International relations is an area of politics that largely focuses on how two or more nations interact with each other. As an introduction to the course you will study the evolution of international relations theory – for example how international relations relates to problems of anarchy, sovereignty, order, justice and solutions.

Early on in the course, you will have a choice between two topics: International Security which will look at the main concepts and models within the subject as well as its issues and policies, or International Political Economy which considers topics like globalisation, financial liberation and economic growth.

Once your knowledge, understanding and analytical skills have grown in international relations, you will choose a further two additional optional modules which cover democracy, migrant law, post-war world affairs, security in the middle east, and geopolitics. Finally, a research project of your choice under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor completes the course.

In keeping with the importance Brunel places on getting you ready for work, this degree includes the rare option of a work placement – 6-12 weeks of professional practice that takes place between May and September in an organisation with an international dimension to its mission.

Other opportunities to network and build knowledge include the option to take up membership with Chatham House, the leading British think tank on international affairs. Benefits include access to library and archive materials as well as regular events.

In fact, Brunel’s proximity to central London’s world-class research facilities, Westminster and Whitehall means you couldn’t be better placed to immerse yourself in an established political area.

Entry Requirements

Are you eligible to apply?

Course Content

Your studies are built around a foundation of compulsory modules with a range of optional modules to choose from within the subject. To complete your MA, you will undertake a substantial piece of written research in a topic of your choice under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor.

Teaching and Learning

You will be taught by experts in politics, international relations, public policy and contemporary history, including Dr John MacMillan, Course Director and Senior Lecturer in International Relations whose interests include the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and how it relates other disciplines like Law, Political Economy or Political Theory.

You will learn through a combination of lectures (main classes) and seminars (smaller classes that encourage debate and exchange) and through directed reading. You will also learn from like-minded classmates who come to study at Brunel from across the globe.

Evolution of International Relations

To provide students with a systematic and critical understanding of the main theoretical and epistemological developments in the subject of International Relations through the application of IR theory to a range of constitutive problems in the subject area. Students who successfully complete this module will be able to authoritatively engage in the main theoretical debates within the field of International Relations.

Dissertation and Research Skills in International Relations

The dissertation is the element of assessment that demonstrates Masters level academic competence in the field of International Relations and of professional potential. It requires the student to apply knowledge and analytical skills developed in the course as a whole to a specific research area/problem of personal and subject interest.