The MSc International Relations is an advanced, academic study of the subject. It is suitable if you plan to progress to a career with an international focus. The MSc International Relations (Research) is designed as a preparation for research work and includes Methodology courses. Home/EU applicants intending to apply for ESRC funding should apply to this programme rather than the 'straight' MSc IR.
Most of the teaching takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms.
A 10,000 word dissertation must be submitted by 1 September, or if this falls at the weekend, the first working day after 1 September.
Comments from External Examiners on the 2010-11 session:
External Examiner A:
This continues to be an excellent programme, and student performance indicates that modules are being taught at a very high level. The modules strike a good balance between broader themes and specialised modules. The standard of student performance is impressive, particularly in exams. The material sent to me was well-documented. The examination process operates without problems. I have no further recommendations to make this year.
External Examiner B:
The Master's programme in International Relations at the LSE has many strengths – for example, it provides depth of coverage in core areas of the discipline together with a range of attractive options that cover key regions and topics.
Teaching methods seemed appropriate and were effective, judging by the work produced by the students.
The Department might wish to consider making the dissertation a more substantial piece of work. Some students clearly did a great deal of work for it, in some cases including some primary research such as conducting interviews. This was very impressive but the relative shortness of the dissertation did not really allow the most able to students to explore issues in the depth that one would wish to see at the Master's level.
The standard of student performance was good on balance, with a relatively small proportion of weak or failing students. I was a little surprised that so few students achieved very high marks (in excess of 72%). I did not feel that staff were marking the work too harshly and indeed I agreed with them that very few students from the samples that I saw produced work which justified a mark in the mid 70s or higher. It may simply be that this particular cohort did not contain more than a few students capable of producing truly exceptional work.
External Examiner C:
Overall, this is one of the best programmes in the UK for international politics. The international theory programme is also very strong, combining political theory with international relations theory in an interesting and innovative way. The staff are some of the best names in the field of IR research, and this makes its way into their teaching, which draws on a wide array of theories and methods. The methods of teaching are very good, with large lectures and small group tutorials seeming to provide a nice overview. The reading lists are extensive and well crafted.
Assessment methods are the standard essay and exam format, with the dissertation at the end. Perhaps a bit more creativity in assessment in modules, such as more essays that are summative, but this is not a necessary change just a suggestion. Student performance is very strong. The only weakness might be students whose English language skills are not strong, but this is not too much of a problem in the overall degree. Again, an excellent programme.
Further information for prospective applicants
Further information for incoming and current students
The following information is only accessible from within the School on an LSE network computer or with an LSE username and password: