Diplomacy & International Security

University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom, Glasgow

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Home/United Kingdom/Glasgow /University of Strathclyde/Diplomacy & International Security

University of Strathclyde

United Kingdom , Glasgow

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

MainSite

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,550 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Diplomacy & International Security

About

Study with us

deepen your understanding of contemporary and historical issues relating to diplomacy and security

gain skills to design advanced research projects

benefit from a unique multidisciplinary experience

Why this course?

The MSc Diplomacy & International Security gives graduates from a range of academic backgrounds the opportunity to gain expertise in a vital area of international engagement. It will also appeal to professionals interested in moving into positions requiring a breadth of knowledge on diplomacy, history and security issues.

Diplomacy and International Security are among the most pressing issues facing the world today. This programme is distinctive as it offers students a historical understanding of contemporary issues and enables them to develop an in depth knowledge of diplomacy. The programme examines key international security concerns and gives students the opportunity to engage with issues of vital relevance in today’s world.

This Masters programme offers a genuinely multidisciplinary experience. Drawing on the academic expertise in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, you'll be able to select classes from History, the School of Government & Public Policy, and the Law School.

The course has links with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Consular Missions in Edinburgh. Students have the opportunity to engage with distinguished diplomatic and foreign policy practitioners who contribute to the programme.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements	First or upper second-class Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in humanities, social sciences/law subjects or substantial professional experience.
English language requirements	Please check our English requirements before making your application.

Undergraduate

Students who have studied the Tawjihiyya/Thanawiya General School Certificate are eligible for entry via a foundation programme from the ISC. Students that have studied an International Qualification such as A Levels, IB Diploma, French Bac or the American High School system should check the relevant country.

Postgraduate

A good degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution is acceptable for postgraduate study at Strathclyde. Our applications are judged on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the course. As a guide, we normally consider a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 and 3.8 out of 5.

English Program Requirements

We accept a number of English language tests as proof of proficiency in English. IELTS is the most widely available. Information on this can be found on the British Council Website.

Our current standard requirements are:

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Science: IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Engineering (Undergraduate only): IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)

Some degree programmes have different English language requirements to the above so please check each individual course page for details.

Other English language tests may be acceptable and you can find these here:

Recognised English language qualifications for pre-sessional and degree entry

If you have a qualification not listed, you should contact our Recruitment & International Office for advice.

Career

Careers

The programme will equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue professional careers in areas including:

government (whether domestically or in supra-national organisations such as the EU or UN)
non-governmental organisations
international agencies
journalism
think-tanks
law firms

The strong research focus means this course will also act as a route to advanced postgraduate study in:

history
politics
international relations
law
security studies

For those who wish to pursue a career outside academia, this research component will be beneficial for various research and policy roles, and the public and third sectors.

Engagement with diplomats

Interaction with practitioners is an important aspect of the MSc Diplomacy and International Security course and gives students a real-life insight into their area of study.

Lord Ricketts’ masterclass

Lord Ricketts was National Security Advisor 2010 to 2012, and Ambassador to France 2012 to 2016. Previously he was Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, UK Permanent Representative to NATO, and Head of the Diplomatic Service.

Read about Lord Ricketts’ masterclass to our students

Students with Sir Mark Lyall Grant, UK National Security Adviser 2015-17, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, UK Mission to the UN New York, 2009 to 2015.

Students with His Excellency, Professor Cheikh Ahmadou Dieng, the Senegal Ambassador to the UK.

Our students

Povilas Lasdauskas

The best part of the course is that it allows you to choose between different disciplines such as History, Law and Politics. Which I believe are crucial to becoming an outstanding professional in the field.

Madison Silva

The specific classes that I took were not only interesting and thought provoking but challenging and really made me think outside of what I was used to. I enjoyed the passion of the professors within class and their willingness to engage in discussion with students during and after lectures. The friendships I have made within this programme have been extremely fulfilling and I know will translate.

Katie McLachlan

The fact that the course was offered as a multidisciplinary MSc really encouraged me to step out my comfort zone and study courses offered by different departments…Taking classes from multiple disciplinaries allowed for me to expand my knowledge and consider debates from different angles.

Kirsty O'Neill

The interdisciplinary aspect of the course means that you are encouraged to consider several different aspects of the subject you’re studying and encourages critical thinking when considering the historic foundations that influence present and future global issues.

Kyler Howsare

I have really enjoyed all of the guest speakers and people from the field that professors have been able to bring in to speak for us. It really helped me get an idea of the practical side of the field that I’m planning to enter.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Fee Information

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,550

Application Fee

GBP