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M.A. International Relations, Security, and Strategy (Online)

M.A. International Relations, Security, and Strategy

ONLINE | POWERED BY COURSERA

About The Programme

The Master of Arts in International Relations, Security, and Strategy is the only online Indian master's degree to combine international relations, security, and strategy into a single seamless programme.

Offered by the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) at O.P. Jindal Global University, this programme builds on successful best practices and pedagogies from the on-campus programmes, which have been in existence for over ten years. The university has been ranked as India’s #1 University in social sciences, arts, and humanities (QS University Rankings 2022), and JGU programmes are accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council and it is University Grants Commission (UGC) entitled.

What is International Relations?
International Relations (IR) is the study of how different actors, such as states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, interact in the global arena.

There are many academic programs that offer MA in International Relations, both online and on-campus. For instance, Masters degree in International relations is a two-year postgraduate program that covers contemporary IR, security studies and strategies, regional studies, and public policy. MA in International Relations in India is offered by several universities, such as O.P. Jindal Global University.

Scope of the Course

The scope of the course in international relations is to provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the field of global politics, diplomacy, and cross-cultural dynamics.

Benefits of the Course

Students who pursue Masters International Relations can work in various sectors and domains, such as government, business, media, education, and non-governmental organizations.

Students who want to study from anywhere or have flexible schedules can enroll in MA in international relations online, which is a convenient and affordable option that offers the same quality and curriculum as the on-campus program. This course is offered byJindal School of International Affairs (JSIA) at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU).

What Makes It Different at JGU

Students will gain an overview of the various instruments at state’s disposal that enable its foreign policy and engage in detailed consideration of the constraints and limits the state faces in its exercise in the international domain.

JSIA offers the only online Masters degree in India to integrate the related fields of international relations, security and strategy into a single seamless Masters programme.

Leverage online flexibility and experience high quality teaching from anywhere in the world. Learn from respected instructors in the international relations space while maintaining your ideal work-life balance, avoid relocation costs, and get equipped with the right skill set to progress your career.
Boost your knowledge of international diplomacy and gain highly coveted skills to analyse, discuss, and work with diverse governments, private sectors, and non-profit organisations.

The online M.A. International Relations, Security, and Strategy (In Partnership with Coursera) programme requires an undergraduate degree from any recognised university in India or abroad. The admission process will include a review of academic transcripts and a statement of purpose.

This course is open to students from all disciplines holding a Bachelor’s Degree: there are no prerequisites in terms of the courses undertaken at the Bachelor’s level. There is no maximum age for applications.

International Relations Theory and Praxis: Praxis investigates both the existing practices of international politics and relations both during and after the Cold War, and whether problems of praxis (individual and collective choices) can be subjected to a ‘theoretical treatment’.

Diplomatic Practice: In this course, you’ll be given an introduction to the ecosystem within which diplomacy is practiced. This involves, but is not limited to: international relations, foreign policy, and the global architecture. It will also describe the role of Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, Special Missions and Trade/Cultural Offices. Various types of diplomacy, namely, economic, cultural, diaspora, passport and consular services, and military intervention, in the context of war and peace will be touched upon.

Students will be able to gain practical knowledge of how diplomacy is conducted and practiced by states defending their respective national interests. Diplomatic practice has evolved over centuries. It has recently undergone dramatic transformation due to globalization, speedier communication, and of course, the ubiquitous internet and social media. Yet, despite all this, diplomatic practice has retained some fundamental features such as the presence of Embassies, a role for Ambassadors, and the practice of various types of diplomacy, namely, economic, cultural and diaspora, to name a few.

Maritime Security and Naval Strategy: In this course, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of all prevailing maritime threats and challenges of the 21st century, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. The curriculum includes an overview of international maritime law covering the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and various IMO conventions related to maritime safety and security. The course will also cover a study of naval strategy and the contemporary role of world navies.

Intelligence, War and Weapons: In this course, you will discuss the fundamentals of intelligence gathering and will examine how warfare is conducted, the importance of weapons, and the strategies employed in different wars. You will examine ancient wars as well as studying contemporary wars. Additionally, you will also look into different weapon systems and discuss the role and utility of new systems in defining new templates for wars.

Foreign Policies of Great, Middle and Small Powers: In this course, you will discuss the foreign policies of various countries classified by size and comprehensive power. Develop your ability to compare and contrast the strategies of superpowers or great powers vis-à-vis weaker countries. Students will also learn how to approach key events counterfactually and counter-intuitively, developing a thorough understanding of policy-making processes, causes, and consequences.

Law and Ethics in International Relations: Normally when we talk about International Relations, we speak of power, interests, cost-benefit analysis of states, and state actors. This course will introduce you to the major theoretical and applied dimensions of normative theories and international ethics by engaging you in critical debates surrounding complex moral questions of the contemporary world. Through a multidisciplinary approach, you will examine multiple ethical dilemmas of the 21st century in the context of debates about drone warfare, terrorism, torture, humanitarian interventions, climate change etc. to evaluate current international practices through a moral prism.

Negotiating and Resolving International Conflicts: The study of international conflicts is highly fraught due to three reasons; multi-causality of the conflict, consequences ranging from micro to macro level, and the lack of accurate knowledge about the motivations of the parties in the conflict. In this course, you’ll receive an overview of various theories that explain processes of negotiations, peacebuilding and conflict-transformation. It will enable you to rethink the efficacy of commonly accepted theories in light of case studies of conflict resolution from around the world, offer practical exercises of peace design, and develop tools to assess government and civil society actions in contexts of internal and inter-state armed conflict.

Total credits required for graduation is 80 credits.

Semester – I

COURSES

TYPE

CREDIT

International Relations Theory

Core

5

Diplomatic Practice

Core

5

Intelligence, War and Weapons

Core

5

Maritime Security and Naval Strategy

Core

5

 

Total Credits: 20

Semester – II

COURSES

TYPE

CREDIT

Foreign Policies of Great, Middle and Small Powers

Core

5

Terrorism, Counterterrorism and Unconventional Threats

Core

5

Law and Ethics in International Relations

Core

5

Negotiating and Resolving International Conflicts

Core

5

 

Total Credits: 20

 Semester – III

COURSES

TYPE

CREDIT

Intelligence Analysis and Risk Assessment

Elective

5

Domestic Politics and their Impact on Foreign Policy

Elective

5

Nuclear, Space and Cyber Security

Elective

5

Climate Change, Migration and Human Security

Elective

5

 

Total Credits: 20

Semester – IV
 TWO DISTINCT PATHWAYS
PATHWAY ONE

COURSES

TYPE

CREDIT

Military Conflict and Deterrence in the 21st Century

Elective

5

The China-US New Cold War and the Indo-Pacific

Elective

5

Multilateral Institutions and Global Security

Elective

5

India’s Rise in World Affairs

Elective

5

 

Total Credits: 20

PATHWAY TWO
Dissertation of 20 Credits

  • Interpreting International Current Events
  • Multilateral Institutions and Global Security
  • Military Conflict and Deterrence in the 21st Century
  • Ethnic and National Conflicts in the Developing World
  • Foreign Policies of Developing Countries and South-South Cooperation
  • The China-US New Cold War and the Indo-Pacific
    Transnational Crime and Drug Trafficking in the Americas
  • Climate Change, Migration and Human Security
  • War and Peace in the Middle East
  • Geopolitics of Southeast Asia
  • India’s Rise in World Affairs
  • Nuclear, Space and Cyber Security
  • Intelligence Analysis and Risk Assessment
  • National/Homeland Security-Institutions, Processes and Planning
  • Domestic Politics and their Impact on Foreign Policy
  • The Role of Leadership in Foreign Policymaking

Students are offered a number of elective courses from their third semester of study. A student can opt for a maximum of 4 electives per semester, earning a maximum of 20 Credits in the process.

* (subject to student enrolment)

This programme is aimed at students and working professionals around the world who may be aspiring to join the diplomatic corps of their countries, serving diplomats, journalists, lawyers, civil society activists and other keen followers of geopolitics and foreign relations. This course will help develop the analytical skills and a deep understanding of international policy that employers are looking for, and are in high demand in government, private and non-profit sectors.

M.A. IRSS graduates will be equipped to work in fields such as the Civil and Diplomatic services, Conflict Resolution, Area Studies, Political Journalism, International Justice, International Economic Development, Humanitarian Relief, Human Rights Advocacy, Political and Economic Risk Analysis, Public Policy organisations, CSR initiatives, academic institutions, think tanks, NGOs, media and political organizations. After graduation our on-campus students have joined organizations including:

  • UNDP
  • Brookings
  • Ministry of External Affairs, India
  • Amnesty International
  • BBC
  • Human Rights Watch
  • The Economist
  • Oxfam India
  • Indian Council of World Affairs
  • NITI Aayog, India
  • Wipro

Career Services
O.P. Jindal Global University Office of Career Services (OCS) provides holistic career development support to the JGU student community, from guidance in career exploration to achieving immediate career goals. The OCS creates a collaborative, collegial environment that brings together all university stakeholders in the pursuit of better career stories for JGU students and alumni.

The OCS works on three broad areas: career education, career advising, and employer relations. Career education entails conclaves, workshops, and webinars that enhance students’ understanding of careers and build their employability skills. Hundreds of senior leaders from corporates, law firms, non-profits, startups, and government participate in sessions organized by the OCS every year.

As a JGU alumnus, you will have access to a growing community of young professionals based in India and around the world. In addition to the possibilities within the alumni network, JGU regularly runs programmes to enhance alumni professional prospects and encourage lifelong learning. JGU’s Office of Alumni Relations is committed to bringing together alumni and current students in ways that extend mentorship opportunities, simplify job searches, and bring visibility to the accomplishments of our outstanding graduates.

For more up-to-date information about the OCS and its activities, find us on Linkedin and Instagram.

FAQ's

1. What are the eligibility requirements for the Masters in International Law and Diplomacy program at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA)?

To be eligible for the Masters in International Law and Diplomacy program at JSIA, applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university, regardless of the discipline. Those who are set to complete their Bachelor’s degree by July 2024 are also welcome to apply on a provisional basis. There is no age limit for applicants. Prospective students can apply directly through the online admission form on the JSIA website.

2. What is the course structure of the Masters in International Diplomacy at JSIA?

The M.A. Diplomacy, Law and Business programme is a two-year course at JSIA. The first year is divided into two semesters, with each semester having core and elective courses. The total number of credits required for graduation is 83. The second year is split into two semesters with different pathways that students can choose from. In the third semester, students can take electives, an independent research study or go for a semester abroad. In the fourth semester, students can opt for a capstone internship and paper, a dissertation and colloquium or another round of electives.

3. What are the career opportunities available to graduates of the Masters degree in diplomacy program at JSIA?

Graduates of the M.A. Diplomacy, Law and Business program at JSIA are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in international affairs. These opportunities include:

Diplomat
Foreign Service Officer
International Lawyer
Policy Analyst
Journalist
NGO Worker
Think Tank Researcher
Academic

The program also includes a mandatory Guided Internship that enhances students’ readiness for their future careers.

4. What are the core subjects covered in the Masters in Law and Diplomacy syllabus at JSIA?

The core subjects covered in the Masters in Law and Diplomacy syllabus at JSIA include:

International Relations Theory and Praxis
International Economics
International Law and Organisations
Social Science Research Methods
Foreign Language
Academic Writing

5. What are the elective subjects offered in the Master of Arts in Diplomacy programme at JSIA?

JSIA offers a wide range of elective courses for students in the Master of Arts in Diplomacy program. These courses are interdisciplinary and involve elements of law as well as other disciplines in social science and management. There are five main clusters of elective courses:

Peace and Conflict Studies
Economics and Foreign Policy
Defence and National Security Studies
Human Rights and International Development
Global South Studies

Students can select three electives from one cluster, worth 12 credits, to specialize in a given concentration and receive a certificate of specialization after graduation.