MA International Relations

A wide range of themes germane to the study of International Relations (IR) comes within the purview of the Department of International Relations. Broadly, these encompass mainstream theories, critical approaches, disciplinary histories of IR, global political economy concerns, and international normative political theory. Specifically, teaching and research is carried out by engaging in academic debates relating to security and strategic studies, peace and conflict resolution approaches, theories and practices of geopolitics with special reference to the Indian Ocean Region and Polar Regions, the study of regional and international organisations, climate change and sustainable development, and identity politics. While we are not an Area Studies Department, we share a special and abiding curiosity with regard to all facets that have a bearing on the overall texture of politics in South Asia. We encourage our Master’s candidates to think through a South Asian perspective in their research.

For the Master’s degree, which is a two-year (four semesters) academic programme, students are required to complete ten compulsory courses offered by the Department: International Relations Theory, History of International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Security Studies, Global Economy, Introduction to Conflict Transformation and Peace-building, International Relations of South Asia, Research Methods, and International Organisations. In addition to these courses, the Department offers a range of optional courses in the third and fourth semesters for students to choose from. Students are also required to attend two courses outside of the ones offered by the Department:

A four-credit course on Academic Reading and Writing over the first and second semesters (two credits per semester) of the Master’s programme.
A two-credit course on Introduction to South Asia that provides an overview of the various facets of the region. Students are also expected to write a dissertation in the fourth semester, worth eight credits.

Course descriptions are listed herein.

Minimum Eligibility

12 years of schooling + a 3 year Bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by the government of any of the SAARC countries, with a minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates who have a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or 2 year Bachelor’s degree and have cleared the first year of the Master’s programme are also eligible.

Format of the Entrance Test Paper

The duration of the Entrance Test will be 2 hours.
The question paper will consist of 70 multiple choice questions.
There will be no negative marking.
The question paper will consist of multiple-choice questions that will test the applicant’s understanding of the subject area and his or her general awareness about South Asia and the world.

For a sample test paper, click here.