Politics and International Relations at UEA
Find out more about studying Politics and International Relations at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA International Relations (Part time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
How do we navigate a world of shifting power dynamics, climate emergencies, and technological disruption? Our part-time MA in International Relations equips you to analyse these global challenges and contribute meaningfully to their solutions.
Led by our internationally recognised experts, you'll examine critical issues shaping our world—from the reconfiguration of global institutions to emerging security threats, from transnational advocacy networks to regional power rivalries. The programme offers a sophisticated understanding of international relations theory while developing your analytical capabilities through engagement with real-world cases and contemporary debates.
The curriculum balances core theoretical foundations with flexibility to pursue your specific interests. You might specialise in global economic governance, human rights advocacy, strategic studies, or regional politics across Europe, Asia-Pacific, or the Global South. This tailored approach prepares you for diverse career paths while developing depth in your chosen areas.
What sets our programme apart is its connection to policy practitioners. Our established partnerships with think tanks, international organisations and government agencies create unique opportunities for professional development. Recent students collaborated with the European Institute for Asian Studies in Brussels, producing policy briefs and opinion pieces for international publications—valuable experience that distinguishes our graduates in competitive job markets.
Our diverse cohort welcomes students from varied academic backgrounds and global contexts. Whether you've previously studied international relations, come from an adjacent discipline, or seek a career change, our supportive learning environment helps you develop the expertise needed for success in international organisations, diplomatic services, NGOs, think tanks, or further academic study.
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Study and Modules
Structure
Our two-year, part-time MA in International Relations offers a flexible pathway for professionals balancing career commitments with academic advancement. Through engaging lectures, interactive seminars, and workshops, you'll embark on a stimulating intellectual journey into global politics.
Your first year establishes strong foundations through core modules in international relations theory, exploring key frameworks that provide essential analytical tools for understanding complex global dynamics. You'll develop crucial research capabilities through our social enquiry methods module, mastering techniques such as interview methods, survey design, and data analysis that prepare you for independent research.
You'll begin tailoring your studies through optional modules reflecting your interests and career aspirations—from global governance institutions and emerging power dynamics to simulated war games and evolving diplomatic practices.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching approach fosters critical thinking within an intellectually stimulating environment. You'll develop skills to evaluate complex information, construct rigorous arguments, and engage confidently in scholarly debates on global challenges.
Our internationally recognised researchers bring cutting-edge expertise directly into the classroom. Their specialisms across international relations theory, global political economy, security studies, and regional politics ensure a curriculum reflecting contemporary scholarship and real-world developments.
Small-group seminars encourage vibrant debate and diverse perspectives, complemented by research workshops, visiting speakers, and policy discussions. Your time balances structured teaching (25%) with independent learning (75%), developing the self-directed research capabilities valued in international affairs careers.
Assessment
Our diverse assessment methods reflect the multifaceted skills needed in international affairs careers. You'll craft policy briefs analysing global challenges, develop research essays examining theoretical perspectives, deliver presentations on contemporary issues, and engage in collaborative projects. Formative feedback opportunities throughout the programme allow you to refine your analytical approach before final submission.
Structure
Your second year deepens specialisation through additional optional modules aligned with contemporary challenges. You might focus on European integration politics, China and Japan's evolving global roles, American foreign policy, or regional security challenges.
The culmination of your MA journey is the dissertation—an independent research project conducted with guidance from an academic supervisor whose expertise matches your interests. This capstone experience allows you to make an original contribution while demonstrating the analytical and research skills developed throughout the programme.
The part-time structure creates a dynamic relationship between academic learning and professional development, allowing immediate application of new analytical approaches in your workplace context.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your second year deepens theoretical understanding while adding dedicated dissertation support. Regular one-to-one supervision with an academic whose expertise aligns with your research interests helps you develop a sophisticated project showcasing your analytical capabilities.
This personalised mentoring relationship guides your independent research journey. The part-time structure allows immediate application of new analytical frameworks in your professional context, creating a dynamic interplay between academic insights and workplace practice.
Assessment
Building on first-year assessments, your second year culminates in the dissertation—your most substantial research undertaking. This capstone project demonstrates your ability to investigate complex international questions, synthesise diverse sources, and develop sophisticated arguments under expert supervision, showcasing the analytical capabilities you've developed throughout the programme.
Employability
After the Course
Expertise in international relations opens doors across diverse sectors. Our graduates excel in diplomatic services, international organisations (including the UN, EU, and NATO), think tanks, NGOs, journalism, and corporate strategic advisory roles. The analytical capabilities, intercultural competence, and communication skills you'll develop are highly transferable, creating pathways to impactful careers addressing global challenges.
Beyond academic excellence, we prioritise your professional development through dedicated career support. Working alongside UEA's Careers Service and our school's employability director, you'll access tailored guidance, networking opportunities with alumni in key organisations, and potential internship placements. This comprehensive approach ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the professional connections and practical experience to launch your international career.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- political/policy analyst
- programme/development officer
- risk analyst
- advocacy/outreach officer
- journalist
- management positions in international organisations, NGOs, government, media, and academia
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in all components.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,200
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International Students: £23,850
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.