MSc International Relations MSc International Relations (Research)

About the MSc programmes

The MSc International Relations (Research) is designed as a preparation for research work and includes methodology courses. The MSc International Relations is an advanced, academic study of the subject. It is suitable if you plan to progress to a career that might have an international focus. Those intending to apply for ESRC funding should note that only the Research programme is eligible. It will not normally be possible to transfer from one programme to the other on arrival.

Most of the teaching takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. A 10,000 word dissertation must be submitted by 1 September.

For those interested in taking the LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree in Affaires Internationales, comprising a one year MSc programme at Sciences Po Paris followed by MSc International Relations or International Political Economy see LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree|.

Compulsory courses

Non-research track:

• International Politics
• Dissertation
• Options (two full units) from the list below

Research track:

• Theories of International Relations
• Foundations of Social Research – this paper comprises three modules:
• Quantitative Analysis 
• Fundamentals of Research Design
• Qualitative Research
• Dissertation
• Options (one full unit) from the list below

Options

(* half unit)

• Environmental Problems and Development Interventions* and Global Environmental Governance*
• History and Theory of European Integration*
• Europe Beyond Modernity*
• Turkey: Political Economy and European Integration*
• Nationalism 
• The International Politics of Culture and Religion*
• International Political Economy of the Environment
• Foreign Policy Analysis III
• International Institutions
• Strategic Aspects of International Relations
• The EU in the World
• International Politics: Asia and the Pacific
• The International Relations of the Middle East
• Conflict and Peace Studies 
• European Union Policy Making in a Global Context*
• The International Politics of EU Enlargement*
• European Defence and Security* 
• Islam in International Relations: From Al-Andalus to Afghanistan
• Introduction to International Political Theory*
• The International Political Theory of Humanitarian Intervention*
• The Politics of International Law*
• Europe, the US and Arab-Israeli Relations
• Russia and Eurasia: Foreign and Security Policies 
• Post-colonial Perspectives in International Relations*
• Theory of International Society: English School Texts*
• The West: Identity and Interests*
• Gender and Militarisation*
• European Integration from a Global Perspectice*
• Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
• Climate Change: Ethics, Development and International Law*
• Genocide* 

You may take other relevant courses with the approval of your supervisor.

Please note that optional courses are not necessarily available every academic year. Applicants who are offered a place for 2012/13 entry will be notified on our web pages (lse.ac.uk/internationalRelations|) of any course which will not be available in their year of study.

You may find it helpful to read the International Relations Department's FAQs| for prospective MSc IR/MSc IR (Research) applicants.