2012
Course overview
You will investigate the major questions concerning contemporary politics and international relations, and tackle the key issues facing global decision makers.
The course's inter-disciplinary approach reflects the broadening nature of the subject beyond the confines of inter-state relations. You will have the opportunity to undertake in-depth analysis of specific international political issues, regions and specialisms, with a particular focus on contemporary issues such as human rights and security. There will also be scope to study optional topics of particular interest to you.
Your lectures and seminars will be informed by the latest research, and will draw on the specialist knowledge of our academic staff. Delivered in the Faculty of Creative Industries and Society, the course is suitable for graduates of humanities, social sciences, and other relevant disciplines. The course may also be taken as a ‘conversion opportunity’ from fields such as Law and Business.
Industrial focus
This MA will enhance your global career prospects, and you will graduate with a valuable and internationally respected qualification desired by a broad range of employers.
Course content
In addition to studying four core units during the first and second semester, a diverse range of optional units will enable you to tailor a pathway of study that is most relevant to your interests and career aspirations. Your Master's dissertation will be developed, planned and researched during your time of study and completed in the summer period.
Core units
Contemporary Politics and Globalisation
This unit will Identify and analyse the key aspects of contemporary social and political change, and in particular, the implications of global change.
International Relations: Theory and Practice
You will examine the theory of international relations, and how it attempts to deal with the practice of international politics. The unit covers the historical development of IR theory and the uses to which it has been put in the real world, as well as the ideological underpinnings of much of today’s IR theory.
Methods of Inquiry in Human Sciences
This unit will consider the range of research skills and methods necessary to investigate specific areas within the human sciences. You will explore a variety of quantitative and qualitative investigative techniques, and the epistemological framework that underpins them. There is a central focus on research ethics and the application of research to policy and practice.
Professional Development and Project Design
This unit will prepare you to embark on your final project/dissertation by enhancing your awareness of the theoretical and practical issues involved in developing and conducting research.
Master's Project
You will design, execute and present an individually demanding piece of work that deploys a systematic and in-depth understanding of the skills and debates relevant to your particular discipline of study. The final form of your project will be negotiated with your project advisor.
Optional Units (choice of two conditional on availability)
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International Law and Ethics
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International Organisations
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Political Violence, Terrorism and Security
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Controversies in US Foreign Policy
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Critical Perspectives on Capitalism, Development and the State
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Human Rights
Assessment
Your knowledge will be developed via lectures, seminars and workshops, and you will also participate in group work, independent writing and research, group projects and discussions. Assessment is via 3,500 word assignments, individual and group presentations, in addition to a 15-20,000 word dissertation or project.
Key career skills
Research methods, critical analysis and interpretation of information, communication, teamwork and leadership.
Projects/work experience
You’ll enhance your employability and professionalism by engaging with case studies, work place based and live client assignments, projects and other tasks that allow opportunities to develop current practice in the workplace.
Solent’s special features
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Guest Speakers
Guest lecturers provides an opportunity for interaction with figures from the world of academia, politics and international relations.
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Staff Expertise
Our academic staff provide a blend of practitioner, teaching and research expertise. Our tutors have well-established reputations for their research and publications, and have contributed to debates on the international stage. You will benefit from their broad range of research interests.
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Facilities
In addition to a wealth of library and IT resources for postgraduate students, we offer workshops and one-to-one guidance on the availability and use of information sources.
Course length
September intake: 12 months.
(Also available part-time.)
Fees
Fees for the 2012/13 academic year are:
Full-time
UK and EU students: £4,500 per annum
Overseas students: £10,000 per annum
Part-time
UK and EU students: £2,250 pa
Overseas students: £5,000 pa