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A image to illustrate MA International relations part 1 module
At the forefront of your learning with this module will be equipping you with the tools to analyse and interpret key global challenges. These include how the world responds to international division and the rise of new powers, national and global security threats, the crisis of democracy, and global ethical dilemmas. By focusing on these real-world issues, you'll gain a deep and comprehensive grounding in the core empirical, conceptual and theoretical debates in International Relations, as well as develop your skills in a range of research methods.
This module is comprised of the following blocks, and each block presents ‘big questions’ that relate to contemporary, ‘real-world’ global challenges:
Block 1: How can international divisions be understood?

The focus of the first block will be on two forms of international division: divisions over territory and economic divisions over income and wealth. These divisions – why they matter, where they originate from and how they can be addressed – are at the heart of many debates in IR.
Block 2: What challenges do rising powers pose to international order?

Block 2 analyses the current international order and changes within it, its key actors, and how International Relations scholarship can best be used to research the shifting centre of gravity in international politics.
Block 3: How is security produced in the international system?

This block introduces and explores the concept of ‘security’ within International Relations. You'll be introduced to key debates in security studies, asking what we mean by security within International Relations, whose security matters, and how security is produced.
Block 4: Can global threats to survival be met?

Block 4 explores wider challenges to the international system and the ways in which the political system responds to them. The focus will be on climate change and global health. It also gives you the opportunity to practise and understand negotiating through a negotiation simulation.
Block 5: How does the crisis of democracy affect international relations?

This block explores the links between domestic factors and international relations. In particular, it examines how democracy affects international relations. You'll also trace how the global status of democracy has changed over time and the impact this has had on international relations.
Block 6: Is a global ethics possible?

In the final block, you'll examine ethics in global politics. This encompasses dilemmas around humanitarian intervention and questions about the ethics of decision-making, how ethical standards develop and are maintained, and what this tells us about the nature of international society more broadly.
Each block follows the same pattern over its four weeks and focuses on:
You'll have the chance to develop your research skills throughout the different assessment points, culminating in a piece of independent research on a topic of your choosing for the final project.
This module has practical and vocational relevance by building policy-relevant knowledge and skills. The real-world focus and the skill set it develops will be of particular interest if you're looking to go on to further academic research, advance your existing career or seek employment in a range of professions. This could include the civil and diplomatic service, internationally focused non-government and policy organisations, the charities sector, and think tanks.
You will be assigned a tutor and be part of a tutorial group. The bulk of the tuition will be delivered online with some additional phone or email support. The tutors are all experts in teaching and research in IR and will provide guidance on your assessment through tutorial support and feedback.
Course work includes:
The tutor-marked assignments comprise a mix of academic essays, policy reports and briefings. The end-of-module assessment is an independently researched project on a topic of your choice.
You'll have access to a module website which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
D818 is a compulsory module in our:
D818 is an option module in our:
MA International relations part 1 starts once a year – in September.
This page describes the module that will start in September 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in September 2034.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
To undertake this postgraduate study successfully, you will need to have an undergraduate honours degree, ideally in International Relations, International Studies or a closely related subject (such as the social sciences or law). Although your degree does not need to be in IR, you must show some knowledge of the subject, together with the study skills expected of a graduate in this field. You should be aware that a degree of at least 2.1 or equivalent will greatly increase your chances of successfully completing the MA.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
These Open Learn courses are recommended before proceeding with this module.
We will offer support for students with a range of disabilities. This includes offering alternative module material and assessment formats where necessary.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
05 Sep 202630 Jun 202713 Aug 2026£4,400
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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