Master of Philosophy in International Relations

1. The programme shall be under the supervision of the International Relations Graduate Studies Committee of the Department of Politics and International Relations, which is under the supervision of the Social Sciences Divisional Board. 

2. Candidates will be required to follow a full-time course of instruction for six terms. 

Qualifying Examination

3. Candidates will complete a core course in The Development of the International System and Contemporary Debates in International Relations Theory, assessed by a written examination.

Research methods  

4. Candidates will complete courses in Research Design and Methods in International Relations and two methods options. Candidates will submit three summative coursework assignments, full details of which will be set out in the Course Handbook.

5. Research methods assignments may also be submitted as part of the thesis providing:

(i) it has not been submitted in whole or in part for another degree of the University of Oxford, or a degree of any other university, and the candidate submits a statement to that effect;  

(ii) the thesis itself is substantially new; and 

(iii) the candidate also submits a statement specifying the extent of what is new. 

6. To pass the qualifying examination and proceed to the second year each candidate must pass both courses. Candidates who fail either course will normally be able to retake it before the beginning of the next academic year. 

Final Examination

7. Candidates will take two option papers from a list of those approved by the International Relations Graduate Studies Committee. With the special permission of the International Relations Graduate Studies Committee candidates may take an option paper from outside this list. Option papers will be assessed by written examination, research paper or essay as set out in the Course Handbook and on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. 

8. Candidates will submit a thesis of not more than 30,000 words by noon on Tuesday of Week 1 of Trinity term. 

9. Research methods assignments, option paper essays or research papers and the thesis must be submitted using the University approved online submission system. Technical information on the requirements for online submissions is provided in the Course Handbook and on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.