In the first semester, the core introductory subjects are offered in small classes that offer students an intellectual toolkit to use throughout the course, and also help the students to get to know each other. In the second semester, students can choose from the many optional modules developed specially for the MA in International Relations, as well as modules from a host of other programmes in international relations, security studies, public policy, and law. These normally include issues such as international politics, human rights, the economy, communications, trade, area studies, and environmental protection. Students also write a dissertation of up to 15,000 words, and receive support in doing so from the beginning of the course, including one-to-one supervision.