Postgraduate taught courses
The Department of Politics & International Relations offers a stimulating range of streams within a comprehensive Masters programme. All our postgraduate taught degrees are also offered at Postgraduate Diploma level and can be studied on a part-time or full-time basis.
Our MSc programme offers an advanced grounding in political science, political theory and international relations. Drawing on recent scholarship and current research by members of the Department, we encourage students to engage critically with a wide range of debates about the past, present and future of political life.
Our MSc programme attracts those with backgrounds in a wide range of social science disciplines, and both recent graduates and mature students with work experience. Around half of our MSc students come from overseas. In the past few years students from the Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Germany, Greece, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, and the USA., as well as students from across the UK.
The presence of such diversity certainly serves to enhance the content of the courses on offer. It also provides all members of the course with excellent opportunities to obtain genuinely global perspectives through regular interaction with other course members. The programme is ideal for any student wishing to obtain a substantial grounding in domestic and international politics. Many of our graduates go on to register for research degrees, both at Royal Holloway and other prestigious institutions in the UK and abroad.
Each MSc stream consists of a mixture of core courses, stream options, a choice of free options and a 10–12,000 word supervised dissertation written over the summer. Teaching is conducted in small group seminars that meet weekly for two hours, supplemented by individual tuition for the dissertation. Students graduate with an MSc bearing the title of their chosen stream.
Each MSc stream combines specialisation in the stream area with flexibility and choice. Each is based on four units in total and conforms to one of two basic models:
Model 1
Core methods course (autumn term): 0.5 units
Core research design course (spring term): 0.5 units
Stream Core Course 1 (autumn term): 0.5 units
Stream Core Course 2 (spring term): 0.5 units
Free option 1 (autumn term): 0.5 units
Free option 2 (spring term): 0.5 units
Dissertation in the stream specialism: 1 unit
Model 2
Core methods course (autumn term): 0.5 units
Core research design course (spring term): 0.5 units
Stream Core Course (autumn term): 0.5 units
Stream Core Option (spring term - constrained choice from short list of cognate courses): 0.5 units
Free option 1 (autumn term): 0.5 units
Free option 2 (spring term): 0.5 units
Dissertation in the stream specialism: 1 unit
Not all streams, courses or options are guaranteed to be available every year.
The structure of the Diploma streams is identical except that students do not write a dissertation. Students who are successful on the Diploma may transfer to the MSc subject to academic approval.
"Royal Holloway is the perfect place to study Political Theory, not only for the opportunity to combine challenging courses on continental political theory with current discussions on Anglo-American political philosophy, but also for the rare chance to engage with recognized and influential political thinkers without all the formal distance between academic staff and students that one finds elsewhere. In short, it was a truly gratifying intellectual experience." --German Eduardo Primera, MSc in Political Theory 2009-10 From Colombia, Santander Abbey Studentship Award winner Now studying a PhD at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique in Paris.
"The MSc New Political Communication program is a well-planned course that allows students with different perspectives and backgrounds to develop and improve their debating and critical-thinking skills, focusing on the emergence and establishment of ‘New Media’ and how it affects the sphere of world politics. The Department always promotes challenging discussions, provides up-to-date seminars and lectures about different aspects of the world’s politics, and engages students in research and academic activities that surely will make a difference in our academic and professional careers. It’s a fantastic learning environment, well-equipped with high quality professionals who are really invested in sharing and acquiring knowledge from the interaction with their students." -- Rebecca Di Polito, MSc New Political Communication 2011-12From Brazil, Santander-Abbey Studentship Award winner.
"The MSc in International Relations program at Royal Holloway is stellar. The confluence of highly skilled staff, readily engaged students, and a meticulously crafted curriculum create an experience that is unmatched. Students are not only taught but supported. With each lecture and seminar one inevitably realizes how nuanced the world of International Relations truly is. Not only are students left with a deeper understanding of the discourse but are encouraged to shape their own opinions and re-evaluate existing paradigms. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to effect last change in whatever arena they see fit." -- Ariel Eckblad, MSc International Relations 2011-12 From the USA, Marshall Scholarship recipient.
The followiing streams are available (though please note availability may vary from year to year due to sabbaticals):
Contemporary Political Theory
The MSc stream in Contemporary Political Theory is one of the few programmes in the UK that works across the Anglo- American/Continental divide in political thought. Students will explore conceptual issues related to order, justice, and liberty, key texts by Nietzsche and twentieth century European thinkers, and have option courses in human rights, culture and community, political philosophies of the New Left, applied political philosophy, biopolitics, and more. Model 1 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course 1. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Course 2.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
Political Concepts
|
Contemporary Continental Political Theory
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
China in the World
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Culture and Community
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of contemporary political theory.
|
Democracy, Politics and Governance
The MSc Stream in Democracy, Politics and Governance provides an advanced grounding in contemporary political science, focusing on democratic theory, political institutions, and public policy across different political systems. Model 2 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Option.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
You may choose from among the courses you did not take as your Stream Core Option (column 3) as well as the following:
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
The Politics of Democracy
|
Culture and Community
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
China in the World
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of democracy, politics and governance
|
European Politics (NOTE: Not available in 2012/13)
The MSc stream in European Politics provides advanced analysis of contemporary European politics, examining the interaction between governments and institutions (including comparative and international perspectives) and a focus on the policies and institutions of the European Union.
Model 2 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Option.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
You may choose from among the courses you did not take as your Stream Core Option (column 3) as well as the following.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
European Union Politics and Policy
|
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
China in the World
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Culture and Community
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of European politics
|
Global Politics
Explores at an advanced level such issues as globalization, identity, borders, regionalism, transnational connections and mobilization.
Model 1 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course 1. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Course 2.
Spring term.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
Politics of Globalisation
|
Theories of Globalisation
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
China in the World
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Culture and Community
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of global politics
|
International Relations
The MSc stream in International Relations offers an advanced analysis of international relations, investigating the political, economic and social interactions of various actors in world politics. Model 2 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Option.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
You may choose from among the courses you did not take as your Stream Core Option (column 3) as well as the following.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
Analysing International Politics
|
China in the World
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Culture and Community
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
|
Dissertation on an aspect of international relations
|
International Relations Theory
The MSc stream in International Relations Theory is designed for those wishing to specialise in theoretical aspects of international relations, with an emphasis on sovereignty, rights, and justice, and global political economy.
Model 1 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course 1. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Course 2.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
Analysing International Politics
|
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
China in the World
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Culture and Community
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of international relations theory
|
New Political Communication
For those seeking to understand the interplay between digital new media and communication technologies, political institutions, behaviour and public policy, with emphases on citizen engagement, mobilization, campaigning, and the role of new media in the global system. Covers e-democracy, e-government and e-campaigning, but also includes material on media, war and conflict.
Model 1 stream. For more detail, visit the New Political Communication Unit website|.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course 1. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Course 2.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
New Political Communication
|
Internet and New Media Politics
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
Biopolitics and Security
China in the World
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Culture and Community
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
Sovereignty, Rights and Justice
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of new political communication
|
Transnational Security Studies
Questions about security – what drives it and what undermines it – shape global politics. Terrorism, conflict, environmental catastrophe, weapons of mass destruction and weak states are all security issues that are reflected in our media, dominate policy-making in international politics, and increasingly impinge on our daily lives. The MSc in Transnational Security Studies is an exciting new degree that brings together many of the existing strengths of the Department of Politics and International Relations, including expertise in the areas of security studies, comparative politics, international law and conflict, political theory, and global politics. The core of the programme traces the security studies discipline from its traditional approaches through its evolution to include ever more transnational dynamics. The programme can be tailored to specific interests through option courses in subjects such as political violence; biopolitics; media, communication and conflict; international law of targeting; and regional international politics. The degree will provide students with both a firm academic foundation in the security studies discipline and a base of knowledge for careers in fields of policymaking, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and more. Model 2 stream.
|
Core courses.
1 unit.
|
Stream Core Course 1. Autumn term.
0.5 units.
|
Stream Core Course 2.
Spring term.
Choose one.
0.5 units.
|
Free Options (all 0.5 units). Choose one for Autumn term and one for Spring term.
|
Dissertation.
1 unit.
|
|
Autumn Term
Students choose one from:
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Politics and IR (0.5)
Theories and Qualitative Approaches in Politics and IR (0.5)
Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory (0.5)
Spring Term
Research Design in Politics and IR (0.5)
|
Transnational Security Studies
|
Biopolitics and Security
Critical Approaches to Global Environmental Politics
Media, War and Conflict
Political Violence
Regional and Global Security Governance
|
Autumn Term
Comparative Political Executives
Identity, Power and Radical Political Theory
The Politics of Multiculturalism
Risk, Security and Liberal Governance
Transnational Security and the Law of Targetting
Spring Term
Africa and International Politics
China in the World
Culture and Community
Democracy and Citizenship in Europe
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
Internet and New Media Politics
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
Theories of Globalisation
United States Foreign Policy
|
Dissertation on an aspect of political theory.
|