Diplomacy and Global Politics MA

Course summary

Global issues and challenges, such as armed conflicts, terrorism, global warming and environmental degradation, economic inequality and injustice, migration, religious and cultural discord, have gained increased prominence, as have the range of actors and stakeholders at global, national and local level engaged in diplomatic activity to address them. Negotiated solutions are increasingly in demand and so are professionals with the knowledge and skills to engage effectively in diplomatic activity in a diverse and contested world.

The Diplomacy and Global Politics MA is designed to equip you with the theoretical and practical knowledge of international relations and the art of negotiation required at a global stage. As a diplomatic stakeholder, you'll be at the centre of forging crucial ties, resolving crises, shaping events and witnessing history in the making.

This course is for recent graduates and early career professionals who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of contemporary diplomacy and global politics, enhance their professional skills and advance their careers. It also provides a strong foundation for those who wish to engage in further study of diplomacy, diplomatic innovation, and the study of global politics and governance, as well as bilateral, multilateral, and multi-stakeholder negotiations.

Top reasons to study with us:

• As part of this course, we arrange visits to international organisations based abroad, some of which in the past have included NATO’s HQ in Brussels, the European Commission and the European Parliament
• You'll also have access to Westminster Policy Skills Lab, delivered by officials from the European Commission and other institutions, where you can learn industry-specific skills in a simulated work environment. It also includes job seeking, application writing and interview training advice and guidance with individualised feedback for those interested in UN, EU or NGO jobs
• Opportunities for part-time work, placements and work-related learning activities are widely available to students
• The course is taught at our Central London campus, offering easy access to the Westminster Parliament, foreign embassies, consulates, and other international institutions

With advanced analytical skills, broad knowledge of world affairs, and a thorough understanding of diplomatic concepts, theory and practice, including their practical application in both the Global North and the Global South, the course will prepare you for a variety of roles after graduation, including foreign services, governmental departments, International Organisations (the United Nations, European Union and more). You'll also be well-prepared to work for multinational corporations, global media houses, think tanks and other risk analysis organisations. 

The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Diplomacy and Global Politics graduates typically take up roles, such as Diplomat, political officer, public diplomacy officer or consular officer in Foreign Ministries and their Diplomatic Services, as officials in international organisations (e.g. NATO and the EU), as consultants (for African Development Bank and the EBRD), as advocacy professional for international non-governmental organisations (e.g. Human Rights Watch and Global Witness (environment), and political and communications officer for large enterprises (e.g. Unilever).

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are well equipped to work for employers who require postgraduates with acute understanding of political environment and the negotiation and critical thinking skills to operate efficiently and effectively in political and non-political environments alike.