This module will enable you to take on independent research culminating in the MA dissertation – a 12,000 word research project. There are two teaching blocks at the beginning of the module.
In Block 1, you will:
In Block 2, you will:
The progression of the teaching material, from foundational to more complex aspects of the research process, coupled with assessment points at the end of each block, designed to provide feedback at each step, will give you the chance to develop your own independent research skills through a structured and targeted approach.
During the independent study phase, progression will be supported through a range of module materials and activities, including: check-in weeks; a “progression milestones” template; and “clinics” with tutors that offer targeted support on a specific aspect of your work that you would like to discuss.
These three elements – directed study, timetabling of progress and support from tutors – alongside opportunities to engage with fellow students and the assessment strategy, provide the necessary scaffolding and support for you to progress confidently in the independent study parts of this module.
By studying this module, you will:
Given its focus on practical research skills, this module will enable you to develop key employability skills and attributes relevant to many career paths, including policy-oriented jobs.
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 International Relations and will provide guidance on your assessment through tutorial support and feedback.
Course work includes:
All assessment points are supported through the teaching strategy, which will gradually help you develop the research design skills necessary to conduct the independent research.
The first tutor-marked assignment (TMA) assesses your ability to identify and produce a research question and assess the existing literature on that topic. The second TMA will assess your ability to produce a full research proposal before you conduct the core independent research component. The final TMA is an opportunity to receive feedback on an extended piece of writing (up to 2,000 words, plus 1,500 words of chapter summaries). These will contribute to the end-of-module assessment, which consists of a 12,000-word dissertation.
This module is taught through bespoke online module materials and study resources, all designed and tailored to the specific needs of this module.
In particular, this module is pioneering new ways of teaching research methods by using a series of recorded Masterclasses to bring the research experience of leading Open University experts directly to you. The Masterclasses take the form of audio/video conversations or roundtables, that you'll have the opportunity to engage with throughout the module.
In addition to the Masterclasses, you will also have:
You can only study this module as part of specific Open University qualifications.
D828 is a compulsory module in our:
MA International relations part 2 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 2035.
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.
The expectation is that you will have completed the MA in International relations part 1 (D818). You can also apply to study this module if you have completed the coursework component of an MA in International Relations or a closely related discipline.
Completing the MA in International relations part 1 (D818) provides the essential preparation required for this module. You will already be familiar with some of the key debates in International Relations, as well as some of the methodological approaches that could be used when doing research on key global challenges.
The Open Learn course Developing a research question in International Relations is recommended before proceeding with this module.
Written transcripts of any audio/video components are available on the module website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
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| 05 Sep 2026 | 30 Jun 2027 | 13 Aug 2026 | Not yet available* |
| *This start date is open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed. We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information in late March 2026. |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate tuition fee loans in Northern Ireland.
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to help with your tuition fees. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in Scotland.
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 Wales.
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