MA
International Relations and European Studies
Historic and current debates of global politics
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course offers study of new security threats, terrorism, the rise of economic power in the East, the resurgence of Russia, and the spread of globalisation, alongside the establishment of the EU as an international player. You will engage with the main debates in this field, with a multi-disciplinary approach to specific topics.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Deepen your existing knowledge of international relations and/or European studies and specialise in particular areas
- Make yourself stand out in an increasingly competitive job market by extending your expertise and acquiring advanced research skills
- Go on to more advanced research and doctoral study
What opportunities might it lead to?
You will graduate from this programme with skills and knowledge that are attractive to employers such as research skills, data collection and analysis, as well as the ability to work independently and manage your own projects. Graduates have gone on to work in a whole range of local, national and international organisations, or to undertake doctoral research.
The relation between students and professors is very open and the friendly atmosphere allows me succeed in what I like.
Larisa Gavrila, MA International Relations and European Studies student 2013
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Entry
An honours degree in a social science, humanities or related subject.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £4,500, part-time students: £2,250 p/a* (2 years)
International full-time students: £10,500, part-time students: £5,250 p/a (2 years)
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies
Structure & Teaching
All students take the following core units:-
- Global Governance (Core)
- Challenges to EU Politics and Governance (Core)
- Contemporary Security in International Relations: Providers and Challenges
- Dissertation/Major Project (Core)
They also choose 1 out of the following:-
- Europe: Integration and Democratisation (Option)
- France and Africa: From the Colonial to the Contemporary Era (Option)
- Nation and Identity in Europe (Option)
- Europe and the World (Option)
- Negotiation and Lobbying in the EU: A simulation game (Option)
- Independent Project (Option)
- Work-based Learning (Option)
Teaching and Assessment
The course is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars in the afternoons and evenings. Part-time students who may be in employment are usually able to structure their course over two years such that tuition is concentrated on no more than two afternoons and evenings per week.
How are you assessed?
Assessment for most units on the course is in the form of an extended essay or project plus a 15,000-word dissertation at the end.
Facilities & Features
CEISR
Centre for European and International Studies Research
Work-Based Learning
Follow an optional unit in work-based learning
The Study Centre
A suite of rooms with group working spaces, printers, Mac workstations and more
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
CEISR
On your Master's, you will be studying with members of CEISR, the UK's largest centre for European Studies. Rated top for research in European Studies (Research Power Index), the Centre can offer a varied programme drawing on the wide range of research expertise within the Centre.
Work-Based Learning
You can connect this degree to your sphere of work by negotiating and completing a contract, thus reflecting on business practice in line with the rigour of academic study.
The Study Centre
A suite of rooms with a comfy seating area, desks where you can work, printers, Mac workstations and access to the wireless network so you can log in using your own laptop. There are also several study rooms where you can work on group projects, alongside access to the University 3rd Space.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
Changes such as the enlargement of the EU to the East, the further integration of the EU and the emergence of the EU as an international actor have meant that more than ever there is a demand for people with an advanced knowledge of European affairs and the workings of the EU. This course therefore provides an excellent basis for those seeking careers in such areas where interdisciplinary knowledge is required.
In addition, the course provides advanced training in a range of transferable skills which can be applied in different areas of employment. Students could go on to work in various areas including local government, the UK civil service, foreign government and European and international institutions, NGOs, teaching and further research as well as applying their expertise in the commercial sector.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.
While completing my MA, I started work with the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs at the UN Headquarters in New York. I have researched countries that might face electoral challenges in implementing free and fair elections, with emphasis placed on ensuring transparent and violence-free elections. My dissertation is based on the United Nations Security Council which provided me with background knowledge of the organization.
Deborah Ayis, MA International Relations and European Studies student, 2012