MSc Theory and History of International Relations

About the MSc programme

This is a joint degree with the International Relations Department which allows students to sample courses in both departments. Those taking the programme therefore gain a feel for both IR theory, taught by leading experts (see International Relations Department) in the field, and recent international history. This gives them a chance to understand and appreciate both the theoretical and the empirical approach to the study of international relations.

The structure of the degree is intended to ensure a good balance between the two disciplines. Students choose one broad course in each department, before using their third option to select one of the many highly specialised courses offered by the two departments. They then complete their degree by doing a history dissertation, which will give them a chance to conduct their own empirical research on a detailed historical case-study.

The degree thus represents an excellent preparation for those contemplating further research in either international history or IR, as well as being accessible to those who are making the transition from related disciplines such as political science, modern languages, economics, law or journalism. The programme provides students with the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of geographical regions or other aspects of international relations including world wars, East-West conflict, European integration, the role of political doctrines and ideologies, revolutions and national liberation struggles. It also a way to benefit from the expertise of two highly-rated LSE departments.

The programme provides an excellent preparation for careers in business or consulting, government or international agencies, the media, politics and law, or for advanced academic research.

Note that not all the courses listed will necessarily be available in any one year.

Course one

Choose one from:

• Crisis Decision-Making in War and Peace, 1914-1991
• Presidents, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: from Roosevelt to Reagan, 1933-1989
• Anglo-American Relations from World War to Cold War, 1939-1991
• Political Islam: From Ibn Taymiyya to Osama Bin Laden
• Race, Violence and Colonial Rule in Africa  

Course two  

(* half unit)

Choose one full unit from:

• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Genocide* 
• International Institutions
• Strategic Aspects of International Relations
• The EU in the World
• International Politics: Asia and the Pacific
• International Relations of the Middle East
• Conflict and Peace Studies  
• Economic Diplomacy
• European Union Policy-Making in a Global Context* 
• 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  

Course three

Choose one full unit from:  

• European Integration in the Twentieth Century
• The Origins of the Cold War, 1917-1962
• Crises and Détente in the Cold War, 1962-1979
• From Cold Warriors to Peacemakers: the End of the Cold War Era, 1979-1999
• The European Enlightenment, c1680-1799 
• The Rise and Fall of Communism in Europe, 1917-1990
• Western Intellectuals and the Challenge of Totalitarianism
• War Cultures, 1890-1945 
• The Emergence of Modern Iran: State, Society and Diplomacy  
• East Asia in the Age of Imperialism, 1839-1945  
• Cultural Encounters from the Renaissance to the Modern World
• Persecution in Europe: From Witch-Hunts to Ethnic Cleansing
• Nationalism
• The West: Identity and Interests*
• The International History of the Balkans Since 1939: State Projects, Wars and Social Conflict 
• Media and politics, 1890-c.1970/80 (UK, Germany and the US)
• Nusantara: State and Rebellion in the Indonesian Archipelago from the Colonial Period to Reformasi 
• An international relations course from Course two (not already taken but subject to space and by agreement with the course convener) 
• A further course from the Course one selection list (subject to approval by the programme director) 

Course four

• Dissertation on a relevant historical topic