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.

 

Topics and issues examined include

  • What is diplomacy?
  • How has the role of diplomats changed over time?
  • What techniques of negotiation, bargaining and coercion are available to diplomats and when are they most effective at getting results?
  • What impact has technology had on the speed and nature of diplomatic work?
  • How significant are human rights and social justice in diplomacy?
  • What are the most important challenges for international diplomacy and how can they be overcome?
  • Is international order under threat and how can it be reformed to make it more sustainable?

As part of the course, students can attend guest talks by senior individuals from diplomacy and international security and have the opportunity to go on a field trip to Brussels to visit EU agencies and speak to NATO officials.

 

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

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

MA/PGDip Diplomacy

Course Level:

Postgraduate, Taught

Credits 

180

Course

CODE P1083

How long it takes:

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$22,500

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

This degree programme comprises the following modules:

Core modules

  • 20 credits – Diplomacy and Statecraft

  • 20 credits – Diplomatic History

  • 60 credits – Dissertation MA students to submit a 13,500 word dissertation (not applicable to Diploma Students)

Optional Modules

Choose 4 modules

 
International relations theory  Governing British Capitalism International Political Economy
Globalisation and Governance Diplomacy and Statecraft Diplomatic History
Security Studies US foreign and defence policy Developments in Contemporary Political Analysis
Radical Social Theory  Politics and the State Rising Powers and Global Order
Global Environmental Governance Terrorism and Political Violence Sex, Death Gender and (in)security
Gender and Global Governance Ethnic Conflict and its management: theories and cases Politics of Arab-Isreali conflict
Varieties of Politics Arguing against Tyranny Problems in Contemporary Political Theory
Dilemmas in International Relations Authoritarianism and Development [IDD]* Democracy and Development [IDD]*
Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics Global Cooperation in Practice Political Psychology of Conflict and Cooperation
Asian Pacific Security Post-conflict Peacebuilding and the International Order  

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

      • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
      • Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
      • Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
      • Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc:  Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300

   

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

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.