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Diplomacy and International Relations MA

Start date

September

Previous degree

2:2

Distance learning available

No

Student visa accepted?

Yes

Duration

1 Year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

international-relations
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Be on the frontline of global affairs with our expert-led Diplomacy and International Relations master’s

Please note we are not currently recruiting to the PG Cert or PG Dip for this course

Navigate diplomatic theory and build practical skills with our Diplomacy and International Relations master’s. You’ll cover topics like:

  • public diplomacy
  • unconventional diplomacy
  • international relations theory
  • migration
  • security
  • global governance
  • international political economy.

Expert teaching and support

You will learn from leading academics committed to your wellbeing. Our student, Aikaterini, tells us that they were “always encouraged and fully supported”.

Contributions from senior diplomats

Senior figures within international politics contribute to our Diplomacy and International Relations MA. As a result, you’ll access unique learning and networking opportunities.

Learn in the capital

Our campus is located in the green and picturesque London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, with access to the capital's embassies, international organisations, and think tanks. You’ll be able to visit significant sites, such as:

  • Houses of Parliament
  • City Hall
  • Home Office
  • Speakers’ Corner.

A diverse community

You will learn with a diverse community, providing various perspectives and an unrivalled network.

Andrea Sau

Dr Andrea Sau

Lecturer in Politics and international Relations

Upcoming webinars and events

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Postgraduate events

Join us at a postgraduate event

Course content

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25. 

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Dissertation with Professional Connection

Entry requirements

2:2

Previous degree

The expected entry requirement for the programme is a 2:2 undergraduate degree in any subject.

Additional requirement information

Applicants without a degree, but with relevant work experience, for example as a government official or an employee in an international organisation, or applicants with other relevant work experience, such as journalism or in NGOs, will also be considered.

International Requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

September 2025

Home

£10,800

International

£18,450

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.

Funding

You can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.

Home and international students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.

How the degree is taught

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on written coursework and includes assignments specifically designed to build key analytical and communication skills. These include preparing policy briefings, engaging with the media and delivering presentations and speeches.

Your dissertation or professional practice is an independent project that you will complete between June and September.

Career opportunities

With our Diplomacy and International Relations master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Diplomacy and International Relations MA include:

diplomacyinternational affairsa national foreign ministryNon-Government Organisations (NGOs)charitiesinternational organisations and businesses

Apply now

September 2025

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We have a range of webinars and events to help you decide whether St Mary's is the place for you.

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Discover what life is like on our London campus.

Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.