Global Politics MSc

Course Summary

The MSc Global Politics aims to provide you with knowledge of the political, economic, cultural and moral debates about how and to what extent the effects of globalisation can be governed. This course will provide the means for you to develop the analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and discuss:

1. The key international and transnational structures, organisations and institutions that have developed in the era following the Second World War
2. The range of the academic debates in the area of global governance
3. Policy developments and innovations in the fields of economics, security, and environment
4. The moral justification for different and sometimes competing regimes of global governance.

You will also benefit from the wide range of academic resources within the School of Government and International Affairs, the Law School, the Department of Geography, and Durham University Business School, making the MSc Global Politics a truly unique interdisciplinary course.

Course Learning and Teaching

At the beginning of the academic year, you will go through five-day induction events in which you are informed about University, the School, the MA/MSc courses and the facilities available for your learning.

The 180 credits one-year MSc degree course is divided into four core and four optional modules of 15 credits each. Furthermore, you will have to submit a dissertation of 60 credits of not more than 12,000 words. Most of the modules are delivered during the first two terms and you will spend the remaining time writing the dissertation.

All modules have written exercises for formative assessments. Upon getting feedback on these assignments, you can meet your lecturers to discuss marks before then eventually completing a summative assessment. Typically summative assessments are 3,000 word essays, but some modules may be assessed by examination. You can also meet your module coordinators during weekly contact hours or by making an appointment. When you are working on your dissertation during the later half of the year, you will meet your assigned supervisors for a minimum of 6 hours. You will also have access to academic advisors whenever there is a need.

Career Opportunities

Our students go on to a wide range of successful careers including civil service and other government agencies, UN/INGOs/CSOs, journalism, media, teaching, law, banking and finance, diplomatic services and risk analysis.