MA/PGDip Diplomacy

This degree offers insight into both the mechanisms of dialogue between states and the instruments of statecraft commonly employed.

Diplomacy is at the heart of International Relations and ranges from peaceful negotiations to coercion and economic sanctions. It is often key to the prevention or resolution of conflict and plays a strategic role in other key international issues such as trade and security.

Our students follow a flexible programme with a wide choice of modules. Students take two core modules in Diplomacy and Statecraft and Diplomatic History that provide them with a foundation for thinking about the subject. They then design the rest of the programme around their own interests by selecting four modules from a wide range of options. The flexibility of this programme is ideal for those with a broad range of interests in international relations, diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution and international law or for those who want to construct a curriculum around a particular area of interest.

As a postgraduate student in POLSIS you will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events. You will be welcomed as a member of the International Relations and Security Theory research group. This group includes members of academic staff and postgraduate research students who meet regularly to discuss their own research, recent publications and to organise research events including inviting visiting speakers.

Who is the programme for?

The degree will be of interest and benefit to those wishing to pursue careers in diplomacy, foreign policy, international organizations, security or international policy work. In all cases, students are encouraged to work closely with staff in a supportive and intellectually-committed environment.

Why study this course?

Choose from an extensive range of optional modules
Study in a supportive environment with research-active staff working on diplomacy, internationals relations and security
Be a part of the IR and Security Theory research group
Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme

Employability

Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.

The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and by inviting backgrounds for students to meet.

Careers Network

The Careers Network provides a dedicated service to help you find work experience or internship opportunities outside of your studies, either part-time during term-time, or over the summer vacation. Right from the start of your degree you will have access to our interactive careers service, through which many regional, national and international employers advertise their vacancies, and your college internship officers will go out and about to find vacancies that will be a useful addition to your CV.

Students can also exit with PGDip award.