Taught course

Diplomacy and International Law

Institution
Lancaster University · Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant background.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Why Lancaster?

  • Study at one of the first universities to offer a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy
  • Engage with a range of external organisations via Lancaster’s Richardson Institute, the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK
  • Develop your negotiation and diplomacy skills with academics who are researching the latest developments in international law and humanitarian rights
  • Prepare for future roles in foreign affairs through extensive and complex mock negotiation exercises
  • Collaborate with the leaders of tomorrow in the Lancaster Security Institute, a centre exploring the intersection of technology, society and behaviour

Coming to an agreement isn’t always easy, especially when dealing with cultural and economic differences surrounding international disputes. This dynamic degree allows you to explore the complexities of foreign diplomacy in the context of international law.

Understanding strategic negotiations

On this engaging programme you’ll gain a deep understanding of diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. You’ll learn to pick apart the strategic and institutional constraints that affect negotiations, and prepare for a future working on the international stage.

You’ll also spend time looking at how diplomatic theory weighs up against the pragmatic issues involved with making decisions. Our mock negotiations will give you the opportunity to put your theory into practice.

Global rules, laws and customs

Balanced with international law, this course delivers tremendous strength in understanding international norms and law. You’ll uncover immunities and jurisdiction, and look into the nuances of state responsibility and dispute settlement.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical exercises, lectures and visits by guest speakers, you’ll explore topics such as nuclear weapons and foreign policy, arms control and diplomacy, international climate negotiations, and terrorism and citizen protection.

A focus on diplomacy

On our Master’s course, you’ll learn about diplomacy and how international law applies to this, and you’ll take a module on Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Research. You’ll bring together everything you’ve learnt in your dissertation.

Want more emphasis on international law? Take a look at our LLM Diplomacy and International Law that includes a module on International Human Rights.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Polity, Philosophy and Religion
Email
pprpg@lancaster.ac.uk