Which are the right subjects for MA in IR? : The Tribune India

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Which are the right subjects for MA in IR?

Q. I am studying in second year of BBE. I am very keen to pursue a PG degree in International Relations (MA in International Relations). Is it necessary to have subjects like history and political science in graduation to get admission in the MA course in IR?

Which are the right subjects for MA in IR?


Pervin Malhotra 

Q. I am studying in second year of BBE. I am very keen to pursue a PG degree in International Relations (MA in International Relations). Is it necessary to have subjects like history and political science in graduation to get admission in the MA course in IR? Should I switch to bachelor’s in these subjects or in mass communication to be eligible for the master’s course or continue with BBA? I am ready to lose one year of my BBA degree for this purpose. Which are the top colleges /universities for master’s degree in International Relations in India and what will be the job prospects for me post this degree?

— Sankalp Dhamija

A.International Relations is a field of study that combines political science with the intricacies of globalisation, terrorism, ecological sustainability and global finance. Which means that besides political history your programme in IR will be a dynamic mix of political history, economics, foreign policy, anthropology and sociology with a major focus on nations, states and governments.

Although International Relations forms part of the master’s in political science programmes offered at a large number of universities, a relatively fewer number of universities offer a specific master’s in IR.

Selection to most of the reputed university departments is done on the basis of an entrance test. As long as you can tackle that, you should be fine.

If you’re already in the second year, there’s no need to drop a year. Just get hold of the previous year’s papers and start reading up on the subject.

As for career prospects, many top foreign correspondents and political journalists, diplomats, teachers, area study experts, researchers and analysts in MNCs hold a degree in this subject.

And as the world becomes smaller and more interconnected place, the field of IR has increased in scope and gained greater significance.

As a consequence, those aspiring to work in the areas of Peace & Conflict Resolution, Area Studies, International Justice, International Economic Development, Humanitarian Relief, Human Rights Advocacy, Political and Economic Risk Analysis would also find it useful.

Some of the better places to pursue your masters in IR would include:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of International Studies, New Delhi (www.jnu.ac.in)
  • Course: MA in Politics (specialisation in International Studies). , MA Economics (with specialisation on World Economy)

Selection process is very competitive: 2000+ students compete for the 50-odd seats

  • South Asian University (SAU) D/o International Relations (www.sau.int)
  • Course: Master’s in International Relations (2-yr)
  • Jadavpur University, Kolkata (www.jadavpur.edu)
  • Jindal School of International Affairs, Jindal global University (www.jgu.edu.in)
  • Course: Master’s in Diplomacy, Law & Business (2-yrs)
  • Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra (www.brauagra.ac.in) Course: Masters in International Affairs.
  • Jiwaji University, Gwalior (www.jiwaji.edu)
  • Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam (www.mguniversity.edu)
  • Pondicherry University, Puducherry
  • Pt Deendayal Petroleum University, School of Liberal Studies, Gandhinagar (www.pdpu.ac.in)   
  • Course: Master’s in political science (with International Relations / English Literature)
  • Stella Maris College, University of Chennai, Chennai
  • Course: Master’s in International Relations

Scope in insurance sector

Q.I will be graduating with a BCom degree next year. I am keen to explore career options in the insurance sector other than actuary, surveyor, etc? What is scope of PG Diploma/MBA in insurance? Which are the good institutes to pursue this course?

— Deepak Sawant

A.Despite being an overpopulated country and one of the fastest growing economies, India’s share of the total global insurance premium is under 2%. But with digitisation combined with insurance distribution going online, much more traction is expected as e-commerce reaches out to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. While this is a small figure in terms of percentage, the size of the market is huge: General insurance: Rs 1,20,000 crore and Life insurance: Rs 1,75,000 crore.

Despite there being over 36,000 vacancies in the industry, there are less than 300 insurance management professionals. Typically, PG-level programs in Insurance are offered as a combination with either Banking or with Risk Management. Those graduating from these programs would find openings in Insurance & Re-insurance companies, Banks and Financial Institutions, Insurance Brokers, Credit Companies, and online insurance distribution. Those with Risk Management profiles can also look profiles in general management, IT services and consulting firms.

Some of the institutes/universities offering specialised programs in Insurance Management are given below:

  • National Insurance Academy, Pune
  • Course: PGDM in Management (2-yrs)

  • Institute of Insurance & Risk Management, Hyderabad
  • Course: PGDM in Management (2-yrs)

  • Jamia Hamdard, School of Management & Business Studies, Delhi
  • Course: MBA in Insurance, (2-yrs)

  • BIMTECH, Greater Noida
  • Course: PGDM in Insurance Business Management (2-yrs)

  • Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi
  • Course: MBA in Banking and Insurance (2-yrs)

  • Chitkara University, Punjab

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