The MSc in International Politics degree from the University of Southampton enables you to expand your understanding of contemporary global and international politics, while also honing research skills which are highly valued by employers. The programme is designed both to equip students to undertake independent research in international politics and to develop skills that are of relevance to a broad range of careers in the public or private sector. The aims of the programme are to provide you with: knowledge and understanding the main approaches to the study of international politics; knowledge and understanding of the main issues and events that challenge contemporary understandings of international politics; knowledge and understanding of philosophical and methodological debates in the study of politics and international relations; and the skills necessary to design and complete a dissertation on a specialist topic in the field of international politics. Each module will involve one or two sessions each week spread over the semester. For each module, students will be expected to write one or more essays (or equivalent), make presentations or contribute to seminar discussions. Some modules are assessed by essays, others by exams, and some by a mix of these methods. Exams are held at the end of each semester. Students will also achieve PGDip award in this course.