International Relations (Extended) (Taught)

The world is facing profound challenges, from conflict and climate change to new and unexpected global pressures. But alongside these difficulties, new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities for positive change are emerging. Understanding this fast‑moving landscape has never been more important.

Our Extended MA International Relations offers the same strong academic foundation as the standard MA, while giving you the opportunity to broaden your experience through a year abroad. You will explore the forces shaping global politics, examine how international institutions respond to change, and consider what a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world could look like.

The Extended programme (EMA) includes a dedicated semester at our partner institution, The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, where you’ll immerse yourself in a new academic and cultural environment. Located in Texas, USA, this international experience allows you to deepen your knowledge, build global networks, and develop the confidence and independence that come from studying overseas. Throughout this time, you’ll be supported by Swansea’s academic team, Careers and Employability staff, and the Go Global team, ensuring you feel fully prepared before you go, and well supported while you’re there.

Across the full degree, you will gain the conceptual tools, detailed case studies, and advanced research skills needed to analyse international issues with confidence. Whether you are looking to deepen your academic knowledge or prepare for a career in global policy, governance, or research, this programme is designed to equip you to engage thoughtfully and critically with the world around you.

Modules may include: Conceptual Issues In the Theory and Practice of Social Sciences; Approaches to International Relations; International Security in the Asia Pacific; Postcolonialism, Orientalism, Eurocentrism; War, Technology and Culture; War, Identity and Society; Approaches to Political Theory; Human rights, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Justice: Moral Problems International Politics; Politics in Contemporary Britain; War and Space; The State of Africa; Critical Security Studies: Issues and Approaches in Contemporary Security; Rights-based Approaches to Development; Violence, Conflict and Development; The Policy Making Process; Gender, Society and Politics in the Middle East and North Africa; Gender and the Social Sciences; Democracy and Constitutional Design; Cyber Governance; Foundations of International Political Economy.