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MA Global Diplomacy
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Deepen your understanding of international affairs and contemporary diplomatic practice, with a specific focus on one of four global regions. This degree, developed by leading academics and practitioners, delivers both wide-ranging intellectual skills and practice-based experience of analysing solutions to global problems.
Key features
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A mark of quality
The University of London have been trusted providers of distance learning qualifications for more than 160 years, so you can be confident that your degree will be recognised and valued worldwide. You'll be taught by respected academics engaged in world-leading research that influences government policy across the globe.
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Study online anywhere in the world
Our MA Global Diplomacy degrees can be studied from anywhere in the world, with all study materials and support delivered online. You can study in your own time at a pace that suits you, allowing you to fit your degree around your work and other commitments.
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Boost your career prospects
These degrees deliver a combination of conceptual understanding and rigorous intellectual and practical skills that will help you succeed as an expert in global diplomacy. You'll learn to evaluate and reflect critically on global problems, develop and present new ideas concisely, and conduct independent research on core issues.
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Unparalleled learning resources at your fingertips
Enrich your learning experience with a wealth of online resources. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) gives you access to a range of engaging study materials and activities, as well as online learning support and forums to connect with other students, while the Online Library contains millions of academic publications.
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Join our global network of alumni
After you graduate, you'll continue to enjoy a lifelong link to the University of London, with benefits including global alumni events and free online courses. You'll join a distinguished community of alumni around the world, which includes Nobel prize-winners and leaders in law, finance, humanities and other fields.
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Course overview
To complete the MA Global Diplomacy: Central and South America, MA Global Diplomacy: Europe, MA Global Diplomacy: North America or MA Global Diplomacy: Russia and Eastern Europe, you complete four modules and a dissertation.
- Two core modules (30 credit modules each):
- Art of Negotiation and
- Economics, Politics, Society: Central and South America; or
- Economics, Politics, Society: Europe; or
- Economics, Politics, Society: North America; or
- Economics, Politics, Society: Russia and Eastern Europe
- Two elective modules derived from the list of those available
- One dissertation module (60 credit module).
All students will normally study the core module/s first. All assessments for each module will normally be submitted before a student may progress to a subsequent module.
Example Global Diplomacy study schedule.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what modules you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
You study: two core modules, two elective modules and a dissertation.
Core modules
Electives - two elective modules chosen from:
Dissertation
You study: two core modules, two elective modules and a dissertation.
Core modules
Electives - two elective modules chosen from:
Dissertation
You study: two core modules, two elective modules and a dissertation.
Core modules
Electives - two elective modules chosen from:
Dissertation
You study: two core modules, two elective modules and a dissertation.
Core modules
Electives - two elective modules chosen from:
Dissertation
These degrees offer a variety of highly engaging online learning materials and activities. Your learning experience will be facilitated by a dedicated associate tutor, an accessible learning platform, opportunities for reflection so you can map and understand your own progress, and enhanced online student support.
Each module, with the exception of the dissertation, has six online assessments (e-tivities), which comprise a range of different written and reflective tasks within a dedicated framework for learning and giving each student the best possible chance to succeed to the best of their abilities.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Study materials
All resources and support are provided through the VLE. This allows you to fit your studies around your work commitments. There is no need to purchase any additional textbooks.
Student support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our pathway you follow in your studies.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Learning and assessment
The way we learn, underpins our degree and places the student at the centre of the learning experience through a range of tailored assessments, known as e-tivities. These assessments are carefully calibrated to meet the module and programme level learning outcomes. More details can be found on individual module pages and within the programme regulations.
Programme Director
Dr Ashley Cox
Dr Ashley Cox is a Lecturer at SOAS, University of London, where he has been since 2014. He is the Programme Director for Global Diplomacy. Prior to joining SOAS, Dr Cox studied for his PhD at the University of Leicester where he was also a senior Tutor for online learning.
Dr Cox’s research focuses on foreign policy diplomacy and the security of the United States he has published a book on the topic of Wilsonian interpretations of American conflicts. And supervises several PhD students in the field.
Dr Cox is a supporter of online learning, not only as a vehicle for widening access to Higher Education but also for the opportunities it offers for enhancing experiential learning.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | October 2024 |
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | April 2024 |
Admissions
For your application to be considered you will need the following:
- A minimum upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) from an acceptable institution.
- Or relevant professional experience.
We will consider each application on its own merits.
We accept qualifications from around the world. If you have an appropriate professional award rather than a degree, we will consider this on an individual basis.
Our Admissions Panel will consider whether any alternative/incomplete qualifications or work experience you have are suitable for entry to the programme.
English Language requirements
If your first degree was not taught in English, you will need to provide evidence of language ability. You will meet the English language requirement if you have passed any of the following within the past three years:
- (IELTS) International English Language Testing System with an overall score of 7.0 or above, including a minimum of 7.0 on the written sub-test.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) with an overall score of 67 or above, including a minimum of 67 attained on each of the reading, writing, speaking and listening elements.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English with an overall score of 185 or above, including a minimum of 185 attained on each of the reading, writing, speaking and listening sub-tests.
- (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language with an overall score of 95 or above, including a minimum of 24 attained on the reading and writing skills sub-tests and a minimum of 25 attained on the speaking sub-test and 22 attained on the listening sub-test.
- Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment and it is vital that you can access this regularly.
More about computer requirements
Please see the individual module outlines for information concerning specific software requirements.
If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content, level and standard to our Global Diplomacy modules, you may be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemption. You will not need to study or be assessed in the module(s) to complete your award.
To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying for the programme. Or, you can submit an online enquiry, if you have already applied.
You will need to have met the entrance requirements for the programme to be considered for RPL.
You must have completed the qualification/ examination(s), on which the application for RPL is based on, within the five years preceding the application.
We will not consider RPL if you have already entered for the assessment in the module concerned.
Discretionary RPL
Your qualifications will need to be assessed by specialist academics on a case by case basis, before we can approve RPL. This is known as discretionary RPL. A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable. The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised.
Your qualification must be at the appropriate level (equivalent to a UK Level 7 or postgraduate qualification and above) to be considered.
For your discretionary RPL request to be processed, you will need to provide: a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (normally a scanned copy of an official transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the discretionary RPL fee.
You should apply as early as possible to ensure we have sufficient time to review your qualifications and so you can register by the registration deadline.
Note: All discretionary RPL requests must be submitted by the dates specified for the April and October study session, in the year that you apply. We must receive all required supporting evidence by the deadline stated.
| October 2024 intake | |
|---|---|
| Submit RPL request by | 04 September 2024 |
| Submit supporting evidence by | 11 September 2024 |
| April 2025 intake | |
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| Submit RPL request by | 26 February 2025 |
| Submit supporting evidence by | 07 March 2025 |
If you submit your discretionary RPL application but are too late to be considered for RPL in the current session, we will still process your application to study the programme. If you receive an offer, you can still register. If you wish to be considered for RPL in a subsequent session, then you shouldn’t register on the modules you want to apply for RPL.
How to request RPL
Additional information about the process of applying for RPL.
Further information regarding RPL is covered in the Recognition of Prior Learning section of the appropriate Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
| MA Global Diplomacy (Central and South America | Europe | North America | Russia and Eastern Europe | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Full programme fee | £13888 |
| Pay per module | 2024-2025 |
| Module fee | £3472 |
| Other fees | 2024-2025 |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | £130 |
| Assessment resit fee | £173 |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.
If you pay the full programme fee at the point of registration, this covers your registration fee, all module fees, and offers a discount on the individual components of the qualification.
You can also spread out your payments. In the first instance, you pay for registration plus your first-year modules. In subsequent years, you pay for each new module you take.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year).
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees. (If in doubt, please check with them before making a payment.)
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Refugee and Displaced Persons to study this programme.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
These degrees are designed to support those interested in careers in foreign ministries, transnational organisations and global non-governmental organisations.
The Global Diplomacy degree creates opportunities to take your career further. You will have the opportunity to blend a strong conceptual understanding with rigorous practical skills. This combination will enable you to enhance your place in the workforce as an expert in global diplomacy.
More on the University of London Careers Service
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
Apply now
Thank you for your interest in studying with us. Applications are currently closed for this course. Check the key dates section when applications open or register your interest.
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