Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

MSc Political Psychology of International Relations

Course Level:

Postgraduate, Taught

Credits 

180

Course

CODE P1183

How long it takes:

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$22,500

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

This degree comprises the following modules:

 

Compulsory core modules

Dissertation

MSc students to submit a 13,500 word dissertation (not applicable to Diploma Students)
60 credits

  

Political Psychology of Conflict and Cooperation (20 credits)

This fascinating module engages students in theoretical and empirical applications of political psychology that address stimulating debates in International Relations. With a particular focus on processes of conflict and cooperation at the international level, this module cements your interdisciplinary training and provides you with an overview of fascinating puzzles and central debates in political psychology. This includes the psychological processes of decision making for political actors, elites, social groups, and mass publics in environments that generate conflict and cooperation. We will also examine the role of emotions in crises, identities of religion, nationalism and gender, and the psychological processes behind extreme politics like radicalization, terrorism and political violence. While the course is grounded in political psychology and IR, we also draw on insights from political communication, sociology, and social neuroscience. As part of this module we engage in the design and implementation of a political psychology research project

 

Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics (20 credits)

In this cutting-edge module, our students develop an informed appreciation of how fear, cooperation and trust shape the contours of world politics. The module explores the obstacles to building cooperation and trust, using a series of case studies. It also investigates whether these obstacles can be overcome through institutions, norms, and personal diplomacy between leaders. A key focus of the module is to introduce students to trust-building strategies and techniques, including the potential for face-to-face diplomacy to build trust and transform conflicts. The module is taught through interactive role-play scenarios in which students take on the role of policy advisors and diplomats in crisis and multilateral negotiation situations (for example, the Cuban Missile Crisis, US-China relations, nuclear non-proliferation, and global climate change).

 

Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits)

This module introduces students to the principles and practice of data collection, collation and analysis. Teaching and learning exercises demonstrate the value of research skills in relation to both textual and numeric data. The module develops understanding of different stages of the research process. The importance of ethical practice in research development, collection, collation, analysis and dissemination is stressed throughout.

 

Foundations in Qualitative Research (20 credits)

The module builds on Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods as students progress to a deeper level of understanding of social research in practice. Two large-scale studies (research materials, datasets) are employed to build research skills.

Secondary research skills (using textual and numeric data) are explicitly explored as a base from which to conduct informed and appropriate data handling/analysis. An introduction to multivariate analysis will be provided, up to the level of multiple regression and analysis of variance. Techniques for analysing textual data will also be covered.

 

Optional modules

We are proud of the extensive range of modules that are available to our students allowing you to tailor your course and study topics that interest you the most.

All modules are 20 credits and are available as options on postgraduate taught programmes where the module is not compulsory.

 
International relations theory  Governing British Capitalism International Political Economy
Globalisation and Governance Diplomacy and Statecraft Diplomatic History
Security Studies US foreign and defence policy Developments in Contemporary Political Analysis
Radical Social Theory  Politics and the State Rising Powers and Global Order
Global Environmental Governance Terrorism and Political Violence Sex, Death Gender and (in)security
Gender and Global Governance Ethnic Conflict and its management: theories and cases Politics of Arab-Isreali conflict
Varieties of Politics Arguing against Tyranny Problems in Contemporary Political Theory
Dilemmas in International Relations Authoritarianism and Development [IDD]* Democracy and Development [IDD]*
Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics Global Cooperation in Practice Political Psychology of Conflict and Cooperation
Asian Pacific Security Post-conflict Peacebuilding and the International Order Chinese Politics and Foreign Relations

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

      • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
      • Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
      • Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
      • Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc:  Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300

   

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Our MSc students pursue exciting and stimulating career opportunities with a range of organisations including government agencies, international organisations, the armed forces, NGOs, think-tanks, the media, the political world, and multinational corporations. Our excellent academic training is complemented by networking opportunities and voluntary work placements. Our four research-focused working groups invite applications throughout the year in the following areas:

  • Trust
  • Political Settlements
  • International Political Psychology
  • Unmanned and Remote-Piloted Systems

In addition, the Careers Network provides a valuable source of information on employment opportunities, internships, and funding.

The School offers a number of opportunities for learning enhancement throughout the year, including Model NATO, which sends a student delegation each February to participate in a role play exercise of decision making in NATO. Students are also encouraged to attend the regular seminars offered by Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security (ICCS), Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) and International Development Department (IDD) to complement and broaden their studies.

Student Enhancement Fund

The Student Enhancement Fund allows students to take greater control of their own personal development, encouraging creative thinking about enhancement opportunities and providing tailored experiences for individuals or groups of students with specific interests and career ambitions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for up to £100 (individuals) or £300 (groups).