MRes Politics and International Relations

Compulsory Modules

Philosophy of Social Science

Prepare for future doctoral study as you explore the philosophical, methodological, and ethical questions that are inseparable from research design in politics and international relations. You’ll learn how to reflect upon ethical questions that have risen from your own research and state your own methodological assumptions.  

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Learn the basics of research design and discover a range of widely used qualitative research methods. You’ll focus on case studies, case analysis, process-tracing, historical approaches, archival research, interview techniques, critical discourses and analysis, ethnographic methods and qualitative comparative analysis.  

Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods

Learn the basics of research design and discover a range of widely used quantitative research methods. Consider the best practices for the collection and analysis of information about human behavior and learn to test hypotheses using such methods.  

Optional Modules

Politics of Public Policy

Discover how policy decisions are made and implemented. You’ll gain an understanding of the making, application and effects of public actions, and consider how these vary across policy areas and policy-making venues.

International Relations Theory

Investigate the main theories of international relations and discover how to critically examine and evaluate competing theoretical arguments. You’ll master the ability to reach and defend clear conclusions about such arguments and explore the contemporary international order through a  theoretical lens. 

International Security Studies

Examine the nature and objectives of security politics from different perspectives, exploring traditional theories of security and critically examining newly emerging concepts such as ‘human security’, ‘risk society’ and the way scholars and practitioners address new threats to security.  

Contemporary Diplomacy

Gain an understanding of the concepts and practices of contemporary diplomacy, including  the evolution of diplomatic practice since the Second World War across a range of actors including states, international organisations and non-state actors. You’l become familiar with key academic works on the subject, as well as ideas and concepts related to diplomacy and how diplomacy relates to the complex process of policymaking.  

Terrorism in a Globalising World

Consider the central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world. You’ll explore the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism, and the ongoing war against terror.  

Worlding International Relations

Study the history and current development of international relations as you address the challenges formulated in diverse parts of the world and the Western dominance of the field of international relations. You’ll consider how scholars think about central concepts such as sovereignty, the state, war, peace, religion, and the ‘international’ using non-Western approaches

Building Peace

Consider the challenges of building peace in conflict-affected states and the involvement in domestic politics of such states by donor states, UN peacekeepers and multilateral institutions. You’ll evaluate different approaches to building peace and examine the record of peace and state-building operations in war-torn states.  

NATO Strategy during and after the Cold War

Study NATO’s Strategic Concepts that have developed since its formation in 1949. You’ll assess the applicability of concepts to  relevant time periods as you draw on historical examples that illustrate the concepts applicability.  

International Organisations in Global Politics

Evaluate different approaches to building peace in fragile and conflict-affected states. You’ll examine post-conflict institution building and security sector reform, the different actors involved in these activities, and particular cases of peace-building, such as Kosovo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Liberia.

Strategic Studies

These are the modules that we current offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.