MA International Politics

Entry standards

A good undergraduate degree (First or Second class) in a social science or humanities discipline (or an equivalent qualification). In exceptional cases students with relevant practical experience but no first degree may also be admitted. 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MA International Politics - structure and modules

Module Titles

Compulsory modules  

• Global Governance 
• Theories of International Relations 
• Introduction to Research 
• Research in Practice  

Optional modules include: 

• Nationalism, Migration and Identity 
• Key Issues in International Politics Today 
• International Security and Defence 
• Religious Ideologies and International Conflict 
• The State and European Integration 
• Theories of European Integration 

Compulsory Modules  

Global Governance 

This module introduces contemporary systems of global governance. It explores the links between national and international politics and provides an understanding of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates. 

Theories of International Relations 

This module explores a range of theoretical approaches to the study of international relations. It begins with the classical debates, moving on to mainstream theories, and concludes with critical approaches. 

Introduction to Research 

This module provides an introduction to the design and conduct of social science research. Emphasis is placed on the applicability of these methods to other subject areas across the social sciences. 

Research in Practice 

This module has a strong practical focus. You will gain experience of using both qualitative and quantitative methods and applying your knowledge of research methods. 

Optional modules include: 

Nationalism, Migration and Identity 

This module introduces the concepts used in examining the relationships within and between social groups which consider themselves distinctive. It uses case studies to demonstrate the continuing importance of ethnicity, national identity, nationalism and the politics of migration as sources of tension or conflict in Europe. 

Key Issues in International Politics Today 

This module investigates contemporary developments in international politics. You will cover a range of issues at regional and international levels, such as the war on terror, human rights, development, humanitarianism and the environment. 

International Security and Defence 

This module provides an overview of the field since 1945, in particular the shifts resulting from the end of the Cold War. It moves on to consider contemporary themes and future scenarios for the development of security and defence. 

Religious Ideologies and International Conflict 

This module considers religious ideologies and the significance of belief in contemporary conflicts. You will examine the relationship between belief and reason, and the politicisation of religious ideologies. 

The State and European Integration 

This module introduces the European Union (EU). Beginning with the roots of the integration process, it moves on to consider the EU’s operation in terms of actors and policies. It concludes by exploring perspectives on its future development. 

Theories of European Integration 

This module provides a critical overview of the theories applied to the process of European integration. It engages with different families of theory before comparing, contrasting and reconciling the differing approaches.

MA International Politics - entry standards

Entry standards

A good undergraduate degree (First or Second class) in a social science or humanities discipline (or an equivalent qualification). In exceptional cases students with relevant practical experience but no first degree may also be admitted. 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Planned intake

30 for all MA programmes in the School

Start date

September

MA International Politics - fees and funding

Fees

International Politics (full time):

UK/EU - £5,200 
Overseas - £11,550

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

Funding opportunities

Scholarships

We can offer several scholarships to support students taking their MA degrees. Currently, the Department has three scholarships of £2000 each, which will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. All applicants for the MA programmes will be automatically considered for these scholarships, without any additional application procedure. The decision will be made in the spring before the start of teaching and successful applicants informed at that point.

MA International Politics - professional context

Careers

Our MA programmes are a great stepping stone in your career development, whatever your plans. Students from the Department have gone on to a wide range of activities. These include working for international organisations, national and local government, through to lobby groups and nongovernmental organisations, as well as private businesses and media organisations. If you wish to continue your studies, we also offer doctoral supervision in a wide range of political subjects.

MA International Politics - teaching

Teaching hours

Full-time students typically have eight contact hours of teaching per week and are expected to spend approximately thirty additional hours on independent study.

Teaching

For each degree, there is a similar pattern of teaching and assessment. In the first semester, you will take four modules. For each of these, there is a weekly two-hour block, which combines lecturing and student discussion. Assessment in this semester is all by coursework. In the second semester, you take another four modules, again with a weekly class. The only difference here is that some of these modules have a final examination. Once the taught part of the programme is finished in early summer, you will work on your dissertation through until the end of the summer, supported by regular supervision from the Department.

Staff perspective

Programme Director

All five of our degrees will provide you with the theoretical tools to help you understand current political developments, with
the opportunity to develop considerable expertise in international intervention, international politics and/or European politics.

On all programmes you will receive a thorough training in research methods, which will enable you to complete an independent piece of research yourself, in an area of specific interest. You also have the possibility of gaining a fascinating insight into another country – by studying for a Dual MA with North Carolina State University in the United States or with Seoul National University in South Korea.

Our degrees will also help you into the world of work: you will gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of international and/or European politics, welcomed by many international organisations, as well as a broad range of transferable skills, valued by all employers. You will also benefit from the wide variety of student perspectives – our classes usually include students from many different parts of the world. This makes teaching on the programme particularly enjoyable, too.

MA International Politics - learning

MA International Politics - graduate profile

Student Profile: James Nye

MA International Politics

I have just finished reading for a Masters in International Politics. I chose this particular degree programme because I had really enjoyed my experience at Surrey when studying German and European Studies as an undergraduate.

I always found the lecturing and pastoral care to be of the highest standard, with a great ethos of learning, hard work and achievement in a mutually rewarding and beneficial environment.

I greatly improved my analytical and independent thinking skills during this course. In the future I plan to either continue with my studies and apply for a PhD candidacy in the field of international relations or continue with my work for the UK Civil Service.

Student Profile: Umme Hoque

MA International Politics

I chose to come to Surrey for my Masters for a variety of reasons. Guildford is an easy train ride to London but not as overwhelming as living in the city. In  addition, the University is highly ranked in graduate placement, and finding a good job is obviously extremely important post-MA.

Through the International Politics programme, I’ve met a wide and diverse range of students, all of whom come together to discuss politics and different life experiences. It’s absolutely amazing and something I would never have had the opportunity to do if I hadn’t attended Surrey. The professors are extremely approachable and helpful,
which makes classes and assignments much easier.

After graduating, I am hoping to get a position with a non-governmental organisation or nonprofit political organisation, working in media production or communications, as that’s my professional background. After this intense MA experience, I am ready to be out of school, at least for a while!

I’m from the US, and the visa process can be quite complex. It’s important to keep up with the documents that are needed and deadlines. The International Student Office was extremely helpful when I had questions about the visa application and processing time, always responding to emails and questions in a timely and efficient manner

MA International Politics - more

Our Department 

The Department of Politics was created in 2004, bringing together and reinforcing the various elements of politics teaching and research which have existed at Surrey since the 1970s. Our academics are all research-active, and the teaching you will receive on our MA degrees reflects those interests, helping to make your work all the more engaged and relevant to current issues and debates. The Department has a very active student body, which organises many academic and social events outside the formal programme. With students coming from all over the world, this is an excellent opportunity to meet and challenge each other’s ideas and perceptions.

Dual MA with North Carolina State University

This programme offers a unique opportunity for high-achieving students to study for a first year on one of our MA programmes at Surrey, then for a further year to obtain the Master of International Studies (MIS) at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Alternatively, students study for the MA in International Intervention at Surrey in their first year, then for an MA in International Relations at Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea, in their second year.

This programme allows students to specialise in two distinct subfields of politics and international relations whilst gaining experience of different cultural and educational environments. It provides, therefore, an opportunity for students to maximise their potential and exposure to American or South Korean academic life and scholarship. It also builds on the extensive expertise in politics available at our institution.

Students will be able to apply for the Dual Masters programme once they have successfully completed one semester at the University of Surrey. Once the student has been deemed to have satisfied all the requirements, the application will be forwarded to NCSU or to SNU for consideration. The MA at Surrey counts as the equivalent of the first year of the two-year MIS at NCSU or of the MA in International Relations at SNU. Therefore it is possible to complete the two Masters degrees in two years. In addition to the formal academic programme, both NCSU and SNU offer acculturation workshops for incoming students from overseas.

MA International Politics - apply

• MA International Politics - Full-time - starting September 2012
• MA International Politics - Part-time - starting September 2012