International Politics  MA

Overview

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Overview

At the heart of contemporary international politics are new challenges to enduring problems. Increasing concerns such as poverty, terrorism, conflict, human rights, economic development, health, and the global environment, make the study of international politics a unique and exciting challenge.

City's International Politics MA provides you with an opportunity to examine and critically evaluate issues of the contemporary world.

It covers the area of international politics, both theory and practice, including development and globalisation, civil society and social movements, history and religion, global political economy, governance and international institutions, security studies and foreign policy.

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £9,000 (2013 entry)
  • Part-time EU: £5,000 (2013 entry)
  • Full-time Non EU: £13,000 (2013 entry)
  • Part-time Non EU: £7,000 (2013 entry)

Start Date:

Induction will be taking place in the week commencing Monday 23 September 2013.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

You should have or expect to gain a first or upper second class honours (or equivalent) degree in Politics, the Social Sciences or Humanities, Business or Law.

However, we will also consider applications from students with a degree in any other subject where applicants have gained significant professional experience in a related field of employment or research.

Other Suitable Qualifications

Postgraduate Preparatory Courses for International Students

If you do not qualify for direct entry, our partner INTO City University London offers an academic preparation programme - the Graduate Diploma in Business, Law and Social Science. The course offers a route to City University London through an excellent teaching and learning experience, located in purpose built study facilities. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma at INTO City University London to the standard required provides guaranteed progression to this Masters degree.

English Requirements

If your first language is not English one of the following qualifications is also required:

• IELTS: an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest
• TOEFL: a score of 600 minimum (computer score 250,
internet score 100)
• Cambridge ESOL CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) at Grade C or above.

INTO English Language Programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Please click the links below for more information:

Visa Requirements

City University London retains Highly Trusted Status from UKBA, enabling us to sponsor international students to study in the UK.

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Start Date:
Induction will be taking place in the week commencing Monday 23 September 2013.
Duration:
Full-time - one year
Part-time - two years (with an additional three months to submit dissertation, if required)

Full-time students will normally attend for two or three days a week for both the first and second academic terms. Full time students will take three modules per term, plus a dissertation over the summer term/period.

Part-time students will normally attend for one or two days each week for two years. Part-time students will take three modules in each of their two years, plus a dissertation in the summer of their second year.

In the first year they must take the core module 'Governing Global Politics' and are also strongly recommended to complete the core module 'Theories of International Politics'. In their second year they must take the remaining core module 'International Politics Research Workshop'.

Course Content

The modules listed below provide you with the opportunity to examine and critically evaluate issues of the contemporary world.

Course Structure

You take six taught modules (three core and three elective), plus a dissertation.

Core modules

Elective modules

Choose three from:


Media-related modules - you may be able to choose one of the following modules, but spaces are limited:

The above-listed modules may be subject to change before or during the course of your studies. The modules on offer may vary from year to year depending on staff availability and student demand.

Read the full programme specification.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, student presentations and practical workshops. Teaching is supported by a personal tutorial and supervision system and a general lecture series with outside speakers (both professional and academic). You will complete six taught modules, made up of a mixture of compulsory core and elective options. You will also take part in a dissertation workshop and produce your dissertation over the summer period.

Assessment

Each taught module is assessed by a 4,000-word essay. There are no examinations. Your final MA marks are derived from a combination of your essay and dissertation grades. You are required to submit a dissertation of 15,000 words in an area linked to the MA degree. Your dissertation topic will be agreed with your personal tutor/supervisor.

Teaching staff

All our academic staff are actively involved in postgraduate teaching. Find out more about them by reading their individual staff profiles.

Read the full programme specification.

Sample Course Materials

If you are new to the subject, you might like to look at:

  • Robert Jackson and Georg Sorenson, "Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches" (Oxford University Press, 2007)
  • Hedley Bull, "The Anarchical Society" (various editions)
  • Nick Bisley, "Rethinking Globalization" (Palgrave, 2007)
  • Joseph Stiglitz, "Globalization and its Discontents" (Penguin, 2002)

Fees

  • Full-time EU: £9,000 (2013 entry)
  • Part-time EU: £5,000 (2013 entry)
  • Full-time Non EU: £13,000 (2013 entry)
  • Part-time Non EU: £7,000 (2013 entry)

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

Career Prospects

The skills of International Politics graduates are of direct relevance to a wide range of professions including those in teaching, research, civil service, media communications, journalism, international organisations, NGOs, international finance and the private sector.

80% of City's 2010 International Politics graduates were in employment or further study 6 months after graduation. Employers included UNESCO, the Open Rights Group and the United Nations.

International Politics Careers Day

During your MA year you can attend the Department's 'International Politics Careers Day' which explores career opportunities with International Politics degrees and provides:

  • Talks by speakers within the field (including City alumni). Previous speakers have included staff from the Department for International Development, the Ministry of Justice, UNESCO, the EU Commission and the UN Peacebuilding Support  Office (PBSO).
  • Talks by careers consultants and volunteering coordinators
  • CV, applications and volunteering drop-in sessions with careers professionals.



About the School and Department

School of Social Sciences

Department of International Politics

Find out more about City University London

Application Deadline

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications will close when the course is full, so you are encouraged to apply early.

MA International Politics

To apply you will need to submit:

  • An application form (either electronically or by post)
  • Two academic references
  • Degree transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (if you are not a native English speaker, or someone who has not been taught in English for their first degree subject)

If you have work experience in a relevant field, a work reference can replace one of the academic references.

Apply Online (Full-time)

Apply Online (Part-time)

 If you would like to request an application pack (containing an application form, reference forms and programme information) then please email your name, address and the name of the programme to Luke Bartrop.

The application form and reference form can also be downloaded via the following link:

 Download a PDF version of the application form (pdf)

Download a PDF version of the reference form (pdf)

Return the completed form to:

Luke Bartrop
School of Arts and Social Sciences
City University London
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB