International Politics (Dual Degree)

You are viewing this course for September start 2023

Key Facts

Course Code L286A

Qualification

MA
Course duration

2 years

Available for

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Study towards two separate Masters Degrees whilst immersing yourself in different cultural and academic worlds.

The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University and the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C., have worked in collaboration to develop and deliver this innovative programme. The outstanding reputations of both institutions can guarantee students high quality teaching, supported by exceptional research in the field of International Politics.

Upon successful completion of the Dual Masters, students have the opportunity to apply for internships with government or non-governmental organisations in Washington, D.C. under the Optional Practical Training scheme.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent, passed with a minimum score of UK 64%/US cGPA 3.3 or equivalent. Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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Course Overview

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.

About this course

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.

Modules September start - 2023

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name	Module Code	Credit Value
Research Paper	IPM2360	60
International Politics	IPM1920	20

Options

Module Name	Module Code	Credit Value
Gender and Transformative Approaches to Peace	IPM2620	20
Global Challenges and the Future of International Relations Theory	IPM1720	20
Indigenous Politics: challenging the global order?	IPM0620	20
Intelligence, Security and International Relations in the 20th Century	IPM0420	20
Knowledge and Expertise in International Politics	IPM3720	20
Middle Powers and the Liberal Order	IPM4620	20
Post-Western International Relations	IPM4120	20
Security Policy in the European Union	IPM6820	20
Thoughts of War: Strategic Theory and Thinkers	IPM0720	20
War and Peace in the Middle East	IPM1520	20
Warfare in the 21st Century	IPM8220	20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

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.

Teaching & Learning

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.

Qualification

Course duration