International Diplomacy - MSc
Diplomacy is the foundation of all international relations; a discipline which Keele has specialised in for over 50 years. Drawing on our long-standing expertise in the history and politics of Britain, Europe, China, the Middle East and USA, this course prepares you to lead the development of global policy and relations. It combines the latest research and theories underpinning contemporary diplomacy with in-depth analysis of real-world diplomatic crises and their consequences. You can learn a modern foreign language or delve deeper into issues of interest like global security and evolving diplomatic practice.
Month of entry
- September and January
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2023/24 academic year
- UK - Full time £8,900 per year. Part time £4,900 per year.
International - £17,700 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years
Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry
This course is open for January 2024 entry for UK and International students
Why study International Diplomacy at Keele University?
Course summary
As the global concerns in our modern world continue to evolve, with climate change, covid-19, security issues, migration and more, so too must the strategies, tactics and people involved in the associated decision making.
Our MSc International Diplomacy reflects the changing nature of international political relations between states, organisations and citizens that recognises more broader forms of international cooperation and coalition building, providing insight into cutting-edge theories of diplomacy in contemporary settings.
It offers a critical examination of the evolving field of diplomatic relations and why it matters, focusing on both traditional and non-traditional diplomatic actors and practices. This includes non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the Red Cross, Greenpeace, Oxfam, or Amnesty International, and corporate companies like Microsoft or Goldman Sachs.
Keele was one of the first universities in the UK to offer a degree in international relations over 50 years ago and has a longstanding reputation as one of the country’s foremost centres for political studies.
Sharing experiences and studying alongside students from all the world, you’ll become part of a dynamic academic community, which benefits from small class sizes, strong student-staff relations and expert research supervision.
The flexible structure of the course – giving you a choice of four optional modules – provides a high degree of focus, enabling you to engage with subjects of interest and relevance. As well as the in-depth research carried out for your dissertation, the action research project allows you to investigate a specific issue or topic.
We also offer stimulating programme of extra-curricular seminars and workshops, which provide important opportunities for learning, networking and collegial debate on contemporary political and global issues. Previous high profile speakers have included the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives discussing diplomacy and climate change, and the Ministry of Defence’s Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence on the challenges of assessing intelligence.
The course is likely to be of interest to a wide range of graduates and professionals interested in pursuing research or professional careers related to development, social policy, governance, diplomacy, advocacy, security and communications. The MRes in particular, with its greater focus on research, provides an excellent foundation for further research, doctoral (PhD) training or academia, here in the UK, Europe or the rest of the world.
Other courses you might be interested in:
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Course structure
This programme offers the chance to study in-depth, the evolution, practice, and theories of diplomacy in international settings.
Drawing on real-life examples, you will learn how diplomacy works; when, where and how it occurs and what diplomacy means to different audiences and in different contexts. This will equip you with the analytical tools to understand our changing world and the expertise to contribute to the development policy or international relations that shape it.
You will take three core modules, four elective modules and complete a dissertation. The core modules will provide you with the grounding in how to study politics and international relations disciplines, including International Diplomacy, and the methodological tools to carry out your own research project. The elective options, include modules that focus, for example, on the politics of security and international relations.
The course can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course. It also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of maximum of five years.
Core Modules
Semester 1 Core Modules
- PIR-40095 Research in Action (15 credits)
Setting the scene for your master’s programme, this module provides an in-depth and hands-on advanced introduction to the various ways in which advanced empirical research in the social sciences is designed and conducted. You’ll be given an overview of key research methodologies and the different approaches to evidence and data gathering, including interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, documents and texts, as well as the ethical considerations when carrying out such activity. Staff currently engaged in research will offer guidance about the suitability of certain design methods, sharing their experiences of good practice and potential pitfalls. Working in small teams, you’ll then design and conduct your own small-scale practical research project, for example, examining perceptions of peacekeeping, attitudes towards humanitarian intervention in Libya, or perceptions of the global war on terror. - PIR-40136 International Diplomacy (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the field of diplomatic studies, introducing you to the ideas and concepts of contemporary diplomacy and the ways this relates to the complex process of policy making, both domestic and international. Focusing on non-Western cases and non-traditional actors, it offers a cutting-edge approach to the study of diplomacy, examining the evolution of the field of diplomatic studies, diplomacy within states, between states and citizens. You will look at how diplomacy is conducted and regulated across a range of international transactions, including negotiation, multinational conferences, the creation of international organisations, the evolution of international trade, covert diplomacy and international norms and regulations.
Semester 2 Core Module
- PIR-40132 Advanced Approaches to Politics and International Relations (30 credits)
In preparation for your dissertation, this module provides an overview of the philosophies, assumptions and approaches underlying the study of Politics and International Relations topics. It aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle different concepts, frameworks and methods (normative and analytical) and use these in the generation of knowledge for your research project. Adopting an intensive workshop approach, you will examine how scholars have approached the issues of what to study and how to study, and the ways in which these issues are bound up with historical and current power structures within the world. For example, considering the nature of social science knowledge or key trends in Politics and International Relations, such as rational choice theory, game theory, institutional theory chaos and complexity theory.
Optional Modules
Semesters 1 and 2 Optional Modules
You will study four optional modules, two in each of the first two semesters, choosing from the following 15-credit modules.
- PIR-40096 Comparative European Politics
You’ll explore the nature and role of fundamental political structures in Europe, including electoral systems, political parties, executives and legislature, and the ways in which these structures, and the actors within them, interact. Employing both classic and contemporary theoretical and empirical approaches to comparative European politics, you will examine the processes behind behind the socio-political and electoral changes that have taken place in Europe, such as declining political loyalty, falling turnout levels and decreasing trust in parties and democracy. In doing so, you will assess the consequences that these changes have had on European politics and democracy, and the challenges they pose to states, institutions and citizens. - LAW-40046 Human Rights and Global Politics
The overall focus of this module is on exploring evolving political and legal strategies to advance human rights in a global political framework. You will be introduced to the main debates on the ways that political structures shape human rights: the relationship between democratisation, development, human rights and violence; the possible emergence of a global civil society to understanding human rights practices; the expansion and role of transnational human rights monitoring and activism; and the need for an understanding of political violence and terror to assess and address causes of human rights violations. To deepen your understanding of the connections between global and local causes and responses to contemporary human rights issues, you will examine a number of key issues, such as the responsibility to protect (r2p), humanitarian interventions, aid and development, security in the post 9/11 era and more. - PIR-40093 The Changing International Agenda
In the period since the end of the Second World War, we have witnessed radical shifts in the nature of the international system, such as the rise and fall of the Cold War, the birth of the UN, European decolonisation and the 'war on terror'. This module offers an in-depth critical assessment of the development, change and nature of the international system post-1945. Engaging with key themes in contemporary international relations, you will explore the reasons underlying these transformations: the policies made within states or non-state actors; how policy makers are constrained by the international system; why various actors behave in the ways that they do; and the implications of their actions. You will examine some of key debates that serve to question the contemporary nature of the international system, such as the legitimacy of humanitarian intervention, the meaning of the 'war on terror', and whether globalisation makes nation states irrelevant. - PIR-40119 Race and Justice: Civil Rights in the US
The 1960s American Civil Rights Movement is one of the most iconic protest movements for political and social equality in recent history. The fight for legal and social equality for black people in the United States (US) greatly influenced further fights for equality for other racial or ethnic groups, women, and the disabled. It continues to influence protest movements throughout the world. But, despite its successes, discrimination remains a major issue. On this module, you will examine discrimination, inequality and civil rights from the second half of the 20th Century. You will also explore the state of civil rights law and the extent to which the courts have effectively enforced social change, using legal cases and case studies to analyse the state of civil rights in the US today. - PIR-40138 Crises, Conflict and Diplomacy
This module critically analyses the role of diplomacy in addressing contemporary conflicts. Focusing on diplomatic practices, processes, the various diplomatic actors, their conduct and eventual outcomes, you will investigate the changing nature of diplomacy. In particular, you’ll consider how varied diplomatic actors – states, international and regional organisations – have attempted to resolve conflict through diplomacy, and how diplomacy shaped the outcomes of these crises. Using in-depth case studies, such as such as the Ethiopia Tigray Conflict and the effect of sanctions in the Kosovo conflict, you will explore diplomatic practice in a range of international settings, giving you practical insight into how negotiations and mediations evolve in different cases. To help you better understand the intricacies of negotiation, mediation and its effect on conflict resolution, you’ll participate in a simulation exercise to negotiate a peace agreement.
Dissertation
Semesters 2 and 3
- PIR-40105 Dissertation (60 credits)
Researching and writing a master’s dissertation provides an exciting opportunity to examine and investigate in considerable depth a specific topic, question or issue, working under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest. In order to graduate with a degree in your chosen pathway, you must undertake a dissertation on a topic that falls within the subject remit of that pathway, in this case International Relations. You will design, conduct research and produce a dissertation of 15,000 words in length on topics as diverse as oil multinationals and militancy in the Niger Delta, to how American exceptionalism drives American foreign policy, or the China-US Trade war.
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Entry requirements
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You should have a first or a good second-class honours degree or it's equivalent. Your undergraduate degree should be in a related subject.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Where English is not a first language, evidence of english language competence will be required (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-test).
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Funding
Living Costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Some travel costs may be incurred if an external project or placement is undertaken; any such costs will be discussed with the student before the project is confirmed. It will be possible for the student to select an internal project and that would not incur any additional travel costs. There may be additional costs for textbooks and inter-library loans.
Scholarships and Funding
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2023 start date falls in the 2022/23 academic year. Please see the 2022/23 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2023.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
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Your career
Preparing you to analyse international affairs and contribute to the development of better world relations, you could work for a political party, campaign or lobby group or pursue advisory and management roles in central or local government, charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, social research organisations, think tanks and universities.
Specialist routes include: diplomacy; public policy; development politics; conflict resolution and mediation; human rights and social justice; environmental politics; sustainable development; international law; international security; and cross-cultural communication.
The advanced research and cross-cultural communication skills you develop on this course, together with a critical insight into global concerns, politics, economics, governance and advocacy, place you in an excellent position to pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Our graduates follow a wide range of careers, working for governments, think tanks and NGO's as diplomats, advisors and consultants, as well as moving into broader fields, such as journalism and banking. Many of our alumni return to Keele to share their experiences with current students. Recent speakers, for example, have included a BBC correspondent, former British Ambassador and Governor of the Virgin Islands and former UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Somalia.
The personal and professional skills learned on this philosophy degree include clear and analytical thinking, originality, problem-solving, persuasive writing and speaking, innovative questioning and effective reasoning, all of which can open a wide range of careers.
Analytical ability, for example, tops Forbes’ list of in-demand skills employers want. Being able to understand and, if required, challenge people’s ideas, approaches and perspectives is a difficult skillset to master, yet one that is valuable and relevant to almost any profession.
Career options include the civil service, politics, public administration, police, finance, IT, law, healthcare, human resources, property development, teaching and training, community and voluntary work. This course is also excellent preparation for doctoral study or careers in research or academia with previous masters students continuing with PhD studies at Keele and other excellent institutions in the UK and elsewhere.
Positions may include:
- Academic
- Charity officer
- Civil servant
- Diplomatic service officer
- Human resources officer
- Journalist
- Local government officer
- Management consultant
- Market researcher
- Marketing executive
- Policy officer
- Politician’s assistant
- Principal/Vice-Principal
- Public affairs consultant
- Public relations officer
- Social research officer
- Social researcher
- Statistician
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Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching is delivered via a mixture of large and small group activities, seminars, workshop sessions, and guided independent study. You’ll also receive research training, in preparation for your dissertation, supported and guided throughout by a personal dissertation supervisor, whose academic expertise matches your interests.
Students across the four pathways study core modules together, providing a stimulating learning environment in which you will share experiences and learn about international relations alongside students from all the world. Some may have already worked or have ambitions to work in diplomacy and government, or for organisations like the UN.
You’ll be taught within a tight-knit, supportive community by research specialists, who will offer you their subject-specific knowledge and provide you with the opportunity to develop your own research and study interests. Our focus on contemporary practice means that, whenever possible, you will relate your learning to current events or latest research findings. You’ll develop new ways of thinking and the tools to analyse behaviour and decision making, debating the institutional responses and rhetoric available to, for example, a President in charge when a major incident like 9/11 happens.
The School regularly hosts high profile events, such as the Royal Institute of Philosophy Invited Lectures, as well as the Spotlight series of lectures, focused specifically on international relations. Previous lectures, for example, included a session on careers in the foreign office and what it is really like to be a diplomat, as well as a personal perspective on his 50 years in international development by Sir John Vereker, a Keele graduate and former British civil servant who served as Permanent Secretary for International Development and Governor of Bermuda.
How you'll be assessed
Most modules will be assessed through a diverse range of coursework, including essays, critiques, reports, presentations, a literature review, reflective portfolio, your research proposal and dissertation, which demonstrate your understanding of module content and development of independent research skills, as well as your analytical abilities and your evaluation of particular debates, arguments or ideas.
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Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
Teaching staff
Keele was one of the first universities in the UK to offer a degree in international relations in the 1970s and we remain one of the principal concentrations of specialists in this country. Our current staff have internationally recognised teaching and research expertise in the areas of security studies, international history, international political economy and development, and political and international relations theory. Specialisms include the Middle East, the Balkans and Turkey, Europe, Africa and America.
Our academics seek answers to some of the world’s biggest philosophical questions, to unpick and understand political thought and political action, and interpret and explain complex, global political events.
Research within the Centre for Global Studies covers various aspects of global politics, particularly global security, international development, and war, culture and society. War, a central problem of international relations, is a key focus, with research that examines relations between militaries and society, nationalisms, emotions and war, and legacies of conflicts. We are also interested in critical security studies, international development, environmental politics, state building, and emotions in international relations.
CREATe, the Centre for Research on Environmental Action and Thought, brings together academics and postgraduate students who research environmental politics with a particular focus on action and thought. Every two years, we host the Environmental Politics and Policy Summer School for the European Consortium for Political Research, which brings together 20 international PhD students and leading academics for two weeks of intensive study on the latest research.
Teaching team includes:
Dr Heidi Wang-Kaeding (Co-Director for Programme), Lecturer in International Relations – Heidi is an expert on emotions in international relations, global environmental governance and economic statecraft in East Asia, and on the rise of China. Her work on the role of emotions in international politics is adapted into an award-winning documentary film, Black Bauhinia.
Professor Helen Parr (Co-Director for Programme), Professor of Modern and Contemporary History – Helen is an expert in contemporary British history, war and society, and international relations. She has worked on Britain’s relations with the EC/EU, the Labour Party and European integration, Britain’s Cold War and nuclear weapons policies and British-French relations. Her book, Our Boys: The Story of a Paratrooper (Allen Lane, 2018), won the Templer Medal Book Prize, the Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History, the Longman-History Today Book Prize and was longlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing.
Professor John Vogler, Professorial Research Fellow in International Relations – John has a long-term interest in the international relations of the environment and the problems of international cooperation. His research includes international environmental regimes, governance of the global commons (the oceans, Antarctica, outer space and the atmosphere), and external relations of the European Union. His recent work has focused on the international politics of climate change.
Dr Linda Åhäll, Honorary Fellow (International Relations) – Linda’s research concerns the interplay between gender politics and ideas about violence and security, often through popular culture. She is also interested in the politics of emotions and visual global politics more broadly, above all in relation to methods and critical methodologies.
Professor Bülent Gökay, Professor of International Relations – An experienced historical and political-economy analysist who has conducted extensive archival research, literature reviews and textual analysis, Bülent’s research expertise has been built across two interrelated strands: the political and social history of post-WWI settlements, and political-economy analysis of resource competition in Eurasia.
Dr Lorna Lloyd, Honorary Senior Research Fellow (International Relations) – Lorna’s current research focuses on the emergence onto the international stage of former parts of the British Empire and their relations with each other. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, she has been Convenor of the British International Studies Association’s (BISA) Group on Diplomacy; twice chaired the International Law Section of the US-based International Studies Association (ISA); sat on the ISA’s Governing Council and Executive Committee; and recently served for a dozen years on the committee of BISA’s British International History Group.
Dr Moran Mandelbaum, Lecturer in International Relations – Moran’s research lies at the intersection of nations and nationalism, political theory, and critical approaches to international relations and security, with a focus on Israel/Palestine. He has published research papers on homonationalism in Israeli society, on the relationship between nationalism and insecurity, and on the nation/state in modernity and international relations theory.
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Facilities
The School of Social, Political and Global Studies brings together multidisciplinary academics in Criminology, Education, International Relations, Philosophy, Politics and Sociology, whose research is internationally respected for its theoretical innovations and relevance to applications in the real world.
Teaching usually takes place in the Chancellor's building on the main campus, giving you easy access to lecture and seminar rooms, library facilities and computer laboratories as appropriate.
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