Issues and Debates in International Relations

Overview

During this Summer School course, you will be exposed to a broad range of seminars, lectures and discussions about the issues facing us in a globalised world. The course will provide you with a sophisticated theoretical and applied understanding of international relations including areas of expertise such as war and security, globalisation and development, and EU foreign policy. Subjects that will be covered include an overview of international relations since 1945, the major international institutions and actors, war and security in a global era, and the European Union as a global actor.

Download course syllabus: SUM501H International Relations_2022 [PDF 106KB]

Course content is subject to change.

Course aims

The course aims to provide you with knowledge of the debates and ideas within international relations, with a critical understanding of key theoretical and conceptual approaches, and with an understanding of various contemporary conflicts and dilemmas within international politics. You will also be introduced to a variety of study skills for undertaking further study, particularly case study and comparative analysis of different conflicts, institutions and practices. You will also receive guidance in preparing short reports, summaries and analyses, and presentations with the specific aim of improving your writing, study and presentation skills.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, external visits, and talks by invited speakers and lecturers. 

Learning outcomes

You will learn:

• to understanding the basic theoretical and conceptual frameworks used in the study of international relations
• how to apply theoretical frameworks/arguments to contemporary issues of war and conflict resolution
• how to critically assess the role of international (or supra-state) institutions and interrogate their relationship with domestic and local institutions and actors.

You will be able to:

• prepare short summaries of arguments and debates within international relations
• undertake a comparative analysis of empirical case studies
• deliver effective presentations
• develop fluency in oral presentation
• improve your academic writing (both in style and content)
• develop your research skills.

Fees

The Queen Mary Summer School costs: £1,900 per session, which includes tuition and social programme. 

We offer a 10% discount to:

• Students and staff from partner institutions
• Alumni
• Current Queen Mary students 

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation is £877 per session. For further information, please visit our accommodation page.

Additional costs and course excursions

There may be additional costs for field trips, such as entry to exhibitions, which will be in the region of £30. All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books.

Please note there is no deposit payment required for the Queen Mary Summer School.

Entry requirements

To join our Summer School, you should have completed a minimum of two semesters’ study at your home institution.

We welcome Summer School students from around the world. We accept a range of qualifications:

• if your home institution uses the four-point Grade Point Average (GPA) scale, we usually require a 3.0 GPA
• if your home institution uses the letter scale, you will need to have a B+

We welcome international qualifications and we consider every application individually on its academic merit.

English language requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English isn’t your first language, you must meet one of the following English Language requirements in order to join the Queen Mary Summer School:

• If you hold a degree from a majority English speaking country plus Canada you may use this degree to satisfy the English language requirements for entry, provided the degree was completed no more than 5 years before the start date of the course to which you are applying.
• IELTS, 7.0 overall or higher, with at least 6.5 in all sub scores or equivalent
• China UEE (University Entrance Exam) -  110
• CET 4 – 550 or CET 6 – 490
• Applicants with an alternative qualification should check it is equivalent to the above or contact us at summerschool@qmul.ac.uk

How to apply

Have a question? Get in touch - one of the team will be happy to help!