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Politics & International Relations

MA (Hons)

At Dundee we have a particular focus on European and transatlantic politics and, more generally, on the politics of security. However, the modules we offer cross the entire range of politics as a field of study.

The MA degrees we offer include Politics, International Relations, European Politics and Geopolitics, which can be tailored to suit your particular areas of interest.

Why study Politics and International Relations at Dundee?

Politics at Dundee takes pride in looking beyond the University itself. We regularly host speakers from the 'real world' of Scottish, British and international politics. Additionally, where possible, we encourage and assist students who wish to take up internships with the Scottish Parliament and Government and other bodies.

We believe strongly in integrating our groundbreaking research with our teaching, and in areas such as Scottish politics, Russian politics, EU politics or international security you will benefit from being taught by a leading expert and author in that field.

Two internationally recognised scholarly journals are edited by our politics staff: 'The Journal of Transatlantic Studies' and 'Perspectives on European Politics and Society'.

What's so good about Politics and International Relations at Dundee?

While politics at Dundee is big enough to have a real international presence, it is still small and intimate enough to offer a friendly and responsive home for students from all backgrounds. This is more than a mere claim - independent surveys consistently rate politics at Dundee as among the best-received programmes in the country.

Chantelle Coleman is a 2nd year studying Politics and International Relations. She says "I chose to study at Dundee University because it's a friendly environment. As I come from Dundee anyway I found settling in quite easy, but I did learn about a whole new 'student' side to the city that I wasn't even aware of. The best thing about my course is the tutorials. They're such a good laugh and you don’t even realise you're learning! I made all my best friends in my tutorials."
More student and graduate profiles »

Study abroad

Our students also have the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus exchange programme with institutions in Denmark or Poland, or our Transatlantic Student Exchange to Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and USA.

Connor McIlwaine spent the 2010-2011 academic year studying Politics and History in the USA. Read his blog to learn more about his experiences.

Degree Combinations

  • MA Geopolitics
  • MA European Politics
  • MA European Politics with French
  • MA European Politics with German
  • MA European Politics with Spanish

Related Courses at Dundee

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by the Politics team based in the School of Humanities.

In Level 1 you will take modules which focus on areas such as 'policy' and 'ideology'. This prepares you for the more specialised offerings on International Relations and Comparative Politics in Level 2.

Later, in Levels 3 and 4 you will take more specialist modules (selected according to your particular degree pathway). These cover the territorial politics of the world, issues of peace and war and of crime and terrorism as well as the 'politics of the personal' in the sense of identity.

How you will be taught

Teaching on politics modules at Dundee usually takes the form of lectures and seminars (sometimes called tutorials). The lectures (one or two weekly) are designed to convey the essential information, concepts and theories associated with a particular topic. While all the students on a particular module will attend the lecture, the seminar is a smaller group - normally around ten to fifteen in number. At the seminar the lecture topic will be explored in more detail, perhaps through group work or individually prepared presentations.

What you will study - MA Politics

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Visit the MA overview page for general information on our MA degree programme.

Level 1

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • Politics and Public Policy: PO11001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module looks at UK politics. It has three sections:

    • Political and civil institutions in the UK. Who actually governs the UK and how?
    • How we choose and influence our leaders and how civil society is maintained (e.g. law and order)
    • UK public policy in action

and 5 other modules which might include:

  • The Globalising World: HU12001
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module highlights the connections between political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life in an increasingly "globalised" international environment and explores and evaluates the arguments surrounding the nature and extent of the process of globalization in the contemporary international system. The following key areas will be explored; the cold war world, decolonization, theories of post-colonialism and post-colonialism culture, power in the post-cold war world order, the processes of globalization, the united nations system, European integration, new security challenges and the emerging world economic order.

  • Introduction to Political Theory: HU12002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module will provide you with a systematic introduction to the most important political ideologies. Through this module you will obtain an excellent grounding in the world views that have dominated politics across the world during the last two centuries. Topics covered include socialism, liberalism, conservatism, feminism, fascism, nationalism, environmentalism and Islamic political ideas.

  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 2

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • International Relations: PO21001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module introduces you to the structures and processes which underlie the relationships between states and other actors in the contemporary international system. It looks at:

    • The international 'system': what it is and how it has developed
    • How the political world 'works' through examining the competing international relations theories
    • The processes that keep international relations 'moving': diplomacy, international law, international organisations and conflict

  • Comparative Politics: PO22002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module provides an introduction to the study of comparative politics. It explores areas such as power, political culture, party systems and political behaviour. It does this through the study of:

    • Comparative methodology: how do we compare political systems?
    • Two case studies (usually two of Russia, the USA and Spain)
  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 3

A total of 4 modules (2 modules for joint Honours), including:

and other modules chosen from:

Level 4

A total of 4 modules (2 modules for joint Honours), including:

  • Dissertation (compulsory for single Honours)

and other modules chosen from:

What you will study - MA International Relations and Politics

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Visit the MA overview page for general information on our MA degree programme.

Level 1
Level 1

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • Politics and Public Policy: PO11001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module looks at UK politics. It has three sections:

    • Political and civil institutions in the UK. Who actually governs the UK and how?
    • How we choose and influence our leaders and how civil society is maintained (e.g. law and order)
    • UK public policy in action

  • The Globalising World: HU12001
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module highlights the connections between political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life in an increasingly "globalised" international environment and explores and evaluates the arguments surrounding the nature and extent of the process of globalization in the contemporary international system. The following key areas will be explored; the cold war world, decolonization, theories of post-colonialism and post-colonialism culture, power in the post-cold war world order, the processes of globalization, the united nations system, European integration, new security challenges and the emerging world economic order.

and 4 other modules which might include:

  • Introduction to Political Theory: HU12002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module will provide you with a systematic introduction to the most important political ideologies. Through this module you will obtain an excellent grounding in the world views that have dominated politics across the world during the last two centuries. Topics covered include socialism, liberalism, conservatism, feminism, fascism, nationalism, environmentalism and Islamic political ideas.

  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 2

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • International Relations: PO21001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module introduces you to the structures and processes which underlie the relationships between states and other actors in the contemporary international system. It looks at:

    • The international 'system': what it is and how it has developed
    • How the political world 'works' through examining the competing international relations theories
    • The processes that keep international relations 'moving': diplomacy, international law, international organisations and conflict

  • Comparative Politics: PO22002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module provides an introduction to the study of comparative politics. It explores areas such as power, political culture, party systems and political behaviour. It does this through the study of:

    • Comparative methodology: how do we compare political systems?
    • Two case studies (usually two of Russia, the USA and Spain)
  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 3

A total of 4 modules, including:

and other modules chosen from:

Level 4

A total of 4 modules (2 modules for joint Honours), chosen from:

  • Dissertation (compulsory for single Honours)

What you will study - MA European Politics

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Visit the MA overview page for general information on our MA degree programme.

Level 1

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • Politics and Public Policy: PO11001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module looks at UK politics. It has three sections:

    • Political and civil institutions in the UK. Who actually governs the UK and how?
    • How we choose and influence our leaders and how civil society is maintained (e.g. law and order)
    • UK public policy in action

  • The Globalising World: HU12001
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module highlights the connections between political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life in an increasingly "globalised" international environment and explores and evaluates the arguments surrounding the nature and extent of the process of globalization in the contemporary international system. The following key areas will be explored; the cold war world, decolonization, theories of post-colonialism and post-colonialism culture, power in the post-cold war world order, the processes of globalization, the united nations system, European integration, new security challenges and the emerging world economic order.

  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 2

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • Contemporary Challenges for Europe: EU21002
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    The module is divided into four sections with each focusing on a particular issue of importance to the development of Europe: an Introduction to Europe; Economic integration; Social and regional integration; Migration and National Identity.

  • Comparative Politics: PO22002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module provides an introduction to the study of comparative politics. It explores areas such as power, political culture, party systems and political behaviour. It does this through the study of:

    • Comparative methodology: how do we compare political systems?
    • Two case studies (usually two of Russia, the USA and Spain)
  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 3

A total of 4 modules, including:

3 other politics/ international relations modules chosen from:

Level 4

A total of 4 modules, chosen from:

  • Dissertation (compulsory for single Honours)

What you will study - MA Geopolitics

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in three years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. You study levels 2-4 below. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Visit the MA overview page for general information on our MA degree programme.

Level 1

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • Politics and Public Policy: PO11001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module looks at UK politics. It has three sections:

    • Political and civil institutions in the UK. Who actually governs the UK and how?
    • How we choose and influence our leaders and how civil society is maintained (e.g. law and order)
    • UK public policy in action

  • The Globalising World: HU12001
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module highlights the connections between political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life in an increasingly "globalised" international environment and explores and evaluates the arguments surrounding the nature and extent of the process of globalization in the contemporary international system. The following key areas will be explored; the cold war world, decolonization, theories of post-colonialism and post-colonialism culture, power in the post-cold war world order, the processes of globalization, the united nations system, European integration, new security challenges and the emerging world economic order.

  • A World in Crisis? Population and Environment: GE11001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module examines the perceived crises associated with a rapid increase in population and its coincidence with forces resulting in global, regional and local damage to the physical environment.

  • A World of Plenty? Environment and Development: GE12002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module provides an overview of natural resources at the global level and introduces key concepts about social and economic change in different world regional settings.

  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 2

A total of 6 modules, including:

  • International Relations: PO21001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module introduces you to the structures and processes which underlie the relationships between states and other actors in the contemporary international system. It looks at:

    • The international 'system': what it is and how it has developed
    • How the political world 'works' through examining the competing international relations theories
    • The processes that keep international relations 'moving': diplomacy, international law, international organisations and conflict

  • Dynamic Human Worlds: GE21001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module examines how space and place interact with social, cultural and economic processes. For example, it considers how different social groups define themselves geographically in terms of racial and class segregation, gated communities and 'gang-land' territories; and it looks at how firms decide where to locate and why some parts of the world are more affluent than others.

  • Additional modules: visit the MA overview page for more information
Level 3

A total of 4 modules, including:

  • Geographical Methods (compulsory)
  • 1 approved geography module
  • 2 designated international relations modules
Level 4

A total of 4 modules, including:

  • Dissertation (compulsory on approved geopolitics topic)
  • Either two Geography and one International Relations modules
    Or one Geography and two International Relations modules

How you will be assessed

Your performance on modules is assessed by a wide variety of means - from formal exams where you answer essay-type questions from a previously unseen paper to 'seen' exams where you know the questions in advance but still must answer them in timed exam conditions. Prepared essays on a specific topic are also part of the assessment of almost all modules.

Additionally, seminar presentations may be marked and included in the overall assessment. As a general principle, modules will involve a mixture of assessment techniques in order to achieve an all-round picture of your abilities and to give you a chance to shine in the type of test that suits you best.

Careers

Politics graduates from Dundee score highly in surveys of graduate employment. While you may not become a politician (though many of our students over the years have: as MPs, MSPs and MEPs), your degree will open up a range of opportunities in both the private and public services.

In other words, the skills - personal, verbal and written - that you will acquire in your politics programme can be easily transferred to many walks of life. We have produced leading journalists, civil servants, diplomats - and even the occasional secret agent!

Stephen McCabe graduated with a first class MA Honours degree in English and Politics and began work straightaway at the Scottish Parliament. He works as a Parliamentary Aide to Mary Scanlon MSP.

Stephen writes: "Studying Politics was a great experience for me; the staff are all experts in their field and are all very approachable and positive. The methods of teaching and assessment, such as essay and report writing, along with presentations gave me an excellent skills grounding for my current position."

Natalie Coupar graduated with an MA (Hons) in Politics and History in 2010 and is currently the Vice President Communications for the Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA). During her time at Dundee she was Editor of the student magazine, The Magdalen, and won Journalist of the Year in 2008.

She says, "My best learning experience was my dissertation. Never in my life have I been so passionate about a topic. It was great to have such an opportunity to research into something at such a deep level. I think my tutor got sick of the sight of me!"

Postgraduate study

If, instead of entering full-time employment after your degree you are interested in taking your study of Politics further at postgraduate level, you might choose to undertake an MLitt degree. We offer this with specialisation in areas such as European Politics and International Security.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher AABB
GCE A-Level BBB
ILC Higher AABB
IB Diploma 30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects
EU & International Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification Grade
SQA Advanced Higher AB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level AAB
IB Diploma 34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA A relevant HNC with grade B in the Graded Unit (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HND with grade BB in the Graded Units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate Pass with CC at Advanced Higher (Level 1 entry)
Distinction with AB at Advanced Higher (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programmes Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 and Communication 4 plus Literature 1 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry)
A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma Grade B with ASL-A Level at B (Level 1 entry)
Grade A with ASL-A Level at B (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate Pass with A Levels at BB (Level 1 entry)
Pass with A Levels at AA (Level 2 entry)
Entry to English Literature courses requires Higher at B, A-Level at C or equivalent in English/English Literature.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for joint honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category Fees for students starting September 2012 Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Students from the rest of the UK £9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.
EU students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Overseas students (non-EU) £9,700 per year.

The fee shown is annual, and maybe subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree UCAS Codes KIS data
MA Politics
L200
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MA International Relations and Politics
L250
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MA European Politics
L245
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MA Geopolitics
L246
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MA Politics and American Studies
LT27
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MA Politics and Business Economics with Marketing
L0N0
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MA Politics and Economics
LL12
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MA Politics and English
LQ23
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MA Politics and Geography
LL72
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MA Politics and History
LV21
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MA Politics and Philosophy
LV25
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MA Politics and Psychology
CL82
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MA International Relations and American Studies
LT2R
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MA International Relations and Economics
LLD2
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MA International Relations and European Studies
LR28
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MA International Relations and History
LV2C
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MA International Relations and Philosophy
VL5G
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MA Politics with French
L2R1
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MA Politics with German
L2R2
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MA Politics with Spanish
L2R4
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MA European Politics with French
L2RC
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MA European Politics with German
L2RF
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MA European Politics with Spanish
L2RK
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UCAS Application Process

Apply to UCAS thumbnail image - linking to youtube video
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International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for the Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

To study Politics, International Relations or European Politics at Dundee, you would be helped by being able to claim that you have a real interest in current affairs, and are particularly interested in (generally speaking) the 'here and now'. Can you point to a habit of reading serious journalism, or even of regularly watching what one might call 'serious TV'? Have you traveled in, or lived in, a country beyond a simple holiday visit; can you claim to have experienced the way of life, and the habits of thought, of any other nation(s) beyond the merest superficial acquaintance? Generally, it is important that you and your referee should be able to say that you have an enquiring, lively mind.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388074/ 388585/ 384370 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 01382 388074/ 388585/ 384370 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

THINK DUNDEE

Why should you come to Dundee?

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Did you know?

In the 2011 National Student Survey we were ranked 1st in Scotland and joint 1st in the UK with 100% of our students saying they were satisfied with the quality of the course.