International Politics (Dual Degree)

First Year: Students spend their first year in Aberystwyth studying the discipline from a critical perspectives. Concepts that typically comprise the bedrock of the study of International Relations (such as sovereignty, anarchy, and security) will be explored and subjected to rich and multi-layered interrogation from perspectives that unsettle conventional understandings of international relationships.

Second Year: The second year is spent in Washington, D.C., where theoretical studies are complemented by practical experience and interaction with the policy community. Something which American University’s School of International Service is uniquely positioned to provide.

The Dual Masters is a specialist pathway degree, giving it the advantage of combining advanced, subject specific study in Aberystwyth with core classes in Social Science research methodology and Economics, alongside optional classes from your chosen field of specialisation, taken at American University.

While studying at Aberystwyth University, students must comply with Aberystwyth’s regulations and pay Aberystwyth fees. While studying at American University, students must comply with their regulations and must pay American University fees, although students on this scheme will receive a 20% discount, and the application fee will be waived.

Locations:

Year 1 (September – August) in Aberystwyth;

Year 2 (August – May) in Washington D.C.

Contact Time:

Students will normally take one two-hour seminar per module per week and will have contact with academic staff through participation in research groups, attendance in departmental research seminars and masters workshops and through staff office hours (two one hour sessions per week). There will also be additional sessions working towards developing your Masters dissertation.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition fees for the first year at Aberystwyth University.

While studying at American University, students must pay American University fees, although students on this scheme will receive a 20% discount, and the application fee will be waived

Funding:

Funding opportunities for Aberystwyth University can be found on our Scholarships pages.

Work Experience Opportunities

During the second year at American University, students can choose to undertake Optional Practical Training to gain work experience directly related to their major field of study. This can be done during, or after completing their studies.

Careers 

Our graduates have numerous career opportunities. Previous graduates have gone on to work:

• in the development sector 
• in local and national politics
• for the Diplomatic Service 
• for the Civil Service 
• for NGOs 
• with international organisations
• as journalists 
• within academia 
• as governmental and social researchers 
• for Foreign Offices 
• for the military 
• in leadership roles in business/industry (CEOs/Chairmans) 
• as political assistants 
• as teachers, lawyers and accountants.

Skills 

This Masters degree emphasises the development of strong research, writing and analytical skills as well as the capacity to work independently - qualities highly valued by employers. A Masters is also ideal for students who want to pursue PhD research. This MA will empower you to: 

• develop your abilities in structuring and communicating complex ideas efficiently 
• write for and speak to a range of audiences 
• evaluate and organise information 
• work effectively with others 
• work within time frames and to specific deadlines.

Modules at Aberystwyth University

During the first year at Aberystwyth University, students will take two core modules and can choose another 100 credits worth of optional modules.

Core Modules/Classes:

During the first year in Aberystwyth, you will study the core module International Politics: Theories and Concepts, along with the Research Paper, which gives you the opportunity to produce an in-depth piece of research through a guided, structured process. In addition, you will choose from a wide range of optional modules.

During the second year in Washington, D.C., you will take core modules in Social Science research methodology and Economics. You will undertake a major research project (either the Practicum in International Affairs or the Substantial Research Paper). Your optional modules will be chosen from one field of specialisation. These include:

·     Energy and Environment

·     International Development

·     Social Enterprise

·     US Foreign Policy.

Assessment:

Assessment will be through a combination of essays, project work, short reports, book reviews and dissertation. It may also include seminar presentations, review essays and literature searches.