Duration and mode of study

Two years part-time. This course is also available on campus.

Start dates

March and 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. For the distance learning course in particular, we also welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.

Fees

These are the total course fees.

2012/13

Home/EU/International: £6,545

Course aims

Recent protests and social movements have advanced a range of political claims to human rights. The global economic crisis is one part of the growing range of ethical, social and political issues that cannot be resolved by states acting alone. Human rights and global ethics are therefore increasingly vital areas of study.

Over recent years the idea of human rights has become a central issue in international politics, much of which can no longer be fully understood without an understanding of the politics of human rights. The MA addresses these concerns from the perspective of their global political context.

This course provides a thorough grounding in the political and international theory of human rights and global ethics. On this course, you will be exposed to different theoretical and political perspectives on human rights. You will have the chance to study in depth the global political context of pressing ethical issues. The course combines study of the main theories and concepts related to human rights and global ethics with detailed empirical analysis of issues such as intelligence, slavery, citizenship, refugees, animal rights, security and war.

The course is designed to equip graduates with knowledge and skills relevant to employment and career development in government, media, business, NGOs and any professional context in which cross-cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness is a requirement.

Course modules

Core:

Option modules (three from the following – subject to availability):

• The Art of Negotiation
• Human Rights, Ethics and War in the Post-Cold War Order
• International Migration: Political and Social Aspects
• Post-Cold War World Order
• American Interventionism since 1993
• South African Foreign Policy: The Diplomacy of Isolation
• EU Enlargement and Democratic Consolidation in Post Communist Europe
• The British Way of Warfare: Counter Insurgency since 1945
• Visions of the Modern American Presidency 1945-2000
• International Security
• America and the World: The Making of US Foreign Policy
• Democracy and Legitimacy in the EU
• Diplomatic Systems
• Strategic Studies
• The International Politics of Protection
• Theories of International Relations
• The Ascent to Pre-eminence: The United States’ Emergence as a Global Power 1898-1948

Teaching and assessment methods

Teaching will be based upon use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) “Blackboard”. This allows for a range of innovative and engaging teaching techniques to be used, such as online presentations, podcasts, interactive message boards and Wikis, as well as one to one contact through conventional channels. Modules are assessed by a traditional end of module essay and a range of online activities.

Contact

The Distance Learning Advisor
Department of Politics and International Relations
T: 0116 252 5164
irdl@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/politics/