Dr David Hughes - Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader
A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), David is Programme Leader for International Relations MA and is a strong believer in encouraging students to think critically.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MA International Relations
This degree is an interdisciplinary programme, drawing upon politics, economics, history, sociology, international law, geography and cultural studies to explore global issues such as conflict, global inequalities, sovereignty, and human rights.
Students are able to examine complex political issues such as conflict, and democratisation. The programme aims to prepare students for future study and research, as well as for potential employment in areas such as the diplomatic service, development agencies, the non-government sector, journalism, consultancy, international and regional organisations, and the public sector.
Students join a thriving community of scholars and may have access to a range of extracurricular activities including external speakers and overseas study trips.
The programme connects students with tutors who have wide-ranging research expertise and can support students on their personal research and career paths. It places considerable emphasis on advanced research methods, enabling students to hone qualitative and quantitative research skills, and supporting them in becoming confident researchers in their own right. Students are invited to attend the School's research seminar series.
- The MA International Relations places considerable emphasis on advanced research methods, enabling students to hone qualitative and quantitative research skills, and supporting them in becoming confident researchers in their own right.
- The programme draws on a range of subject specialisms within the School of Social and Political Sciences and connects students with tutors who are research leaders in their respective fields of study.
- The atmosphere in the School of Social and Political Sciences is collegial and friendly. All students are invited to attend the School's research seminar series. Tutors are approachable and keen to support students on their personal research and career paths.
How You Study
The learning and teaching strategy adopted within the MA International Relations reflects a commitment to self-directed, student-centred learning, with an emphasis on applied analytical skills.
This degree offers a distinctive range of modules, drawing upon the existing research and teaching expertise in the School of Social and Political Sciences to deliver an academically rigorous and contemporary programme. Please note that the availability of optional modules may vary depending on student numbers and staff availability.
This programme aims to develop specialist subject knowledge and equip students with a set of transferable skills relevant to further academic study and employment. The incorporation of a strong research methods element within the MA is designed to enhance employability and development of transferable skills.
Students are taught using a range of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Lectures are designed to introduce students to key themes and perspectives, generate enthusiasm for further enquiry, provide illustrative examples, and to signpost substantive issues.
Seminars and workshops provide students with an environment for more interactive learning and reflection, aimed at deepening critical understanding of the subject matter. These sessions are organised in a variety of ways, including tutor or student-led discussions, presentations, and problem-solving exercises, normally centred on a particular theme.
Tutorials are available to students on an individual or small-group basis as a means of supporting the preparation of individual or group assignments, offering feedback on progress, dealing with any particular learning difficulties, and offering advice on specific choices within the module programme. E-learning will be supported through use of the University's virtual learning environment.
Contact and Independent Study
Full-time students on this programme can expect to receive approximately eight hours of contact time per week. However, this may vary depending on which optional modules are selected.
The research methods modules on this programme are taught in weekly two-hour sessions and the remaining modules are primarily taught through two-hour weekly lecture and seminar sessions.
In addition, students are expected to attend personal tutor groups, dissertation workshops, and meetings with their tutors and dissertation supervisor.
We expect that a full-time student on this course would engage in at least four hours of self-study for every one hour of lecture and seminar time. This equates to 32 hours of self-study per week.
An Introduction to Your Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How you are assessed
The programme is designed to expose students to a range of different forms of assessment and to develop a range of academic, professional, and work-relevant skills such as public speaking.
Students will have the chance to develop written communication skills through essays, report writing, and independent study, all of which are designed to expand students' skills in professional and academic writing.
The development of high-level research skills is a central feature of the programme and students will be expected to develop these through the core research methods module and apply them in their dissertation. Further research skills are also embedded in assessments throughout other core and optional modules.
Critical, analytical, and reflexive thinking are central to all assessments. IT skills are embedded in many modules and include word processing, digital data management and presentation, statistical data handling, the use of electronic search engines, and other resources.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or an equivalent-level qualification from an overseas university).
Candidates holding other qualifications, or substantial relevant work experience, may be considered on an individual basis.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
There are opportunities to supplement your studies by participating in optional field trips to key international organisations and political institutions. Students are responsible for the costs of their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Related Courses

Conflict and Disaster Law
According to the United Nations, more than two billion people have been affected by disasters and conflicts since the year 2000.

Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminology and Criminal Justice challenges students to engage with contemporary issues faced by the criminal justice system.

International Corporate and Commercial Law
This programme enables students to develop an in-depth knowledge of the law and regulations that govern corporate and commercial activities.