International Relations and Contemporary Political Theory: University of Westminster

Introduction

This course is hosted by the internationally recognised Centre for the Study of Democracy. It offers an innovative, intellectually challenging, and integrated approach to issues relating perspectives from political and social theory to international relations and areas of academic enquiry.

The MA in International Relations and Contemporary Political Theory provides an advanced critical and comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping state, inter-state relations and global politics, and key normative and empirical interpretations in contemporary politics.

Course Content

The course considers various aspects of local, regional and international politics, as well as the dynamics of national and international social and political power relationships and Conflicts, and such phenomena as changing patterns of war and revolution, political economy, social movements, communications media and public life. Comparisons of various historical continuities, discontinuities and contrasts are employed within the contexts of social processes and international relations.

Core modules:

• Dissertation and Research Methods
• Human Sciences: Perspectives and Methods
• International Relations Theory I: Theoretical Perspectives
• either Democracy: Global Perspectives
• or The State, Politics and Violence

Options, choose three from:

• Controversies in United States Foreign Policies and Processes
• Democracy and Islam
• Environmental and Urban Governance: International Perspectives
• Governance of the European Union
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Relations Theory 2: From a World of States to a World State?
• International Security
• International State-Building: Exporting Democracy?
• Introduction to Contemporary Chinese Societies and Cultures
• Latin America and Globalisation
• Modernity, Postmodernity and the Islamic Perspective
• Perspectives on Post-Cold War Chinese Foreign Policy
• Politics, Public Life and the Media
• The European Union as an International Actor

One of your options may be an approved free choice module hosted by another Masters course. The dissertation module must be taken either following the completion of all other modules, or concurrently with modules in your second semester.

Entry Requirements

• You will require a good Honours degree, First Class or Upper Second Class or equivalent. Equivalent qualifications from overseas are welcome
• if you hold or are expecting to gain a good first degree in an unrelated subject, you may be required to complete the University’s Summer School module in international relations or an equivalent approved by the course admissions tutor.
• You will need fluent written and spoken English to study at postgraduate level.
• If your first language is not English, an attainment of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent must be demonstrated.
• The University offers presessional summer programmes if you need to improve your English before starting your course.
• Your application must be supported by a reference written on institutional notepaper by an academic familiar with your abilities.
• Applications from mature candidates are welcomed.