Swansea University

International Relations, M.Phil.

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

An MPhil in International Relations at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests. It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. The MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You will submit a thesis of up to 60,000 words, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups: Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO) International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS) Political Analysis and Government (PAG) This expertise includes: International Development Conflict International security and strategic studies US Foreign Policy Intelligence You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in the field of International Relations, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support.

You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Social Sciences Postgraduate conference. You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Key highlights

  • Original research thesis of up to 60,000 words, examined by viva
  • Supervision from active researchers across three dedicated research groups
  • Expertise spans conflict, security, intelligence, development and US foreign policy
  • Paid, trained opportunities to teach undergraduate seminars from year two
  • Present research at departmental seminars and postgraduate conference
  • Financial support available for conferences and research away from Swansea

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above
  • Master's degree: Merit — PhD: Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’.
  • Degree: 1st — considered case by case

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • Academic researcher
  • Policy analyst
  • Government researcher
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Further education lecturer
  • Political risk analyst

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £19,800 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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