University of Surrey, MSc, International Relations

All students take a common set of compulsory modules (including modules on research methods and Theories of International Relations). Two further compulsory modules are taken for each pathway, allowing you to select three optional modules from a range of European and/or international politics topics.

Compulsory Modules

• Introduction to Research

This module provides an introduction to the design and conduct of social science research. It provides a broad overview of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research in the social sciences.

• Research in Practice

The module has a strong practical focus and students gain experience of using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and apply their knowledge on a research area of their choice. Students also gain experience in using SPSS for statistical analysis. 

• Theories of International Relations

The module explores a range of theoretical approaches to study of International Relations thus introducing students to different ways current trends in the international system. 

Optional Modules

• Global Governance

This module provides a general introduction to the contemporary system of global governance. It seeks to provide students with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field. 

• Politics of International Intervention 1

The module examines, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective, the different kinds of international intervention in response to poverty, humanitarian crisis, abuses of human rights, state failure, and armed conflict.

• Politics of International Intervention 2

This module builds on Politics of International Intervention 1 by requiring students to deliver a critical analysis of the failures and successes of intervention in two respects: first, to critique the theoretical literature on intervention in respect of its explanatory power; second, to critique the practice of intervention– students develop the skills to compare and contrast intervention in different crises. 

• International Security and Defence

This module enables students to examine different types of state, non-state and international, regional and sub-regional security and defence providers in the context of new security threats, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, failed states and the new interventionism. Actors include the UN, the EU, NATO, ECOWAS, the US, France, Germany, the UK, Poland, NGOs and private military companies. 

• Critical Studies on Security and Terrorism

This module offers an introduction to the major theoretical and empirical debates that structure two sub-disciplines: Critical Security Studies and Critical Terrorism Studies.  

• Key Issues in International Politics

This module provides an opportunity for students to investigate and discuss contemporary developments in international politics. The specific content varies to meet contemporary issues. 

• International Political Economy

This module provides an opportunity for students to apply their understanding of key theories and debates in international political economy (IPE) to current developments and case studies. 

• American Foreign Policy

This module introduces students to the different schools of thought on American foreign policy and key contemporary issues in American foreign policy.

• The EU and Its Neighbourhood

This module considers the EU’s perception of threats and opportunities and the methods it employs in order to reduce threat and maximise potential. Russia is treated as a particular case that reveals the successes of the EU’s multilateral activities and the complexities engendered by its member states’ bilateral relationships.