International Relations (East Asia) MA

Durham University

Course details

Immerse yourself in debates about international politics, international organisations and how they influence relationships between nations. The MA in International Relations (East Asia) will equip you with the skills to challenge conventional thinking and analyse your own views about some of the present-day challenges in East Asia and beyond.

The course covers both theoretical and empirical aspects of international relations, examining the history of the field, as well as in-depth study of the major international organisations that contribute to the global order. As the course progresses, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the international community has developed, and the forces that shape its development.

The East Asia route aims to provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the dynamics – including cultural and local political and ideological factors – which shape the contemporary international relations of the region. You will learn to evaluate concepts, theories and paradigms, drawing lessons from real world studies informed by quantitative and qualitative investigations.

Your learning will be informed by a wealth of ongoing research by experts working at the forefront of their field. Core modules in The Politics of East Asia and either International Relations Theory or International Organisations form the foundation of the course. The remaining modules can be tailored to suit your interests, with options spanning topics from Designing Political Inquiry to Contemporary Political Philosophy. You can also choose to explore a contrasting region of the world in greater depth or study a language. These interests can be further developed through the researching and writing of the dissertation.

On completion, graduates are well placed to pursue careers in international organisations, politics and the civil service. Others move into the wider fields of journalism, teaching, business and research.