International Graduates Program in International Relations

Brief Introduction

This program offers a specialization in International Political Economy and Chinese Foreign Affairs. The program takes full advantage of Beijing’s cultural and academic dimensions and its increasing role in international economics, politics, and social issues.

The program includes core coursework that covers the fundamentals of IR theory, research methods in IR, the workings of the global economy, and an overview of global security issues with a particular emphasis on China’s engagement in the international arena. In addition to the core classes, students have the opportunity to join the conferences and lectures organized by SIR as well as other extracurricular activities organized by major think tanks in Beijing, allowing them to develop in-depth knowledge in their chosen research tracks. During the fourth semester, the candidates are expected to write a thesis, as their core research, under the supervision of a SIR academic.

The curriculum ensures that graduates emerge with a comprehensive perspective on international issues and a clear understanding of the means by which these issues are researched, discussed, and acted upon. SIR puts a strong emphasis on developing an applied expertise during the Master program. The final thesis, which each student must orally defend before a panel of faculty members, reflects such an emphasis.

The program’s balance of intellectual and theoretical mastery with hands-on Chinese core perspectives of IR prepares you for a successful professional life, not only as an IR specialist but as a fine connoisseur of China’s international commitments, priorities and perspectives.

Training Objectives

The school is dedicated to cultivate students who are interested in international relations and politics and intend to be a talent with international vision. It has 4 discipline orientations: politics, international politics, international politics and economics, diplomacy. The range of our programs has been developed to meet your needs whether you intend to pursue a career in business, government, NGOs or academia.

The major aims to cultivate professionals in the field of International Relations, with a strong theoretical foundation, cross-cultural communications skills, excellent understanding of the international arena and outstanding research skills in International Relations and its adjacent fields.

Research Orientation

1. Politics

2. International Politics

3. International Politics and Economics

4. Diplomacy

Program Structure and Dissertation

The length for this program is 2 years, including 1 for classes taking and 1 for thesis writing. The maximum school years are no longer than 4 years. For a student fulfilling the plan ahead of time with the dissertation qualified for defense, it can be allowed for defense, graduation and application of the degree ahead of time.

By the end of second semester, students are required to present a proposal, which will be reviewed during the proposal meeting held by school. When the proposal is approved, students will begin to write dissertations within 15000-20000 words.

At the end of third semester, there will be a pre-defense meeting, the school’s academic committee will review students’ draft, giving advice to improve it. Then at the forth semester, students will submit their dissertations and prepare for the final defense. The specific timetable will be informed at the beginning of forth semester.

Degree Granted

Master of Law

Credit requirements

A minimum of 37redits, including

a) Basic Degree Courses(7 credits)

b) Compulsory Courses (15 credits)

c) Elective Courses (at least 12 credits )

d) Thesis (3 credits)

The University awards the degree of Master of Law to students who have completed an approved sequence of courses and study totaling a minimum of 37 credits and who, by vote of the faculty, are certified as having fulfilled all degree requirements.

Curriculum