Newcastle University

Politics

International Studies MA

12 months full time; 24 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2012-13

UK/EU: full time £5,500 part time £2,750
International: full time £11,165 part time fees
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Aims

This programme provides you with a comprehensive and in-depth grounding in the approaches to understanding contemporary international society. It is designed to give graduates from this programme the expertise and skills appropriate for a range of public and private sector careers where an advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary international society is needed or desirable.

Programme Description

This flexible programme addresses contemporary international dynamics through a range of theoretical, empirical and area-based approaches. It appeals to students seeking an international dimension to their study, which can be applied in a range of academic and non-academic careers.

You take compulsory modules (40 credits) which cover: international relations theory; and theories and approaches in the study of politics. You also take optional modules (80 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits). Typical optional modules include: the European Union as an international actor; integration in Europe; the state in the international political economy; workshop in American foreign policy making; the rise of China; the politics of global change; critical geopolitics; globalisation, poverty and development; global justice and human rights; war, terrorism and peace – ethical perspectives; doing political research.

Teaching is seminar based and most modules are assessed by a 4,000-word research paper on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the module leader. Students complete a 12,000-word dissertation during the summer.

Find out  more detailed information about the programme modules

Entrance Requirements

An upper-second-class Honours degree or above, or international equivalent, in international studies/politics or a related discipline. Other qualifications or relevant professional experience are also considered. Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based) or equivalent. 

If you are an international student and you do not meet the academic and English Language requirements for this degree programme, you may want to consider a preparation course at INTO Newcastle University.  INTO Newcastle University is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses to help you prepare for study in the UK including the Graduate Diploma in Business and Social Sciences.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

UK/EU students - full or partial fees bursaries may be available from the School.
International students - University scholarships.

How to Apply

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2012 entry should apply by Friday 13 July 2012 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

For further information please contact:
Postgraduate Secretary
School of Geography, Politics and Sociology
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 5200
E-mail: gps@ncl.ac.uk