Course Detail

The sudden collapse of the governing international order that came about with the end of the Cold War, has conditioned much of the thinking in international relations in the past two decades. The concept of a “New World Order” has caused considerable debate, amongst policymakers and scholars. This course looks at a range of international issues but especially seeks to investigate whether International Relations in the post-Cold War period has been founded upon a ‘Western’ model of World Order.

The degree aims to introduce differing concepts of Order in the post-Cold War world. It is designed to make you think critically about the nature of international relations: about the extent to which Western interests, institutions and culture dominate the world system and the challenges and responses generated by that dominance. There is an emphasis upon both theoretical and empirical approaches to this subject.

Course Structure

You must complete the Post-Cold War World Order core module plus a further three option modules from the list of optional modules. If you wish to continue on to the MA, these modules will be followed by your dissertation.

The Core Module: Post-Cold War World Order

This module critically examines the means by which the West maintains its concept of Order. It will begin by considering the relationship between order and justice in international relations before moving on to consider the idea of a ‘New World Order’ and assessing its originality. The position of the United States as the sole superpower after the Cold War will be examined and the ability of the US to imprint its model of Order globally will be evaluated. The module will analyse the way Western interests are upheld through concepts of security, the international economic system and international institutions such as the United Nations. A variety of challenges to this Western concept of order will be examined, including those from other parts of the world as well as from various parts of the academic community.

Duration and Mode of Study

One year full-time or two years part-time campus-based. This course is also available via distance learning.

Start Dates

September each year.

Entry Requirements

Either a first or a good second class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to have a qualification such as the British Council International English Language Testing System (score 6.5 or above) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (score 90/575).

How to Apply

For further details and an application form for the MA/Diploma International Relations and World Order please contact us:

Next Step: Request an Information Pack for the Campus based programme

Next Step: Request an Information Pack for the Distance Learning programme

These pages should be read in conjunction with the University of Leicester’s Postgraduate Prospectus and Postgraduate Regulations.