Course information
UK fee £9,550
International fee £18,950
Taught by Politics and International Relations
Postgraduate Office, Politics and International Relations
+44 (0)116 252 2714
hypirpg@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
This degree will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of contemporary international relations. By taking this course you will have the opportunity to study a range of international issues, and to investigate whether international relations in the post-Cold War period have been founded upon a Western model of 'World Order'.
The course will introduce you to differing concepts of order in the post-Cold War world. It will enable you to think critically about the nature of international relations: about the extent to which Western interests, institutions and culture dominate the world system and the challenges and responses generated by that dominance. The course focuses on both theoretical and empirical approaches to this subject.
You will complete one core module which will critically examine the means by which the West maintains its concept of 'Order' and non-Western responses to it. You can then choose three option modules, which, along with your dissertation, allow you to specialise in areas that interest you or complement your professional goals.
As well as equipping you with a detailed understanding of contemporary international relations this degree will develop your ability to think both analytically and critically and to produce reasoned arguments encompassing your increased knowledge and understanding of the issues. It will also develop your practical transferable skills, including the ability to conduct independent research, verbal and written communication, and presenting and planning.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
2:1 degree or its equivalent in politics, history, international relations or other related subjects.
Equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £9,550
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £18,950
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our postgraduate degrees are an excellent way to enhance your expertise and career prospects and provide a foundation for a wide range of career options. You may seek to use your knowledge to work in government service, international organisations or areas of political research and journalism. Or you may opt to look for employment in fields such as banking, business or teaching where your MA will be respected as a postgraduate qualification.
You may also want to consider further research after you graduate. Political Research graduates specialising in politics research find that the research skills the degree fosters are invaluable. They now occupy posts as lecturers, as research associates and as research assistants.
Students taking postgraduate degrees offered by the Politics and International Relations at Leicester have gone into careers in the civil service, business, the law, the police, banking, journalism, management consultancy, librarianship and teaching. Others have gone on to doctoral research.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
Plus your MA Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Global History: comparative and connected approaches
- The Holocaust
- The Politics of Human Rights
- International Security
- After The Holocaust
- Global Cities: the View from Asia
- American Freedoms
- US Foreign Policy: Themes and Controversies
- Global Ethics in Practice
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Our staff play leading roles in cutting-edge global research networks, actively advising and engaging with global policy communities, civil society, the media and public.
Our wide range of option modules provides you with the flexibility to tailor your course around your interests, and with the skills and knowledge to move into a variety of careers.
We conduct a range of specialist research, organised through three research clusters: Intelligence, Security and Strategic Studies; Parties, Participation and Public Opinion; and Global Ethics and Political Theory.
We host an exciting range of events, including research seminars with world-renowned speakers, ESRC sponsored seminar series and international conferences.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught by seminars. Throughout the programme, you will have access to a comprehensively resourced library and an established student support system. Each module lasts for one semester (11 weeks) and normally involves two hours of teaching per week. If you are studying full-time, you will complete four modules by the end of the second semester and, if you are progressing to the MA, you will submit your dissertation by the end of September.
You will be assessed through a combination of essays, seminar papers and (if you are completing the MA) your dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course International Relations | Qualification MA | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course International Relations | Qualification MA | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
The course has provided me an opportunity to improve my academic capabilities and represent my beliefs in a professional manner. The passion for international relations and politics that the staff display has convinced me that all my future goals are attainable.