MA International Law, Ethics and Politics

Core Modules

You will study a core module in theory and methods, choosing from:

Research Skills and Methods

This module provides an introduction to the methods of contemporary philosophy. Topics addressed typically include critical thinking in philosophy, reading in philosophy, research skills, dissertation planning, and presenting philosophical arguments in written work. You will also participate in online sessions focused on generic research skills.

Or

Introduction to Legal Research

This module introduces a range of approaches to legal research. It examines the importance and nature of legal research, foundational elements of legal research, and a variety of methods in legal research (such as doctrinal, theoretical, normative, and socio-legal). Alongside introducing legal research and methods, the module critically interrogates the underpinnings of each of the approaches used in legal research to uncover their advantages and disadvantages and explore the connections and synergies between them. The module aims to improve students’ comprehension of the variety of methods in legal research, allow them to make an informed initial choice of the methodological approach(es) for their own research (while being aware of its limitations and possible alternative methods), and assist them in translating their research interests into viable research projects.

Optional Modules

You will also choose a total of five optional modules. This includes at least one module from each of the Law, Politics, and Philosophy departments, and a further two modules from any of the three departments. The range of modules available typically includes:

Law

• Issues in Transnational Criminal Justice,
• Socio-Legal Theory
• International and European Legal Responses to Terrorism
• International Human Rights Law
• International Trade Law and Policy
• Global Crime Problems
• Public International Law

Philosophy

• Bioethics
• Ethics and Global Ethics
• God, Freedom, and the Meaning of Life
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
• Topics in Global Justice
• Human Rights
• Philosophy and Mental Health

Politics

• Globalisation and Governance
• Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and International Order
• Diplomatic History
• Global Cooperation in Practice
• The Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
• International Relations Theory
• The European Union and Global Politics
• Dilemmas in International Relations.
• Security Studies
• US Foreign and Defence Policy

Dissertation or Practice-Based Dissertation

You will complete the program with a research project.

If you choose to complete a written dissertation, this will be a substantial and sustained investigation of a topic related to one or more of the disciplines being studied, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

The practice-based dissertation is ideal for those who have begun careers and are returning to study after time in employment, or those who are aiming to enhance their employability by obtaining (further) experience within related professional contexts. It offers a more applied, contextualized approach to independent research than the more traditional dissertation route. In addition to completing 160 hours on placement, you are asked to produce a practical output/project for the organization hosting your placement. This can take various forms, such as a report for internal use, a piece of research, a contribution to a report or policy document, a video, a feature article for a newspaper, or another form of media output. You complete the placement with a 10-12,000-word report encompassing aspects including the rationale for the placement, a reflection on the tasks performed, and a theoretical discussion of an issue related to the placement.

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities, especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific career events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one career advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV, and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual program of careers fairs, skills workshops, and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What's more, you will be able to access our full range of career support for up to 2 years after graduation.

‘You will take six taught modules and write a 12-15,000-word dissertation (depending on whether you select a practice or standard dissertation). We have two 11-week teaching semesters per year, the autumn semester and the spring semester. Semester dates can be found on our website. Modules run for one semester, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you are required to attend.

In addition to the weekly seminars, you will have to allow adequate study time for each of your modules. Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation, and attending seminars.

Studying Full-Time

You will spread your module work over the two teaching semesters, ideally studying three modules in each term. However, this depends on your module choices and it is also possible to study two in one semester and four in another. Most of the work for your dissertation takes place in the summer, though practical work for practice-based dissertations usually commences earlier’

Studying Part-Time

The program may be taken part-time and completed over a period of two years. This mode of study is particularly suitable for professionals who wish to combine professional practice with university-level study, gaining CPD points in the process. You spread your modules over four teaching semesters (autumn and spring of year one, and autumn and spring of year two). Classes will be scheduled between 9 am-6 pm and you will typically have two to four hours of teaching each week. You will work on your dissertation in year two; again, most of the written work takes place in the summer term.

International Students

International students are invited to participate in an orientation course run by the university’s International Office before the start of the academic session. For students from outside the UK, there are also lectures on the British constitution, sources of English law, and the working methods of the common law system. The Birmingham International Academy provides a range of support in reading and writing academic English.

Teaching Year

We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring, and summer terms

As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each of the first two terms, followed by your dissertation. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules each year, followed by your dissertation.

Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.