Programme specialisations
We also offer the possibility of combining two areas of study. You can choose to study in one area, for instance the MA International Political Economy, or you could choose to enrich your studies further with a secondary area of specialisation, for instance an MA International Conflict and Security with International Development. You may combine Law and Politics specialisations, for instance LLM in Human Rights Law with International Migration.
You can make a choice on your secondary area of focus at the beginning of the academic year. You should submit an application for the programme that interests you most, then decide whether to choose a secondary specialisation on arrival at BSIS.
We offer MA/ LLM programmes with two taught terms and a dissertation (90 ECTS) or three taught terms with a dissertation (120 ECTS).
Finally, we offer you the possibility of taking just one or two modules (but perhaps going on to get an MA after all), or even head to another global capital for a term and gain two Master's degrees in the process.
To include a secondary area of focus on a standard programme, you must choose;
- three modules (four for an extended programme) from your MA/LLM pathway
- two modules (four for an extended programme) from the secondary area
- one further module from the full list of modules offered at BSIS.
Example:
MA primary specialisation only (eg: MA in International Relations)
| Standard | Extended |
|---|---|
| 3 modules from stream, including compulsory | 4 modules from stream, including compulsory |
| 3 further modules from catalogue | 5 further modules from catalogue |
| Dissertation | Dissertation |
MA with secondary specialisation (eg: MA in International Relations with International Conflict and Security)
| Standard | Extended |
|---|---|
| 3 modules from first specialisation, including compulsory | 4 modules from first specialisation, including compulsory |
| 2 modules from secondary specialisation | 3 modules from secondary specialisation, including at least one compulsory |
| 1 further module from catalogue | 2 further modules from catalogue |
| Dissertation in first specialisation | Dissertation in first specialisation |
Additionally:
- MA students on standard programmes may not take more than three law modules and those on extended programmes may not take more than four law modules.
- LLM students on Standard programmes must take a minimum of four law modules and those on extended programmes must take a minimum of five law modules.
- Students may not be registered on more than 3 modules per term (full time) or 1 or 2 modules (part time).
- All students, irrespective of start date, standard or extended programme, full time or part time status, must take the dissertation module, Fundamentals, Dissertation and Research, in their first and final semesters.
Extended programme
All programmes at BSIS are offered in both the standard (90 ECTS) and the extended (120 ECTS) programme format.
The extended programme allows you to broaden your knowledge and experience by taking more options and gives you a greater opportunity for internships. You can also take parts of the programme in Canterbury as well as in Brussels.
To be awarded a standard Master's degree, you must take six taught modules, the methodology module 'Fundamentals, Dissertation and Research' and submit a dissertation. For the extended programme, you must take an additional three taught modules. See the relevant programme page for more information.
Short courses
A short course enables you to take only the module, or modules, that are of most interest to you. You may choose any of the modules offered at the School at any given time, and receive a certificate of completion for that module. The course fee is on a pro-rata basis (the normal programme fee, divided by seven).
By taking the modules individually, you can accumulate sufficient credit to be awarded a formal qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or, in exceptional circumstances, a Master's (LLM or MA) in your chosen specialisation.
Two Capitals Exchange
On this programme, you initially follow the curriculum of your chosen degree at BSIS. The curriculum for the second part of the degree is dependent on your chosen location, but is within the sphere of international affairs.
Gain an insight into the nature of change as an endemic feature of politics on a national, regional and global scale; an understanding of the causes of change; and ways in which to manage that change. You also gain a firm understanding of the complex relationship between the concerns of domestic and international politics, and global and geopolitical issues.
We currently offer this programme in the following location(s):
Beijing
In Beijing, you study at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU). It is China’s top foreign affairs institute and doubles up as an academy for the country's future diplomats.
The exchange is offered as a one semester exchange or as a one-year exchange with award.
Spending a semester in Beijing has given me a once-in-a-lifetime crash course and exponentially increased my understanding of the truly globalised world we live in.