International Relations and European Politics: University of Westminster

Introduction

The internationally recognised Department of Politics and International Relations hosts this course, offering an innovative, interdisciplinary and intellectually challenging theoretical and empirical framework for the study of the European Union in a global context.

Course Content

European integration plays a central role in contemporary international relations. At the start of the 21st century, the European Union (EU) stands as one of the world’s leading economic and political powers. Its international activities span international trade, diplomacy, security, conflict prevention, and overseas aid and development. This course approaches the study of European integration and EU politics through classic and contemporary literatures in the fields of international relations and comparative politics. It combines a rigorous theoretical grounding with professionally relevant knowledge and debate on leading issues.

Core modules:

• Dissertation module
• The European Union as an International Actor
• Governance of the European Union
• International Relations Theory 1: Theoretical Perspectives

Options, choose three from:

• Controversies in United States Foreign Policies and Processes
• Democracy and Islam
• Environmental and Urban Governance: International Perspectives
• European Immigration Policy in International Perspective
• International Humanitarian Law
• Latin America and Globalisation
• Modernity, Postmodernity and the Islamic Perspective
• Perspectives on Post-Cold War Chinese Foreign Policy
• Politics, Public Life and the Media

One of your options may be an approved free choice module hosted by another Masters course.

Associated Careers

This course will provide you with numerous key skills and knowledge that will prepare you for your future career in a variety of different fields. Their graduates hold posts within various international and national government departments and organisations. A substantial number of their graduates have also gone on to study for doctorates at Westminster and at other universities in different parts of the world.

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.