MA International Relations and World History

Course prospectus hero image

Key information

Degree

MA International Relations and World History

Types of study

Full time / Part time

Duration

12 months full-time / 24-48 months part-time

Start date

September 2025

Faculty

International Studies / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Course Requirements: Open to graduates of all subjects. This master programme requires students to have a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from a recognised institution at the same standard as a UK university's 2:1 (upper second class honours degree or international equivalent).

English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have a degree from a UK institution, are required to have the following English language qualifications before they can register on an academic programme:

  • IELTS: 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in writing) or 
  • PTE Academic: 71 (minimum 65) or
  • TOEFL (IBT): 90 (minimum 19 in Writing)

Course overview

This programme gives students the opportunity to develop a deep understanding and analytical excellence in a field of increasing importance, international studies. A wide selection of modules allows them to specialise in a variety of different areas. Dissertations are written under the guidance of experienced academic staff, which includes world-leading experts on China, Japan, the UK, the US, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Russia, among others, specializing in sub-fields such as security studies, international relations theory, women’s issues, international history, development, environmental policy, foreign policy analysis, quantitative methods, international economics, etc. Students will be introduced to key concepts and theories, will be trained in research methods, and gain access to (and we hope to contribute to) the latest research in international relations and world history.

Students can choose from a range of modules in international relations and international history, which include, in addition to subjects directly related to international relations and world history, modules in diplomacy/foreign policy analysis, development, international economics, international organisations, European politics, regionalism, traditional and non-traditional security, environmental policy, area studies (including China, Russia, the US, Europe, the UK, Japan, the Middle East, Africa, etc.) and of course research methods, to name a few. Small seminars allow students to develop their analytical skills, and oral and written presentation techniques, as well as their capacity to research, compile and produce thematic reports, essays, and papers.

Case studies and occasional simulation games deepen students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of negotiations, diplomacy, world history and international relations. Your dissertation will give you the opportunity to prove the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

Course structure

The MA in International Relations and World History is offered as a one year programme (twelve full months). This degree programme can also be taken in a part time capacity over two years.  Students must take 180 credits to graduate, comprised of 60 credits each semester (four modules each semester at 15 credits each), plus 60 credits for the dissertation (normally done over the summer for full time students).  Students must pass the taught components before proceeding to the dissertation.

Careers and further study

Our Careers Development Service will work with you to explore your options. They will invite you to attend recruitment events featuring potential employers, and will suggest further opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.

Fees

Chinese Mainland students

120,000 RMB / year

China's Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan students

120,000 RMB / year

International students

130,000 RMB / year

Scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries

To encourage academic excellence, we offer a comprehensive and expanding range of full and partial scholarships.

Please click here and find more information about scholarships.

More information

Contact us

Student Recruitment and Admission Office

University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. admissions@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0574) 8818 0182
W.


Faculty Office of Humanities and Social Sciences

Room 306, Innovation and Enterprise Building (IEB)
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. FHSS@nottingham.edu.cn
W.


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