MSc Political Psychology of International Relations drafted

Program Overview

Our MSc in Political Psychology of International Relations gives you the tools to address the complex psychological mechanisms which influence political decision and action.

You will gain a multidisciplinary understanding of the psychological underpinning of International Relations, alongside structured training in research methods.

Political decision-making and action at international level are shaped by complex psychological mechanisms that are often under-explored or overlooked by mainstream approaches to International Relations. This programme focuses on the individual, group, and mass-level psychological dynamics and processes that determine political outcomes.

This degree examines processes at the individual, group, mass, and state levels, and engages with theoretical and empirical analyses. It uses timely issues and puzzles in international politics and highlights the role of political psychology in explaining, describing, and predicting their origins and outcomes.

Topics and issues examined include:

• Emotions in crises and conflicts
• The psychology of radicalization, terrorism, and political violence
• Identities of religion, gender, and nationalism
• Trust and empathy in International Relations
• Interpersonal dynamics in face-to-face diplomacy

Our MSc degree has one more distinctive feature: it is offered by the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security (ICCS), a world-leading interdisciplinary research centre, in partnership with the Department of Political Science and International Studies.

Who is the programme for?

Our MSc in Political Psychology of International Relations degree is designed for individuals interested in pursuing studies and careers in this innovative new field at the intersection of political psychology and international relations. Undergraduate-level qualification in International Relations and/or Security or experience in a cognate discipline (politics, psychology, sociology, history, geography) is desirable but not essential. We welcome all students who share our strong motivation to engage in the multidisciplinary study and practice of global political psychology.

Employability

Our MSc students pursue exciting and stimulating career opportunities with a range of organisations including government agencies, international organisations, the armed forces, NGOs, think-tanks, the media, the political world, and multinational corporations. Our excellent academic training is complemented by networking opportunities and voluntary work placements. Our four research-focused working groups invite applications throughout the year in the following areas:

• Trust
• Political Settlements
• International Political Psychology
• Unmanned and Remote-Piloted Systems