Best-selling book written by Professor John Baylis

In a world characterised by nuclear proliferation, international terrorism, global warming, desperate poverty and war, understanding the structures, processes and key issues is crucially important. 

The MA Degree in International Relations offers advanced research in International Relations, providing students with a detailed understanding of the international system, key issues, the crucial actors, and alternative ways of analysing and interpreting the subject. With an appreciation of the global dynamics at work, you then have the opportunity to specialise in examining one specific area of the world: the Asia-Pacific.

The 21st Century has often been called the Asia-Pacific Century, and with good reason when you consider it is home to the rising power of China, the powerful economies of Japan and the Asian tigers, and host to trouble spots ranging from nuclear weapons in Northeast Asia to Islamic terrorism in Southeast Asia.

Programme Details

Part I of the MA consists of 120-credits of compulsory and optional modules that provide training in research skills and theory, allow you to study particular topics with experts in the field, and prepare you for the 60-credit Dissertation which comprises Part II of the scheme. The MA can be pursued full-time or part-time. Full-time students complete Part I over two semesters, in one academic year; part-time students normally complete Part I over four semesters, in two years.

The compulsory modules for this degree are:-

• Approaches to International Relations
• Security in the Asia-Pacific Region
• Governance: from state formation to global governance
• Conceptual issues in the theory and practice of social science
• Research process and dissertation  

Weblink to Masters modules in Political and Cultural Studies.

Entry Requirements

We welcome students from all over the world with a range of backgrounds and qualifications. The typical entry requirement is a minimum of a lower second class BA degree (with an overall average of at least 55%) or equivalent, in Politics, International Relations or a related subject area.  Overseas students are expected to possess and IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if English is not their first language. Relevant work experience is also taken into consideration.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are employed in diverse and dynamic vocations such as government and politics, foreign affairs and diplomatic corps; humanitarian organisations; marketing, sales and advertising; commercial, industrial and public Sectors; education; business, law and finance; art, design and culture; journalism, media and PR.

Other books written by academic staff associated with the degree include:

For enquiries, please contact Dr. Krijn Peters: email: k.peters@swansea.ac.uk