MA International Relations and Diplomacy

Make sense of the complex and contested nature of international politics and diplomatic interactions.

Our MA International Relations and Diplomacy will equip you with the theoretical ideas and empirical knowledge required to understand the fundamental forces shaping global politics. You'll gain the ability to both appreciate broad trends, such as the re-emergence of war and the conditions that sustain peace, and think critically about particular issues.

Benefitting from regular guest speakers and the opportunity to learn from a former ambassador, you'll develop an appreciation of the nuances of international diplomacy and the problems faced by diplomats, politicians, and policymakers in responding to global challenges. Our modules help you develop practical skills that will boost your employability across a range of professions.

You can choose to apply your understanding in a practical way with a work placement project.

Recognised for research quality

Our academics in the Department of Politics and International Relations regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. Learn more about how we engage in real-world politics.

97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).

On this course, you’ll learn through discussion, interactive group work, presentations and simulations.

Be the diplomat

Benefit from regular input of current and former diplomats and undertake a range of practical policy-oriented exercises and assessments. These allow you to ‘be the diplomat’ and provide you with key employability skills.

Small-group teaching

Interactive small-group teaching is central to the MA International Relations and Diplomacy programme. Your voice will be heard and valued in these sessions, allowing you to engage in rich discussion with lecturers and peers.

As you move through the programme, you’ll become an increasingly independent learner.

Guided independent study

You’ll receive methods training that enables you to conduct an independent research project in the form of a dissertation.

You’ll also meet with your academic tutor regularly, to ensure you’re getting the best out of your time at Reading.

Tailor your degree

We offer a range of specialisms allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests. You can also choose to study a language with the Institution-Wide Language Programme.

Guest speakers

We regularly invite guest speakers to deliver lectures, allowing you to gain insight into the different opportunities available to you after graduation and a chance to build your network.

Previous speakers include:

John Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons
Alastair Campbell, former political aide
Dame Andrea Leadsom, former Leader of the House of Commons
Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat Leader
Matthew Barzun, former United States Ambassador to the UK.

Work Placement

Put your academic knowledge to practice and build your network with a work placement in an external organisation focused on international relations or international security. You will gain invaluable first-hand experience and independent problem solving, working within a professional environment . Further develop your independent and critical research skills through a written reflective research report which counts towards your final mark.

Overview

Make sense of the complex and contested nature of international politics and diplomatic interactions.

You can choose to apply your understanding in a practical way with a work placement project.

Recognised for research quality

Learning

On this course, you’ll learn through discussion, interactive group work, presentations and simulations.

Be the diplomat

Small-group teaching

As you move through the programme, you’ll become an increasingly independent learner.

Guided independent study

You’ll receive methods training that enables you to conduct an independent research project in the form of a dissertation.

You’ll also meet with your academic tutor regularly, to ensure you’re getting the best out of your time at Reading.

Tailor your degree

We offer a range of specialisms allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests. You can also choose to study a language with the Institution-Wide Language Programme.

Guest speakers

We regularly invite guest speakers to deliver lectures, allowing you to gain insight into the different opportunities available to you after graduation and a chance to build your network.

Previous speakers include:

John Bercow, former Speaker of the House of Commons
Alastair Campbell, former political aide
Dame Andrea Leadsom, former Leader of the House of Commons
Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat Leader
Matthew Barzun, former United States Ambassador to the UK.

Work Placement

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2.2 level or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. All of our programmes are appropriate for students from any discipline, although a social science, arts, business or humanities background would be of value. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

International Relations Theory

Discuss key international relations theories from feminist, green and postcolonial perspectives. You’ll apply these theories to contemporary events and developments in international politics ranging from climate change to the rise of non-Western powers.

Contemporary Diplomacy

Explore the key concepts, types and practices of contemporary diplomacy since the Second World War. You’ll gain the analytical tools to understand how theories and concepts of diplomacy relate to actual diplomatic practice and to the complex process of domestic and international policymaking.

Advanced Academic Skills

Understand the academic expectations associated with postgraduate study. You'll learn about time management, strategic reading, library resources, essay-writing and where to find support during your studies.

Dissertation

Apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme to conduct an independent piece of research. You'll receive guidance from a supervisor.

Optional modules

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations

Learn the basics of research design and discover a range of widely used qualitative research methods. You’ll focus on case studies, case analysis, process-tracing, historical approaches, archival research, interview techniques, critical discourses and analysis, ethnographic methods and qualitative comparative analysis.

Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations

Learn the basics of research design and discover a range of widely used quantitative research methods. Consider the best practices for the collection and analysis of information about human behaviour and learn to test hypotheses using such methods.

War in Theory and Practice

Analyse war as an evolving phenomenon. You’ll cover well-established theories of how wars can and should be fought and won, as well as emerging debates about how war is being transformed by technology and the prevalence of war within states.

International Security

Understand the impact of new security issues on government, the security forces and international politics. You’ll discuss transnational crime, global terrorism and private military companies.

Terrorism in a Globalising World

Consider the central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world. You’ll explore the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism, and the ongoing war against terror.

Worlding International Relations

Study the history and current development of international relations as you address the challenges formulated in diverse parts of the world and the Western dominance of the field of international relations. You’ll consider how scholars think about central concepts such as sovereignty, the state, war, peace, religion, and the ‘international’ using non-Western approaches.

Building Peace

Consider the challenges of building peace in conflict-affected states and the involvement in domestic politics of such states by donor states, UN peacekeepers and multilateral institutions. You’ll evaluate different approaches to building peace and examine the record of peace and state-building operations in war-torn states.

NATO Strategy during and after the Cold War

Study NATO’s Strategic Concepts that have developed since its formation in 1949. You’ll assess the applicability of concepts to relevant time periods as you draw on historical examples that illustrate the concepts applicability.

Politics of Public Policy

Discover how policy decisions are made and implemented. You’ll gain an understanding of the making, application and effects of public actions, and consider how these vary across policy areas and policy-making venues.

Dynamics of Civil Wars

Discuss the dynamics of political violence in civil wars. You’ll engage with theories and case studies of contemporary conflicts, discussing key problems such as participation, recruitment, organisation, external support, rebel diplomacy and rebel governance.

Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences

Uncover philosophical, methodological, and ethical questions related to research design in Politics and International Relations in preparation for future doctoral study.

International Organisations in Global Politics

Evaluate different approaches to building peace in fragile and conflict-affected states. You’ll examine post-conflict institution building and security sector reform, the different actors involved in these activities, and particular cases of peace-building, such as Kosovo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Liberia.

The Politics of Nuclear Weapons

Examine the historical and political contexts for nuclear policy making. You’ll learn about the development of nuclear weapons, the evolution of nuclear strategy, the role nuclear weapons play in international politics, the risks posed by nuclear arsenals, and the policies and strategies in place to mitigate those risks.

Intelligence, War and International Relations

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

International students applying to study this degree may also be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship.

Careers

Our MA International Relations and Diplomacy course will prepare you for a wide range of careers in governments and civil services across the world. Alternatively, you could work within the commercial sector, particularly in roles related to international relations, security, diplomacy and humanitarian aid.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules offered in the Department. This allows you to contextualise your studies within the wider field of politics and international relations and create a course that suits your career aspirations.

Career destinations for our graduates include:

Office for National Statistics
Civil Service Fast Stream
Department for International Trade
Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
Cabinet Office.

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