MSc (International Relations)

Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Objectives

The MSc (International Relations) programme offers an integrative set of courses that aims to equip students with the ability to understand international relations and develop their own concepts to deal with volatile world situations.

The MSc IR programme is designed to help students better comprehend the ever-changing international scene. It aims to help students:

Develop analytical skills to understand a complex, interdependent world.

Recognize the significance of theory for practice, and practice in theory.

Appreciate the complex dynamics between state and non-state actors.

Encourage creative rethinking of policy analysis.

Relevance

Today, the security of state and non-state actors is increasingly complicated. Core security issues-focusing on the security of the state from the application of power by hostile actors-remains fundamental; however, the threats to states are today more diverse and take numerous forms. In addition, so-called non-traditional security issues-catastrophic climate change, resource scarcity, infectious diseases, to name but three-are gaining in importance in the security calculus of public and private actors. The core security mechanisms-the military and national security forces of the state-remain salient, but they are increasingly being complemented, if not replaced, by non-violent mechanisms of national security - global and regional multilateral institutions are experimenting with new techniques of dealing with conflict, such as preventive diplomacy, and humanitarian intervention.

Benefits

It is vital for defence and national security professionals to be conversant with the new security concepts and strategic theories, as well as be well-acquainted with the intricacies of strategic planning, design and policy analysis. Such knowledge is also useful for corporate planners grappling with the complexities of the current security paradigms.

Content

The MSc (International Relations) programme is specially designed to cover a broad spectrum of issues, including:

• Theories of International Relations
• The Making of Foreign Policy
• Technology Management
• Global Governance
• Politics of Communications
• Politics of the Global South
• Foreign Policies of the Great Powers
• Area studies, specifically the Asia Pacific Region

Students are required to take one core course: The Study of International Relations. In addition, students completing a Masters dissertation must take five additional courses (three primary, and two electives), while those in the non-dissertation stream must take seven additional courses (five primary, and two electives).

Degree Requirements

The programme leading to the MSc (International Relations) comprises:

• One core course
• Minimum five / maximum six Primary courses
• Minimum two / maximum three Elective courses

Career Advancement

MSc (International Relations) graduates may pursue careers in public relations or media industries.

Other options are public sector jobs in policymaking or foreign affairs and positions in international organisations and NGOs. Opportunities in research and academia also await students who complete this course.