The MA in International Boundary Studies, a full-fee MA, is taught by the Geopolitics and International Boundaries Research Centre within the Department of Geography, with assistance from relevant contributors in cognate disciplines and professions, for example Law and Politics. The course schedule is designed to allow participation by those in full-time employment. The institution of the programme is a response to the increasing interest being shown at the practical and academic level in international boundaries and the territorial definition of modern states. Many more international boundaries have been created than eradicated in recent years.
Several motivations can explain such a trend.
Precise boundary delimitations on land or sea facilitate the tidy appropriation of natural resources. Less pragamatically, national territorial consciousness continues to develop and defence of national territory is an increasingly important component of modern nationalism. While rooted in geopolitical and political geographical analysis, elements of international law and international relations theory will inevitably feature, given the subject under review. In addition to these core objectives, the Masters in International Boundary Studies will allow students to develop appropriate linguistic skills where these would enhance understanding of particular boundary or territorial issues or disputes. Programme structure Candidates will be required to take three taught courses and to present a dissertation of 10,000 words.