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MA International Relations
Why choose Herts?
- Research opportunities: Benefit from advanced research and Placement Year pathway options (with placements available in the media, at political organisations, and research institutes).
- Industry-focused content: Explore contemporary debates within international relations whilst studying energy scarcity, ecological changes, and ideas on global justice.
- Employment prospects: Our graduates work as policy advisers, communications managers, and researchers for NGOs, government institutions, and large multinational organisations.
Alumni Stories
Jemimah Faransa
Meet Jemimah. Jemimah chose Herts because it was one of the few institutions that offered a year on placement. She is now looking to work in post-crisis management and humanitarian assistance.
| Current job role | Looking for employment |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2022 |
| Course of study | MA International Relations |
Gaining valuable real-world experience
After completing a bachelor’s degree at a different university, Jemimah decided to study MA International Relations at Herts after hearing about her friend’s positive experience. Having the opportunity to go on placement for a year was also a big plus for Jemimah. As she says, ‘It was one of a few universities that offered this, and it gave me a valuable opportunity to gain experience in the workplace.’
For her placement, Jemimah interned at City Year, a charity that helps students in London overcome personal and academic challenges with the aim of reducing inequality in education. She adds, ‘Studying international relations exposed me to the challenges people face and showed how these were being addressed at a global and regional level - whether that’s through policy-making, diplomacy, or research. My placement year allowed me to build on what I had learnt in the classroom in a real-world setting.’
Jemimah began her studies at Herts during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but was able to return to face-to-face lectures towards the end of her course. One of her fondest memories from her time at Herts was meeting her lecturers and peers in person for the first time. She says, ‘I can still picture what it was like that day. Attending graduation was another fantastic experience, as we were all able to come together one final time and celebrate two years of hard work.’
Her plans and advice
Jemimah graduated in December 2022 and is looking for a role in international development. Her passion is in post-crisis management and humanitarian assistance, and she believes her studies at Herts have given her the skills to help people in the most difficult of circumstances, such as war.
Jemimah’s advice for Herts students is to ‘not be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources at Herts to help you perform academically and look after your wellbeing.’
Alumni Stories
Harry Barnes
Meet Harry. He turned a keen interest in politics and history into a career and is now working for a Member of Parliament.
| Current job role | Working in an MP’s constituency office |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2020, 2021 |
| Course of study | BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations, MA International Relations |
From undergrad to postgrad
Harry had a keen interest in politics and history and wanted to build on what he had learnt during his A-levels. He felt that the undergraduate politics and international relations programme at Herts offered him that and says, ‘I saw the course as an opportunity to turn a passion into a valuable qualification. I lived in Hertfordshire too, so the location of the University allowed me to continue working part-time time whilst I studied.’
Harry was impressed by the quality of teaching during his undergraduate course and said that it was an easy choice to complete his postgraduate degree, MA International Relations, at Herts too. He says, ‘Both courses had a broad mix of modules, and your knowledge was assessed by a combination of written tasks and engaging practical exercises, which I enjoyed.’
Like many students, Harry fitted in visits to the EleHouse and midweek events at The Forum between his studies. But when he needed to work hard, he spent most of his time at the de Havilland Learning Resources Centre (LRC). He says, ‘The LRC was quiet, had plenty of space and was a short walk from everything else on campus.’
After Herts
Since graduating from Herts, Harry has worked in a public relations role before moving to a position in an MP’s constituency office. There, he works with government departments and external stakeholders to help constituents. He says, ‘I spend a lot of time sorting issues with passport and visa applications, social housing, and assisting with benefits claims. Another big part of the role is communicating the MP’s position on a variety of topics and making people aware of the work they do locally and in Parliament.’
Harry’s advice
Harry’s best advice for current and future students is to ‘make use of your tutors and use the library’. He adds, ‘I know this seems obvious, but once I took advantage of all the support available, I saw a huge improvement in my work. And never be afraid to ask your lecturers if you’re unsure about a concept or theory.’
About the course
The MA International Relations course provides students with a contemporary, critical, and exciting insight into the vagaries of global politics. Students will study a range of modules, taught by research-active staff who are experts in their fields. The modules are assessed through a variety of both traditional, such as essays, presentations, critical reviews, and non-traditional, such as podcasts, blogs, simulations, assignments, which aim to assess and develop not only discipline-related knowledge but also transferable, soft skills necessary for future employment. Students will also complete a 12,000-word research dissertation on a topic of their choice. Whether it’s the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, the energy crisis, or the war in Ukraine, International Relations has never been more relevant.
This degree is aimed at applicants who wish to find employment in careers that require advanced research and communication skills, such as government departments, non-governmental organisations, businesses, marketing, journalism, or those wishing to proceed to postgraduate research.
Pathway Options
- MA International Relations - one year
- MA International Relations (with Placement Year) - two year (not available to semester B entry)
- MA International Relations (with Advanced Research) - two year
Why choose this course?
- Innovative curriculum: Modules are varied with contemporary relevance to current developments in international relations. These modules provide students with a critical insight into the realities and workings of the international political system.
- Geographic location: The University of Hertfordshire campus is situated within a 20-minute train ride to and from London. London is a global hub for political activity, our excellent location allows students to benefit from opportunities provided in the capital.
- Flexibility and skills: The range of study routes and entry points available allow students to develop core transferable skills and to tailor studies to meet individual needs and career aspirations.
- Research-led teaching: Students benefit from extensive in-class contact with expert research-active staff.
- Diverse cohort: Learn alongside an internationally diverse group of students in a department with extensive experience teaching both home and international students.
- Postgraduate survey: 3rd for hisotry and archaeology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, Advance HE, 2023).
Is this course for me?
This course would appeal to:
- graduates who have completed their BA degree in politics and/or international relations and would like to extend and deepen their subject knowledge
- graduates from related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, such as history, philosophy or sociology, keen to focus or specialise in international politics
- graduates seeking a flexible MA degree to balance with work and family commitments
- UK and international graduates looking to combine MA studies with advanced professional and research training
- graduates seeking MA studies in a closely-knit, supportive research community and those to education as mature students
- working or retired professionals looking to expand theoretical and empirical knowledge of the global political system.
What will I study?
Our award-winning lecturers are delivered by research-active staff who will introduce and explain topical matters across the discipline of international relations. You will:
- participate in interactive stimulating lectures and seminars and take ownership of your own learning within a supportive and managed environment
- engage in simulation activities which replicate the international relations environment and experiences
- benefit from regular detailed and personal supervision sessions to support your independent research
- gain experience in presenting your research at a student conference where you will provide answers to unprepared questions
- have external speakers and industry visits allowing you to gain a wider understanding of where your degree fits into the broader framework of international politics
- attain insights through research study sessions looking into how theories, methods and methodologies operate in a real research environment.
Key staff
Dr Benjamin Nutt
Find out more about Dr Benjamin Nutt
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| MA International Relations | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MA International Relations | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |