MA Politics and International Relations of East Asia

Teaching on the MA in Politics and International Relations of East Asia is grounded in an inclusive, research-led, and student-centred approach that reflects the latest innovations in pedagogy and international scholarship. Delivered by the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA)—a vibrant academic community supported by well-established research centres such as the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies (CCCS)—this programme provides a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

You’ll benefit from a range of active learning methods that go beyond traditional lectures. These include problem-based learning, group discussions, collaborative and enquiry-based activities, and flipped classroom formats. Each module involves around 300 hours of learning time, with a minimum of 20 hours of class contact. Much of your learning will take place through independent study, including reading, research, and writing, but you’ll also engage in projects, group work, and peer-to-peer learning that will build both subject expertise and transferable skills.

We take a critically reflective and culturally sensitive approach to teaching and learning. You'll be encouraged to challenge assumptions, engage with multiple perspectives, and reflect on your own positionality as a learner. Digital learning is embedded throughout the programme. Our Virtual Learning Environment supports both in-person and online learning, providing access to a wide range of interactive resources, discussion forums, and digital tools that enhance flexibility and accessibility. We also ensure all content and activities reflect the diversity of our student body and are designed according to principles of Universal Design for Learning, with appropriate adjustments and support available when needed.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll have access to a wide range of seminars, guest lectures, and events where you can engage with contemporary political issues and cutting-edge research. This helps you to situate your learning within global debates and prepares you for careers where critical insight, policy understanding, and cultural awareness are in high demand.

Assessment

Assessment methods are varied, including essays, group work, and policy reports followed by presentation, and are designed to help you grow as an independent thinker, team player, and effective communicator. You’ll encounter a balanced mix of formative and summative assessments, with opportunities for self-assessment, peer review, and creative formats. Feedback is timely and supportive, ensuring that you can reflect, adapt, and improve. Whenever possible, assessments will allow you to tailor topics and formats to your academic and professional interests, while maintaining clear standards of fairness, transparency, and academic rigour.

The course culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation, which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor. The project is an opportunity to apply the research skills, critical thinking, and methodological approaches developed throughout the programme. As a substantial piece of work worth one-third of your final mark, it also encourages you to demonstrate creativity, academic independence, and real-world relevance in your chosen area of inquiry.

We typically require a 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree (or overseas equivalent).

A degree in the field of Social Sciences is preferable, however, in assessing the application we also take into account other facilitating factors such as relevant experience in lieu of this requirement.

A personal statement should include an outline of your interest and understanding of your chosen programme.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

English language requirements

Country specific information

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

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.

This is underpinned by additional employability support from the University through its careers programme, employment-related events, and by maintaining the alumni network which stretches across the globe.

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.

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.

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, political economy, and public policy. Our academic staff have a genuine passion for politics and are leading experts in the study of these areas, which span Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, Africa, and the Americas.

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, International Relations, and Public Policy.

The learning and research community is vibrant and active and is one of the biggest groups at the University, comprising a postgraduate body of nearly 50 different nationalities. Our institutes and research centres support key research agendas by organising guest lectures, running regular paper presentations, and acting as focal points for networking.

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.

Facilities

The School of Government and International Affairs is based in the modern Al Qasimi Building. The modern structure is set on its own grounds not far from the historic centre of Durham, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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