Postgraduate taught programmes

MSc Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

An interdisciplinary, cutting-edge programme, designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the political, social, economic, legal, and psychological dimensions of violent conflict in the world today and its aftermath.  

MSc International Relations - with pathway options

This programme provides an examination of contemporary international relations with four thematic pathways. It explores the ways in which the boundaries between the domestic and international domains are blurred by trade, financial, environmental, strategic, ideological, cultural, and ethical issues. 
     
You can choose from:

• MSc International Relations (Core Pathway)
• MSc International Relations (Security Pathway)
• MSc International Relations (Gender Pathway) 
• MSc International Relations (Development Pathway)

Image: This image shows the course structure for our MSc International Relations (with pathways)

MSc East Asian Development and the Global Economy

You will examine the opportunities, challenges and strategic dilemmas created for East Asian countries by the changing political and economic circumstances at regional and global levels during this Masters programme. Gaining core theoretical knowledge and understanding of key debates and trends in development and the international political economy.

MSc Social Science Research Methods – Politics Pathway

You will develop a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the variety of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and analysis. The programme also covers the philosophies underpinning the research process, ethical considerations, and social theory.

You can choose this pathway at application:

• MSc Social Science Research Methods (Politics Pathway)

MSc Sociology

The MSc in Sociology is an advanced postgraduate programme that teaches you how to investigate and interpret social life, researching and writing about some of the most pressing social challenges such as power, inequality, stratification, identity and globalisation. The programme will prepare you for a diverse range of careers; recent graduates have started careers in business analysis, civil service, recruitment consultancy, operations management, housing, and policy and social research.

MSc Social Science Research Methods – Sociology Pathway

You will develop a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the variety of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and analysis. The programme also covers the philosophies underpinning the research process, ethical considerations, and social theory.

You can choose this pathway at application:

• MSc Social Science Research Methods (Sociology Pathway)

MSc Social Science Research Methods – Global Challenges and Transformations Pathway

This programme only runs in conjunction with an SWDTP 1+3 Grant Offer, about which prospective applicants can find out more here.

You can choose this pathway at application:

• MSc Social Science Research Methods (Global Challenges and Transformations Pathway

MSc Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics

AI is rapidly remaking economies, institutions, and daily life, raising urgent questions our governments, organisations, and legal systems are struggling to answer. The technology is moving faster than the laws and norms meant to govern it, and choices being made now will shape our societies for decades to come. To lead this transformation, governments, industries and the public need graduates who can critically engage with these technologies, make robust ethical decisions, and communicate both technical ideas and governing frameworks.

This is a degree for people who want to govern AI, reckon with its social impacts, and launch a professional or research career in responsible AI.

MSc Socio-Legal Studies 

The MSc Socio-Legal Studies blends rigorous research training with interdisciplinary insights on how law interacts with society. Emphasising empirical research and practical application, this programme prepares you to influence future legal and social policies, positioning you at the forefront of socio-legal change.