Block 2 covers how to produce an academically rigorous literature review, integrate IR theories and methods seamlessly, handle data collection and analysis with confidence, tackle ethics and data management and build a standout research proposal.

Block 1 prepares you for independent research by helping you focus in on a defined study area and craft a compelling research question. You’ll also master how to scope out the key academic literature to build a solid foundation for your project.

Part 2 of the MA (D828) is your chance to investigate an IR topic you’re passionate about - building a full research project with support from OU experts. Through masterclasses, activities & peer input, you'll gain the skills to design, develop & deliver original work.

When is it right to intervene? Block 6 dives into the ethical fault lines of global politics—tackling human rights, sovereignty & humanitarian action through the lenses of the English School and cosmopolitan IR theory, using interpretivist methods to unpack it all.

Is democracy in crisis? Block 5 explores how rising populism, autocracy & nationalism are reshaping global politics - through liberal & constructivist IR theory, backed by both statistical and narrative analysis. Discover what this means for the future of international relations.

What threatens our survival? Block 4 tackles global crises like climate change & pandemics using game theory, liberal & green IR theory. You'll even take part a climate negotiation simulation to sharpen your diplomatic skills!

What threatens our security? Block 3 introduces and explores the concept of ‘security’ within IR. It looks at how understandings of security have changed since the Cold War, with a focus on poststructuralist & feminist IR, and discourse analysis.

Is the international order changing? Block 2 looks at rising powers such as China and India, exploring the challenges they pose to the so-called liberal international order. Here the theory focus is on neorealist and Marxist IR, with a methods emphasis on case studies.

Who carved up the world? Block 1 explores global territorial & economic divisions through IR theory—focusing on postcolonialism & realism. Try a free taster here: www.open.edu/openlearn/so...

Our MA in International Relations (IR) is open for registration! Over the next few days we’ll share info on what the course looks like & the kind of things you’ll be study in D818 – Part 1 of the MA

@mybisa.bsky.social @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social @ou-gcsj.bsky.social @openuniversity.bsky.social

🚨Report by @drdonnasmith.bsky.social & Dan Taylor with @policywise.bsky.social out now!

"Engaging the disengaged: a guide for policymakers & campaigners" explores practical ways to engage disengaged groups in democracy.

🔗Read here: fass.open.ac.uk/sites/fass.o...

@openuniversity.bsky.social

It's our @oupolitics.bsky.social day schools today, bringing together our staff and students, here in London and in Manchester. Great turnout and discussions so far!

Good news from our OU delegation at #BISAFCDOModelNATO @mybisa.bsky.social yesterday: our three amazing @oupolitics.bsky.social students were representing Finland. There was a series of earthquakes in the Mediterranean that NATO was able to formulate a consensus response to. Nice work all!