This module is the second part of the MA in International Relations. You'll become equipped with the skills to design, plan and produce a research project addressing some of the key issues in contemporary international relations. Taught through a mix of bespoke masterclasses recorded by Open University experts, teaching chapters, online interactive activities, and peer engagement through forums, this part of the MA will enrich your research toolkit and prepare you to write the final dissertation.
What you will study
This module will enable you to take on independent research culminating in the MA dissertation – a 12,000 word research project. There are two teaching blocks at the beginning of the module.
In Block 1, you will:
- look at the issues of being an independent researcher, including time management and how to organise the research process
- focus on narrowing down an area of study, with the aim to identify a topic of interest for the research question
- conduct a scoping of the academic literature in your area of interest.
In Block 2, you will:
- produce a literature review
- learn how to combine theories and methods in a research project
- learn how to collect and analyse primary and secondary data, whether through analysis of databases (e.g. on economic, military, and cultural indicators) or through archival materials and interviews
- learn about ethics and data management processes
- develop and refine your own research proposal
The progression of the teaching material, from foundational to more complex aspects of the research process, coupled with assessment points at the end of each block designed to provide feedback at each step, will give you the chance to develop your own independent research skills through a structured and targeted approach.
During the independent study phase, progression will be supported through a range of module materials and activities including: check-in weeks; a “progression milestones” template; and “clinics” with tutors that offer targeted support on a specific aspect of your work that you would like to discuss.
These three elements – directed study, timetabling of progress and support from tutors – alongside opportunities to engage with fellow students and the assessment strategy, provide the necessary scaffolding and support for you to progress confidently in the independent study parts of this module.
You will learn
By studying this module, you will:
- deepen your knowledge of key approaches to conducting research on key issues in international relations
- widen your core knowledge of the methodological tools necessary to effectively conduct independent research at Masters level
- develop detailed awareness and understanding of core research designs and methods as well as the ability to apply them in an effective and critical manner to an extended piece of work, such as the final dissertation
- acquire study skills appropriate for more advanced study (i.e. doctoral studies).
Vocational relevance
Given its focus on practical research skills, this module will enable you to develop key employability skills and attributes relevant to many career paths, including policy-oriented jobs.
Entry
The expectation is that you will have completed the MA in International relations part 1 (D818). You can also apply to study this module if you have completed the coursework component of an MA in International Relations or a closely related discipline.
Preparatory work
Completing the MA in International relations part 1 (D818) provides the essential preparation required for this module. You will already be familiar with some of the key debates in International Relations, as well as some of the methodological approaches that could be used when doing research on key global challenges.
The Open Learn course Developing a research question in International Relations is recommended before proceeding with this module.
Study materials
What's included
This module is taught through bespoke online module materials and study resources, all designed and tailored to the specific needs of this module.
In particular, this module is pioneering new ways of teaching research methods by using a series of recorded Masterclasses to bring the research experience of leading Open University experts directly to you. The Masterclasses take the form of audio/video conversations or roundtables, that you'll have the opportunity to engage with throughout the module.
In addition to the Masterclasses, you will also have:
- a teaching chapter each week written by an Open University academic on the week’s topic
- interactives, exercises and prompts for further reading on the Virtual Learning Environment
- forum activities to engage with fellow students
- an assessment guide
- access to the OU library and its research resources.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will be assigned a tutor and be part of a tutorial group. The bulk of the tuition will be delivered online with some additional phone or email support. The tutors are all experts in teaching and research in International Relations and will provide guidance on your assessment through tutorial support and feedback.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box.
All assessment points are supported through the teaching strategy, which will gradually help you develop the research design skills necessary to conduct the independent research.
The first tutor-marked assignment (TMA) assesses your ability to identify and produce a research question and assess the existing literature on that topic. The second TMA will assess your ability to produce a full research proposal before you conduct the core independent research component. The final TMA is an opportunity to receive feedback on an extended piece of writing (up to 2,000 words, plus 1,500 words of chapters summary). These will contribute to the end-of-module assessment which consists of a 12,000 word dissertation.