Introduction This course provides a sustained engagement with key issues in contemporary International Relations including development & political economy, critical & human security, globalisation, gender, identity, human rights, and governance. Building on a foundational course on the conceptual/ theoretical underpinnings of IR, the programme offers a range of courses that enable individualized programmes of specialized study on a particular theme or region. During the course of the programme, students develop: A nuanced understanding of key concepts and paradigms that structure the disciplinary study of International Relations and the theoretical and analytical tools to engage debates about them; several areas of thematic and regional specialisation that reflect their research and professional interests. For each area, students develop the relevant empirical and theoretical knowledge and understanding to produce in-depth analysis of complex problems. Taken together, these area choices provide students with an understanding of the multifaceted nature of contemporary International Relations; postgraduate-level skills of intellectual and professional relevance including: research skills, organisation and structure, critical evaluation of sources and arguments, logic of argumentation, independent study and judgement, and written and oral communication; MScIR students also complete an in-depth extended research project. Courses Modules Semester 1 Compulsory Theories and Concepts in International Relations Optional Themes in Latin America Qualitative Research Methods in Politics and International Relations Relgiion, Conflict and Security International Poltical Economy: Theory and Themes Semester 2 Optional Latine America: Security Conditions and Challenges Global Security Issues Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations Reserach Design, Data and Presentation Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Dimensions of Globalisation The Comparative Study of European Societies Sex, Gender, Violence: Critical Approaches Post - Conflict Justice and Peacebuilding Global Conflict and Peace Processes Semester 3 Compulsory Dissertation in International Relations