International Relations, MPhil

Swansea University

COURSE OVERVIEW

An MPhil in International Relations at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

The MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You will submit a thesis of up to 60,000 words, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups:

Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO)
International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS)
Political Analysis and Government (PAG)

This expertise includes:

International Development
Conflict
International security and strategic studies
US Foreign Policy
Intelligence

You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in the field of International Relations, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Social Sciences Postgraduate conference.

You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Programme Summary

This MPhil in International Relations at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 60,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work, and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences.

Programme Aims

This Masters programme will provide students with:

The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment
Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis
Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement