MA International Relations

Understand power, diplomacy, and global governance

Online or on campus

24 months36 creditsEnglish

Overview

The MA International Relations at Frontier examines how states, international organisations, and non-state actors shape world politics. Core modules cover international theory, security studies, diplomatic history, and global political economy. You will simulate UN Security Council negotiations, write policy briefs for real NGOs, and engage with faculty who have served in diplomatic corps and multilateral agencies. The programme prepares graduates for careers in foreign services, international NGOs, journalism, and further doctoral study.

Simulations include UN Security Council crises, trade negotiations, and humanitarian access dilemmas. You will brief a policy audience in written and oral formats each term. Language support modules (French, Arabic, Spanish) are optional electives.

Who This Program Is For

Graduates pursuing diplomatic, NGO, or journalism careers
Military and civil-service officers needing IR credentials
Lawyers and economists moving into geopolitical risk

Faculty spotlight

Ambassador (ret.) James Thompson teaches diplomatic practice; Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid researches Gulf—Africa economic corridors.

How you can study

Study options & delivery

Online pathway· Flexible remote

Complete your MA International Relations fully online from anywhere in the world with faculty-led modules and flexible scheduling.

On-campus pathway· £4,100 / $5,200/year

Attend seminars and access facilities in person at Frontier Innovation University.

Apply online →Apply for campus →View fee schedule

What You Will Learn

Apply major IR theories to contemporary geopolitical crises
Draft policy memos and diplomatic correspondence to professional standards
Analyse trade agreements, sanctions regimes, and international law
Evaluate humanitarian intervention and peacekeeping operations critically
Conduct original research using primary sources and field interviews
Produce policy memos suitable for ministerial or NGO executive briefings
Analyse sanctions, trade blocs, and regional security architectures

Curriculum

Year 1 — Core IR

Code	Course	Credits
IR501	Theories of International Relations Theories of International Relations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Theories of International Relations Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR502	International Security & Conflict International Security & Conflict — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in International Security & Conflict Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR503	Global Political Economy Global Political Economy — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Global Political Economy Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR504	Diplomatic History since 1945 Diplomatic History since 1945 — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Diplomatic History since 1945 Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3

Year 1 — Applied

Code	Course	Credits
IR505	International Law & Organisations International Law & Organisations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in International Law & Organisations Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR506	Foreign Policy Analysis Foreign Policy Analysis — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Foreign Policy Analysis Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR507	Research Methods in IR Research Methods in IR — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Research Methods in IR Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR508	Regional Studies (Africa, Asia, or Europe) Regional Studies (Africa, Asia, or Europe) — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Regional Studies (Africa, Asia, or Europe) Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3

Year 2 — Capstone

Code	Course	Credits
IR601	Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR602	Policy Simulation & Negotiation Policy Simulation & Negotiation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in Policy Simulation & Negotiation Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	3
IR603	MA Dissertation MA Dissertation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway. Core concepts and frameworks in MA Dissertation Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases Methods, tools, and professional standards Ethics, risk, and responsible practice Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project	6

Code

Course

Credits

IR601

Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar

Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

IR602

Policy Simulation & Negotiation

Policy Simulation & Negotiation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in Policy Simulation & Negotiation
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

IR603

MA Dissertation

MA Dissertation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.

Core concepts and frameworks in MA Dissertation
Theory applied to contemporary organisational cases
Methods, tools, and professional standards
Ethics, risk, and responsible practice
Assessment: coursework, exam, or applied project

Career Paths

Foreign Service Officer
International NGO Programme Manager
Political Risk Analyst
Diplomatic Correspondent / Journalist
International Organisation Specialist (UN, AU, EU)

Program Highlights

Model UN and crisis simulation exercises each term
Guest lectures from serving and retired diplomats
Optional Arabic, French, or Spanish language support modules
Policy internship pathway with partner NGOs
Strong preparation for PhD in Political Science
Model UN and crisis simulation each academic year
Internship pathway with partner humanitarian organisations

Assessment

Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.

Admission requirements

Academic entry

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (minimum 2:2 or GPA 2.5/4.0)

English language

English proficiency: IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 46, or equivalent (waived for prior English-medium study)

Documents

Statement of Purpose (500 words minimum) outlining your goals and fit for the programme
Two academic or professional references with contact details

Programme questions

How long is the MA International Relations?

The published duration is 24 months. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.

Can I study this from my country?

You may study this award fully online from your country, or — where published — on campus at Frontier. Online study does not require a student visa. Campus study may.

What does it cost?

Online awards at Frontier Innovation University are published at about $600–$900 in total, paid by semester ($200–$400) after you accept an offer. The online application fee is $0. Exam and administrative charges may apply. See Fees for the current table.

What are the entry requirements?

Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.

How is the programme assessed?

Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.

Will this award be recognised where I live?

Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. Frontier Innovation University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.

How do I apply?

Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@frontuni.com.

Recognized & Accredited

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