School of Social Science and Humanities

MRes International Relations

MRes Full-time 12 months

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation within History, Politics, War Studies and International Relations. This Research Master’s draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond to develop you into a rigorous researcher. 

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation within History, Politics, War Studies and International Relations. This Research Master’s draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond to develop you into a rigorous researcher. 

Award
MRes
Start date(s)
May 2025, January 2025
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (12 months)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The University of Wolverhampton has an internationally recognised reputation within History, Politics, War Studies and International Relations. This Research Master’s draws on the expertise of established researchers based at the University and beyond to develop you into a rigorous researcher.

Each module including your capstone research project is led by scholars who have published widely on many aspects of International Relations including energy security, migration, cyber security, as well as contemporary conflicts, diplomacy, peace keeping and conflict resolution, as well as international politics. 

What's unique about this course?

  • As a postgraduate research student you will have in-depth academic interaction with experts in your chosen field over two semesters including significant support through numerous one-to-one supervisions over two semesters on your capstone project. 

  • Opportunity to engage with, join, and build networks in International Relations and its sub-fields within the West Midlands and beyond through peer and scholarly opportunities. 

  • Opportunity to pitch and present your work to peers, experts, and stakeholders on a regular basis. 

What happens on the course?

The MRes allows you to explore many of the key elements in the field of International Relations through developing the skills to conduct in-depth rigorous research to produce an original research dissertation or policy paper in the field. Our focus is to develop you into independent original contributors to your chosen discipline within the field of International Relations working closely with our team of established experts. 

In your first trimester, you will complete two taught modules. 7IR001 International Relations Theories, Concepts and Debates and 7IR002 Research Design and Practice. Through the 12-week journey, you will get an in-depth understanding of the evolution and diversity of this field. We will discover how International Relations provides us with the conceptual and methodological tools to understand, interpret, and engage with contemporary global politics. These modules are your window to advanced research and practical skills as an emerging scholar or policy profession. 

In your second and third Trimester you will work closely with our established academics and programme team to design your 10000-11000 original capstone research project. You may choose between a Research Dissertation or a Policy Paper in your topic as your submission. Within your third trimester you will present your work to peers, scholars, and potential stakeholders in the field of International Relations providing you with authentic experiences and opportunities in conference and policy dissemination. 

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

An MRes in International Relations (Master of Research) provides advanced research skills and expertise in global politics, diplomacy, and international systems. This qualification opens doors to various careers across sectors. Here are some career examples:

  • Policy Analyst

  • Diplomatic Service Officer

  • International Development Consultant

  • Intelligence Analyst

  • Journalist or Foreign Correspondent

  • Academia/Researcher

  • Humanitarian Aid Worker

  • Global Risk Analyst

  • International Trade Specialist

  • Public Affairs or Advocacy Specialist

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Location Mode Fee Year
International Full time Distance Learning £9000 per year 2024-25
International Full time Distance Learning £ per year 2025-26
International Full-time £15950 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £ per year 2025-26

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

Postgraduate Loyalty Discount:

You can get 20% discount on a taught postgraduate course if you’re a University of Wolverhampton Graduate.

The University offers a generous 20% Loyalty Discount to students progressing from an undergraduate programme to a taught postgraduate on-site programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree as long as this is your first Masters level qualification.

The discount applies to the first year of enrolment only. Students who receive a loyalty discount are not entitled to any further tuition discount or bursary. For full terms and conditions click here.


Self-funded:

If you are paying for the fees yourself then the fees can be paid in 3 instalments: November, January and April. More information can be found by clicking here.


Sponsored - Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

Your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Charitable Funding:

You might also want to explore the possibility of funding from charitable trusts; please see the following websites Association of Charitable Foundations, Directory of Social Change or Family Action. Most charities and trust funds offer limited bursaries targeted to specific groups of students so you will need to research whether any of them are relevant to your situation.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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