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  5. MA by Research in International Relations

International Relations, MA by Research

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UK Top 30 University

The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2019

Key Course Details

  • UK/EU
  • International
MA by Research 1 Years Full Time
    • Start Date September 2019
    • Location Singleton Park Campus
    • Tuition Fees Per Year £ 4,327
MA by Research 2 Years Part Time
    • Start Date September 2019
    • Location Singleton Park Campus
    • Tuition Fees Per Year £ 2,163.50
MA by Research 1 Years Full Time
    • Mode of Study
    • Start Date September 2019
    • Typical Offer - More Information
    • Location Singleton Park Campus
    • Tuition Fees Per Year £ 15,950
MA by Research 2 Years Part Time
    • Mode of Study
    • Start Date September 2019
    • Typical Offer - More Information
    • Location Singleton Park Campus
    • Tuition Fees Per Year £ 7,950
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Course Overview

An MA by Research 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.

Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as an isolated culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research.

You will submit a thesis of up to 40,000 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).

A dynamic research environment is promoted through our research groups by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise. These groups include:

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

Our expertise includes:

  • International Relations
  • International Development
  • International Security and Strategic Studies
  • Conflict
  • US Foreign Policy
  • Intelligence

As a research student, you are required to attend skills and training courses. You will deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference.

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Entry Requirements

MA by Research - You should hold or expect to achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject or hold relevant work experience. If you hold a qualification from a non-UK institution please see our academic entry requirements for International qualifications (non-EU).

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 6.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found at: www.swansea.ac.uk/english-tests. 

Applicants to this programme would normally be expected to meet the minimum entry requirements indicated above. The College/School reserves the right to ask for higher academic grades and qualifications. Admissions decisions take into account not only prior academic qualifications, but also factors including the standard of the research synopsis/proposal submitted by the applicant, their performance at interview (if required), intensity of competition for limited places and relevant professional experience (where appropriate).

Applicants to this programme would normally be expected to meet the minimum entry requirements indicated above. The College/School reserves the right to ask for higher academic grades and qualifications.

Admissions decisions take into account not only prior academic qualifications, but also factors including the standard of the research synopsis/proposal submitted by the applicant, their performance at interview (if required), intensity of competition for limited places and relevant professional experience (where appropriate).

How you are Supervised

We take care to ensure that each MA by Research student has the expert supervision required to complete their project within the candidature period. You will have a minimum of two supervisors based in the Department. Upon receipt of your application, we will identify supervisors whose research expertise matches your chosen topic.  You will usually meet your supervisors once a month, and possibly more often at critical stages of your candidature, including preparing for final submission. MA by Research students are eligible to apply for an upgrade to a Ph.D within the first year of their candidature, if they demonstrate the ability to perform at doctoral level.

Welsh Provision

If you are a Welsh speaker our dedicated academy, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
  • The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and every effort will be made to mark your work in its original language.
  • A Welsh-speaking personal tutor.
  • One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.

Since 2011, there has been a 40% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our *TEF data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers in regards to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

Tuition Fees

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2019/20 are as follows:

UK/EU International
MA by Research Full Time £ 4,327 £ 15,950
MA by Research Part Time £ 2,163.50 £ 7,950

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Note: The UK/EU fee is indicative pending confirmation from UKRI

If your course starts in January, April or July 2019 please refer to the 2018/19 fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. This is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but are not limited to):

  • Parking and travel to and from campus
  • Printing, photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
  • Purchase of books or texts
  • Printing and binding
  • Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Apply online and track your application status at www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline.

You may enrol in September, January, April or July.

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