MA International Relations and Diplomacy

Compulsory modules

International Relations Theory

Discuss key international relations theories from feminist, green and postcolonial perspectives. You’ll apply these theories to contemporary events and developments in international politics ranging from climate change to the rise of non-Western powers.

Contemporary Diplomacy

Explore the key concepts, types and practices of contemporary diplomacy since the Second World War. You’ll gain the analytical tools to understand how theories and concepts of diplomacy relate to actual diplomatic practice and to the complex process of domestic and international policymaking.

Advanced Academic Skills

Understand the academic expectations associated with postgraduate study. You'll learn about time management, strategic reading, library resources, essay-writing and where to find support during your studies.

Dissertation

Apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme to conduct an independent piece of research. You'll receive guidance from a supervisor.

Optional modules

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations

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 in Politics and International Relations

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 behaviour and learn to test hypotheses using such methods.

War in Theory and Practice

Analyse war as an evolving phenomenon. You’ll cover well-established theories of how wars can and should be fought and won, as well as emerging debates about how war is being transformed by technology and the prevalence of war within states.

International Security

Understand the impact of new security issues on government, the security forces and international politics. You’ll discuss transnational crime, global terrorism and private military companies.

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.

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.

Dynamics of Civil Wars

Discuss the dynamics of political violence in civil wars. You’ll engage with theories and case studies of contemporary conflicts, discussing key problems such as participation, recruitment, organisation, external support, rebel diplomacy and rebel governance.

Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences

Uncover philosophical, methodological, and ethical questions related to research design in Politics and International Relations in preparation for future doctoral study.

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.

The Politics of Nuclear Weapons

Examine the historical and political contexts for nuclear policy making. You’ll learn about the development of nuclear weapons, the evolution of nuclear strategy, the role nuclear weapons play in international politics, the risks posed by nuclear arsenals, and the policies and strategies in place to mitigate those risks.

Intelligence, War and International Relations

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 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.