Theories of International Relations

Patricia Owens

This module provides a critical survey of the main theories associated with the study of international relations. The module is primarily concerned with the varying theoretical explanations for why things happen in international relations. As well as addressing analytical questions the module will also address the normative and political dimensions of theory. 

It will do this through discussing the general properties of IR theory and its evolution since the foundation of the discipline of International Relations after World War One, along with a focus on the significance of, and relations between states and non-state actors, and the impact of the international structures that constrain and direct the actions of these actors.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

Rainbow Murray/Mark Pennington

This course seeks to provide students with advanced research skills, including the ability to select and use relevant resources effectively and to devise research questions appropriate for postgraduate research. The students will be able to develop the capacity to undertake independent guided research at postgraduate level. They will gain advanced quantitative skills appropriate for postgraduate research. They would be able to analyse and interpret published research using quantitative research methods and acquire technical competence in using SPSS to perform a range of quantitative skills.

Dissertation

Assigned Supervisor

The dissertation is an important part of your degree accounting for one third of your final mark. The aim of the dissertation is to allow students to pursue guided independent research and, on successfully completing the dissertation will give you a huge sense of intellectual achievement in having developed your own ideas and sustained an argument over 12-15,000 words. It is an opportunity for you to develop your subject specific and specialist knowledge. This means that your research topic must be on a topic that fits with your degree title.