Quantitative Methods and World Politics

• LAW 353 Principles of International Law
   

Pathway II: Conflict Resolution
 

The conflict resolution pathway complements the discussions on conflict, violence and security in the core modules as it provides a deeper insight into conflict analysis and peaceful conflict solutions tools.

• POLI133 Comparative Peace Processes 

• POLI 307 Comparative and International Judicial Politics

• POLI510 Quantitative Methods and World Politics

• POLI815 Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland
   

Pathway III: Political Communication
 

The political communications pathway provides an additional perspective on international politics by adding the role of media to the picture.

• COMM765 Media and Politics: Theory

• COMM748 Global Journalism and Politics

• COMM763 Media and Politics: Economy and Society
   

Please note, all modules are subject to availability and it may be necessary to remove modules due to changes in staffing and research leave. Where modules are removed following registration, students will be notified as far in advance as possible.
 

Compulsory modules

• International Relations Theories 
• Research Methods in Politics 
• The International System 
• Masters Dissertation 

For entry onto this MA we require a good 2:1 Bachelor's degree in Politics studies or a related area e.g. other social science degree.  On occasion, we will also consider a good 2:1 Bachelor's degree from a non-social science area.
 

English language qualifications

All applicants must have reached a minimum required standard of English language, and are required to provide evidence of this. Qualifications accepted by the University include: GCSE English; GCE O level English; AS Level English; A Level English Language; IELTS; TOEFL; Cambridge Proficiency etc. 
 

If you meet the academic requirements of the course but do not have the required level of English Language, it is possible for you to come and study at the University on one of our Pre-sessional EAP programmes.  Please see the English Language Centre website for further information about these programmes;
 

• IELTS    6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT    88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 17, Reading 17, Speaking 19.
• International Baccalaureate    Standard Level 5
• Hong Kong use of English AS level    C
• INDIA Standard XII    70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards
• WAEC    C4-6
   

Please be advised that TOEFL is no longer classified by UK Visas and Immigration as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). However, at the current time the university is continuing to accept TOEFL, at the required level, for entry on to Undergraduate and Postgraduate academic programmes. 

Tuition fees (Home)
 

• The University's tuition fees are normally fixed at yearly intervals and follow Government guidelines on minimum levels. The normal tuition fee for Home (UK) postgraduate taught students per year (for the academic year 2022/23, unless otherwise specified) are stated below.  Please note that part-time fees are charged at 50% of the full-time fee shown below per year (unless otherwise specified). 
• In addition to your tuition fees, you may incur other costs in relation to your studies such as photocopying in the library, buying textbooks and specialist equipment or going on field classes. See our study costs page for full details.
   

Fee for this course    Year 1: £9,900

International students
 

• International students are required to pay the full costs of their tuition in the UK with each university setting its own international fees. 
• The University of Liverpool's fees represent excellent value for money for a Russell Group University. The normal tuition fee for full-time international postgraduate taught students per year (for the academic year 2022/23, unless otherwise specified) will be as follows:
   

International fee for this course    Year 1: £20,350

Student career development is a major interest for the department and we actively encourage you to integrate career planning into your academic studies. This is promoted through individual modules which have strong policy and career relevant aspects, a close relationship with the University’s excellent Careers Service and visits to relevant UK and EU actors in Liverpool, London and Brussels.
 

Over the course of your studies you will acquire unique analytical, problem-solving, written and verbal presentation, and methodological skills. This broad skill-set increases your employment opportunities as it allows you to market themselves in several areas. For example, a politics degree opens career prospects in these areas:
 

• Parliament, e.g. assistant to member of parliament,

• Government institutions (state or local level), e.g. civil servant or as a diplomat,

• International Organisations (e.g. UN, NATO, EU),

• Non-governmental organisations (e.g. Human Rights Watch),

• Newspaper journalism and other media,

• Corporate sector, e.g. lobbying or consultancy positions, in public relations, or to provide strategic analysis within the companies,

• Publishers,

• Academia or political consultancy (Think Tank).