MSc International Relations Theory London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

MSc International Relations Theory is an advanced, academic study of the subject from a theoretical perspective.

The programme offers a deeper exploration of the ways in which people think about international relations, how international relations are theorised and conceptualised, and why they act the way they do when conducting international relations as a field of practice. The compulsory course covers the main explanatory and normative approaches in international relations theory - realism, liberalism, the "English School", constructivism, normative theory, gender and feminist writings and postcolonial perspectives. It explores international relations as knowledge, as a social science and as a practical discipline. You will also submit a 10,000-word dissertation and can choose optional courses within the Department or elsewhere in the School.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. In the International Relations Department, courses at masters level will be taught by members of faculty, including LSE teaching fellows, assistant professors, associate professors and professors, as well as guest teachers and visiting members of staff who are experts in their field.

Assessment

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course and/or by final examination at the end of the course.

Careers

Most of our former MSc students go on to work in government, international organisations, financial institutions, journalism and corporations, but some continue on to research degrees and the academic profession.