Institute of International Relations

Why Pursue a Master of Science in International Relations?

The Institute of International Relations (IIR) at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, is a leading and progressive higher education Caribbean institution. We offer two Master of Science programmes: Global Studies and International Relations. Within each programme, you will have a unique opportunity to extend your knowledge and expertise on contemporary matters surrounding Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and beyond. Whether you have been thinking about recent global events like COVID-19 Pandemic and the War in Ukraine or policy solutions to environmental challenges and how those events impact SIDS, the IIR is the right place to begin your journey.

Beyond offering a diverse array of courses, you will be part of an active community of scholars, practitioners, and IIR alumni. It will be an opportunity for you to join local study visits to various national and regional organizations based in Trinidad and Tobago, like UN IOM, UNDP, and the Association of Caribbean States. We also envision international trips to other organizations and entities in Central America and the Caribbean regions. In addition, you will be able to join and listen to public debates and diplomatic meetings that focus on pressure matters at the international, regional, and national stages.

As a graduate of the IIR, you will join an impressive alumni base of over two thousand professionals. The career prospects and opportunities are vast and diverse, from international, regional, and national public to private entities as well as civil society organizations. This includes, but is not limited to, the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, the Association of Caribbean States, the Inter-American Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and many more. Today, the IIR remains the premier and only dedicated institution specializing in international relations and global studies training, research, and policy advice in the region. Whether you join us for three (full-time) or six semesters (part-time), our programmes will equip you to become a next-generation leader in solving national, regional, and global challenges.

Which careers can International Relations lead to?

The teaching and training in International Relations will equip students for employment in various fields, and a Masters of Science in International Relations  will open graduates to employment opportunities in the civil service or a career as an analyst or policy advisor for numerous organisations that require IR expertise. Graduates seeking jobs with NGOs and other entities will soon realize that the MSc in International Relations   will give them an advantage over the competition for highly sought out positions. MSc Graduates may also use their expertise to build a career in business, journalism, politics, or activism. In any profession, an employer will value an International Relations graduate's research and analytical skills. 

The Master in International Relations also qualifies its graduates for life in academia

Among other areas, our International Relations graduates can obtain positions as: 

• Consulate Representative
• Foreign Affairs Analyst
• Humanitarian Relief Worker
• International Lawyer
• International Relations Officer
• International Relations Professor
• Interpreter/Translator
• Language Instructor
• Trade Specialist 
• Research Assistant
• Researcher

COURSE OF STUDY

The course of study comprises of: 

• Seven examinable courses, 
• A research paper approved by the Institute’s Director and, 
• An enabling course. 

The MSc in Global Studies programme is offered in a blended modality that consists of a combination of online courses (a course which has been intentionally designed so that all instruction takes place using technology and there are no requirements for face-to-face class meetings) and blended courses (a course which has been designed to intentionally replace some of the face teaching and learning which takes place in a physical space with teaching and learning in the online environment) as defined by Policy on Quality Assurance of Online and Blended Courses and Programmes at the UWI.1

footnote 1: https://uwi.edu/obus/sites/obus/files/Policy... (PDF)

Core:

Elective:

Required:

1. English Writing Workshop (6 hours)
2. Library seminars on referencing (2 -3-hour seminars)
3. A minimum of any 3 of the following: Diplomatic Dialogues, Public Lectures, Forums and other Seminars offered by the IIR (2 hours each).
4. Professional Development Workshop