MPhil degrees in International Relations

The MPhil is normally studied over two years full-time, although it is possible to take the degree over up to four years on a part-time basis.

The admissions pathway to the MPhil is through the MLitt qualification. MLitt students can discuss the possibility of transferring to an MPhil. This will be dependent upon achieving a mean of 15.5 on a 20 point scale across all taught elements in Year 1. The transfer also requires support from the Adviser of Studies, the availability of a suitable supervisor and permission from the Head of School. This discussion should take place after the results from Semester 1 are made available.

Studies timeline

• The first nine months of study comprise the taught components of an MLitt degree however students transferring to the MPhil do not complete the final element of the MLitt which is a 15,000-word dissertation at the end of the first year, instead at the end of the second year, students will submit a thesis of not more than 40,000 words along with an oral examination (viva voce).
• Students transferring to the MPhil will take the compulsory IR5601 Research Methods in International Relations module in the first semester of their second year.

MLitt programmes

Further information about the MLitt programmes offered by the School is available in the Postgraduate Taught section.