International Policy and Diplomacy

• a lively and exciting programme examining some of the most important issues in the world today
  
  
• preparation for a career in a range of international institutions, diplomacy or security
  
  
• can be done either through attendance or through distance learning

"This is a degree you will be proud of. Led by enthusiastic and dedicated lecturers, well-structured, with strong support materials, it will fulfil your professional and academic expectations, even if they are of the highest order. As a security professional operating in the Middle-East, it brought me self-confidence, credibility as well as a solid academic background. I do not regret one second of this effort and I miss the interactions with other students on Blackboard. But beware: it requires discipline. Reading, tasks, essays have to be done on time, and seriously. There is no such thing as a serious Master degree without hard work and commitment. As long as you are ready to commit yourself to the task, your lecturers will make sure you achieve the goal and I am convinced that this Master's degree will then be as dear to you as it is to me today. Good luck and Bon Courage..."

Jean Perois
Head of Risk Assessment at Risk Management International (Bahrain).
MA International Policy and Diplomacy
Graduated: 2010

More: 'What our student's say'

The MA International Policy and Diplomacy addresses key issues associated with the way countries of the world co-exist, in the face of rapid change. The process of globalisation has increased the importance of policy making and implementation in a wide range of universal and regional organisations, as well as between states (and especially in a multilateral context). A study of diplomacy can be appropriately grounded in the global policy context. State-centric images of the world have come under considerable challenge and there is important scope for a focus on the policy context of this trend. Diplomacy is studied in terms of the complex and wide-ranging means for official communication and in the context of the many types of intergovernmental organisations and their links with a growing transnational environment of international non-governmental organisations.

More: 'What it's about'

The distance learning version of the MA is focused on the same learning outcomes as the programme, followed by attendance. The same core modules are offered but using a different teaching and learning strategy. Options are also available. The distance learning MA will use the Blackboard virtual learning system which is very interactive. You will be able to interact through discussion groups, directly with tutors, undertake specified exercises, including research exercises and work on and submit analytical essays - all using internet linkages. Part of the learning method will be to encourage group work between students, who will link via the internet. Support materials will be provided including an extensive reading package to support the on-line material.

More: 'What do I study?'

The award will equip you with practical and academic skills attractive to employers. These include independent judgement, self-reflection and critical debate. You may choose to use the specialist knowledge you acquire, to work in one of the many international institutions, national foreign or defence ministries or internationally oriented organisations of many sorts. Alternatively you may wish to continue with an academic career.

Other awards in the International Studies programme

MA International Relations

MA International History

Read more about this course at the International Studies website

If you have any questions regarding the content of this course, please email Sita Bali (s.bali@staffs.ac.uk)

• MA International Policy and Diplomacy (Distance Learning) Programme Specification (PDF, file size: 68.08KB)
  
• MA International Relations and MA International Policy and Diplomacy (On-Site) Programme Specification (PDF, file size: 91.33KB)

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