find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

Durham University: International Relations (East Asia)

Institution Durham University View institution profile
Department School of Government and International Affairs
Web durham.ac.uk
Telephone 0191 334 1000
Study type Taught

Summary

Course details Immerse yourself in debates about international politics, international organisations and how they influence relationships between nations. The MA in International Relations (East Asia) will equip you with the skills to challenge conventional thinking and analyse your own views about some of the present-day challenges in East Asia and beyond. The course covers both theoretical and empirical aspects of international relations, examining the history of the field, as well as in-depth study of the major international organisations that contribute to the global order. As the course progresses, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the international community has developed, and the forces that shape its development. The East Asia route aims to provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the dynamics – including cultural and local political and ideological factors – which shape the contemporary international relations of the region. You will learn to evaluate concepts, theories and paradigms, drawing lessons from real world studies informed by quantitative and qualitative investigations.

Why Durham University? Part of the School of Government and International Affairs, politics and international relations at Durham is centred around the areas of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political economy. Our academic staff have a genuine passion for politics and are leading experts in the study of these areas, as they exist across Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, and the wider Muslim world, Africa, and America. Postgraduate politics and international relations provision at Durham explores political life across the globe. We apply our research expertise in the theory and practice of politics to discover more about the systems and processes that shape our world. We are a research-led School offering high-quality learning in essential quantitative and qualitative research methods alongside in-depth study of key areas of political and international theory. These include Comparative Institutions and Political Behaviour, Environmental Politics, Global Security and Peacebuilding, International Political Economy, and International Relations. We believe that in a democracy, active citizenship requires awareness, participation, and the ability to comprehend public debate. Our vision is to offer a study of politics that not only includes but goes beyond career preparation to consider how to be better human beings and good citizens.

Career Opportunities Our courses focus on developing self-aware, thoughtful, and ambitious global citizens with the skills and knowledge to secure rewarding and stimulating careers inside and outside of politics. Our postgraduates achieve successful careers in many fields including local and national government, diplomacy, newspaper and broadcast journalism, the charity sector, business and finance, publishing, law, manufacturing, teaching and academia, and the armed forces. Former postgraduate students have taken up roles with leading employers including the House of Commons, Clifford Chance, Accenture, British Airways, Ernst and Young, British Telecom, Goldman Sachs, PwC, the Royal Navy, House of Fraser, Channel 4, HSBC, Teach First, Black Rock, and the Audit Commission.

MA

University of Durham

Durham University 

  • World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  • UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
  • 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
  • World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
  • 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025

University of DurhamUniversity of Durham

Discover Durham

We believe that inspiring our people …

View Profile

Not what you are looking for?

Browse other courses in Social sciences, Politics or International relations, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.

Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com

Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.

Click here