A Master's degree tailored to your interests
Published: 14 August 2026
In this blog, Laura shares how the flexibility of the MSc International Relations programme allowed her to explore migration, human rights and development through a range of interdisciplinary modules, broadening her perspective and shaping her academic and professional interests.
Author: Laura Ortiz Ballarta, MSc International Relations student
When I decided to pursue a Master's in International Relations (IR), I knew I wanted more than just a solid grounding in the core theories of the discipline. I was looking for a programme that would also allow me to explore related topics across the social sciences that aligned with my own interests.
My undergraduate degree was in Communication for Development, a field of communication that focuses on using communication tools (such as audiovisual media, journalism, advertising, and other forms of public engagement) to address social challenges, including conflicts over natural resources, public health issues like malnutrition, education, gender equality, and more. Throughout my studies, I gradually realised that I was particularly drawn to human rights and migration. From that moment on, I knew that when I continued my education, I wanted to specialise in those areas. Years after, when I started working in International Organisations, I knew that IR was the perfect fit for me.
From my very first term, I had the opportunity to choose modules that matched my interests alongside the compulsory courses. Following the programme's recommendations, I took the two required modules (IR theory and Research Design) and chose International Relations and Development as my elective. Looking back, I couldn't have made a better choice. From the first lecture, the course sparked my curiosity about every topic we covered. I was impressed by how thoughtfully the syllabus connected issues such as foreign aid, multinational corporations, trade, and environmental sustainability to different perspectives on development. Although I already had some familiarity with these topics from my undergraduate studies, the module exceeded my expectations. Its teaching approach encouraged us to engage critically with contemporary academic debates rather than simply learning theories. It was a course that not only strengthened my academic knowledge but also shaped the way I think about development and the kind of work I hope to pursue in my future career.
In my second semester, I had even more flexibility, as I was able to choose all three of my modules from the wide range of options offered across the School of Social & Political Sciences.
The first module I selected was Global Development and Human Rights, another learning experience that I will always remember. The course explored a wide variety of topics in depth, and one of its most engaging activities involved students presenting a news story related to the week's theme. Because the class brought together students from many different countries, I had the opportunity to learn about local issues from around the world through their perspectives and experiences. For that assignment, I chose to present on a problematic of my own country related to environmental rights and development from below.
My second choice was Gender, Race and International Relations. To be honest, I wasn't entirely convinced when I first enrolled, but as the semester progressed, I discovered concepts that genuinely captured my interest, particularly social reproduction and intersectionality in global politics. By the end of the course, I realised it would have been a mistake not to take it.
Finally, I chose Global Borders, a module that aligned directly with my interest in migration studies. One activity I particularly remember involved using Lego to explore global borders and new forms of technological surveillance. It was an innovative exercise that helped us bring theoretical concepts to life while encouraging us to reflect on migration not only through academic literature but also through our own personal experiences.
Looking back, I believe that one of the most important things when starting a master's degree is to stay curious. Being open to new ideas allows you not only to absorb knowledge but also to challenge the assumptions you bring with you. At the School of Social & Political Sciences, you'll find a wide range of modules that allow you to shape your degree around your own interests during the first two terms, develop new ways of thinking, and eventually focus your dissertation on the topic that matters most to you.
For me, the modules I chose introduced me to new perspectives and deeper nuances on the subject of migration that I thought I already knew well from the field. More importantly, they gave me the confidence and knowledge to become part of the wider academic conversation surrounding migration and human rights.
First published: 14 August 2026