Help needed: I'm on the hunt for Alumni of Politics, International Relations or Policy at @OpenUniversity We have founded the new @OUPIPS society, and would love to have some alumni join us. Please share this! 💖

In the coming weeks, the committee will begin its work on organizing a program of events. Please look out for further updates and announcements across our social media channels. #OUPIPS #OpenUniversity #OUStudents #PoliticsSociety #InternationalRelations #Policy #HigherEducation

New publication! International relations in a Multipolar Middle East - highly topical, a series of new insightful papers edited by @EdwardWastnidge and @DrFrancescoBelc. Out now - if you're able to, why not ask your university library to order it in.

#Russia has accelerated its messaging and propaganda efforts to Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, using outlets like Russia Today #RT and @SputnikInt to fill the gap left by staff reductions and shuttered operations at @VOANews and other Western news

@OUFreeLearning Africa has long been a stage for great‑power competition. Discover how global dynamics unfold across the continent in the context of cobalt, car batteries and the Congo, and what lessons IR theory offers. Watch our latest video: https://t.co/qZEo4REzI6 #GreatPowers #Geopolitics

@OUFreeLearning What role does terrorism play in shaping International Relations? In this eye‑opening video, our experts break down how IR thinkers analyse terror—interact with states, actors, and global security. Watch now: https://t.co/jW8F0lcyyO #Terrorism #GlobalSecurity

@OUFreeLearning Ready to turn curiosity about world affairs into a degree? Our BA (Hons) in IR lets you dive into theory, global politics, conflict and cooperation—flexibly, from anywhere. Discover how to shape your career in a globalised world: https://t.co/V5kPUEg3Fx #FutureLeaders #StudyIR

@OUFreeLearning Interested in IR? 'Exploring international relations' examines the actors, issues and perspectives at the heart of global affairs—covering conflict, security, human rights and more. https://t.co/Exi2z7tMyR #StudyIR #OpenUniversity

Curious about what lies behind global headlines? Explore great power rivalries, terrorism & key IR theories with our FREE @OUFreeLearning course: Introducing International Relations. No sign-up needed & earn a Statement of Participation! https://t.co/YJPjUaxyRy #FreeLearning

Interested in undergraduate International Relations? Check out this thread of @OpenUniversity links, including sign up details for our new module D228, a new @OpenLearn course, our IR degree, and two informative videos #StudyIR #OpenUniversity @PolStudiesAssoc @MYBISA @OU_FASS

Congrats to @Dr_DonnaSmith 😀👇

Really pleased my article on the election process of the UN Secretary General is now available in the Open University's Resources for Schools, created for secondary school age students across the UK. #UNSG #unitednations @OUPolitics https://t.co/MbdIcMbaVy

Sign up for the MA below! @OU_FASS @OU_GCSJ @PolStudiesAssoc @MYBISA

Ready to shape the future of global politics? From climate diplomacy to rising powers, our MA in International Relations builds the expertise that defines tomorrow's world. Registration closes 14 August 2025 - secure your place today!

During independent study, your progress is supported with a range of materials and activities, including check-in weeks, a “progression milestones” template, and clinics led by expert tutors offering focused guidance on any part of your work you want to discuss.

Block 2 covers how to produce an academically rigorous literature review, integrate IR theories and methods seamlessly, handle data collection and analysis with confidence, tackle ethics and data management and build a standout research proposal.

Block 1 prepares you for independent research by helping you focus in on a defined study area and craft a compelling research question. You’ll also master how to scope out the key academic literature to build a solid foundation for your project.

Part 2 of the MA (D828) is your chance to investigate an IR topic you’re passionate about - building a full research project with support from OU experts. Through masterclasses, activities & peer input, you'll gain the skills to design, develop & deliver original work.

When is it right to intervene? Block 6 dives into the ethical fault lines of global politics—tackling human rights, sovereignty & humanitarian action through the lenses of the English School and cosmopolitan IR theory, using interpretivist methods to unpack it all.

Is democracy in crisis? Block 5 explores how rising populism, autocracy & nationalism are reshaping global politics - through liberal & constructivist IR theory, backed by both statistical and narrative analysis. Discover what this means for the future of international relations.