Diplomacy

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.