Postgraduate open day: Saturday 10 February 2024
Join our on-campus open day this February to talk to students and lecturers and find out how and when to apply.
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Top reasons to study with us
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Discover the latest specialist knowledge from our experts
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World top 100 Law School Times Higher Education 2023
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6th in the UK for Research Impact (REF2021), 88% rated "outstanding"
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 international law
On our LLM course, you’ll explore the relationship between international law and diplomacy, and you’ll take a module on International Human Rights. You’ll have a keen focus on legal aspects of the topic and you’ll apply everything you’ve learnt to your dissertation.
Want more emphasis on diplomacy? Take a look at our MA Diplomacy and International Law.
Distance learning
Distance learning makes it easier to fit your studies around your other commitments as much of the course can be done at a time and place to suit you. We have provided courses via online learning for many years and have a good understanding of the kinds of support our students need.
Your course will combine recorded material, live and interactive lectures, elements to be worked through autonomously, online collaboration and discussion, and group work.
Before the course begins we’ll invite you to an online introductory session. This is a great chance to meet your tutors and other students and to start to form your own support network. We’ll also tell you about our digital services and software, as well as our extensive e-library resources. After this you should be all set to start the course and get the most from your studies.
The Richardson Institute
Formed in 1959, and based in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, the Richardson Institute is the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK. Since 2012 it has provided an internship programme that gives students the opportunity to work with different organisations on issues of peace and conflict.
The Richardson Institute
Careers
By the time you finish this degree in diplomacy and international law, you will have developed an abundance of transferable skills in negotiation. As well as roles within government and diplomatic service, graduates can go on to work in think tanks and the private sector.
Graduates of this programme are able to kickstart careers in:
- Risk analysis
- Advisory roles in foreign affairs
- International business consultancy
- Lobbying organisations and NGOs
- Project management
Alternatively, students who complete this degree are well placed to further their academic studies at PhD level, deepening their understanding and furthering their research.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
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
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
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Dissertation (80 credits / distance)
Assessment Coursework: 20,000 words
The dissertation involves supervised research on a topic of your choice, this topic must be approved by the Director of your Degree Programme and be in keeping with the registered LLM degree. Please note that topics can only be approved if the University has sufficient sources for the research and the necessary staff expertise for supervision.
The dissertation is a compulsory component for the LLM degrees and comprises of 80 credits (45%) of the degree weighting.
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International Human Rights (Distance Learning)
This module is an introduction to the field of international human rights law. The module will provide an overview of the various rights that are protected through international instruments, as well as giving a general introduction to the regional and universal systems for human rights promotion. A special emphasis to the UN human rights system and an introduction to the regional human rights protection systems will be given. The module aims to achieve both substantive and procedural knowledge of human rights protection through international systems. Contemporary issues such as human rights and development and the role of NGOs and other non-state actors will form an integral part of the module. We aim to address the issues in a manner that will be accessible for students with a law or social science background. It is understood, however, that you will have some knowledge of general international law. Topics typically include:
· Foundations of human rights and international human rights law
· Civil and political human rights
· Economic, social and cultural rights
· State obligations - rights justiciability
· The UN human rights system: The Charter based protection & the Convention based protection
· The Regional Human Rights Systems
· The role of non-state actors in human rights violations and protection
· Human Rights and Development
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International Law (Distance Learning)
The rules, laws and customs that govern inter-state relationships come into sharp focus in this module. It provides you with a base from which you can further your study of specific areas of international law.
As we explore the essential elements of international law, and the way that they are used to shape the world in which we live, you will have the chance to gain an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice. You will be given ‘real’ examples of international law to critically assess, allowing you to identify its shortcomings and challenges.
We will cover fundamental principles and concepts of international law and some topical issues such as:
- the nature and sources of international law
- the relationship between international and national law
- statehood and self-determination
- jurisdiction
- immunities
- state responsibility
- dispute settlement
- use of force
Our Law School is home to research-active lecturers, you will have the chance to benefit from some of their expertise as many teach on areas closely aligned with their own research interests.
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Issues and Practice in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy (distance)
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy are central to the understanding of international politics. The structure of the international system induces a constant need for political dialogue and negotiations. Besides war, diplomacy is the common language states are using to interact on the world stage.
Complementing the first core module (Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy), this module aims to apply your theoretical understanding of diplomacy and foreign policy to contemporary diplomatic and negotiation issues and great power politics. Our teaching and learning strategy seeks to give you both theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in diplomacy and foreign policy. Where possible, academic teaching will be complemented by guest lectures (e.g. by a practitioner) and in-class activities such as mock negotiation exercises.
Topics covered vary each year but we often explore issues relating to the following areas: Nuclear weapons and foreign policy, Arms control and diplomacy, International climate negotiations, South-North relations and development, Diplomacy and terrorism, and Citizen protection.
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The Law of the United Nations (Distance Learning)
This course covers different aspects of international institutions in international law. The course first looks comparatively at common features of international organisations, including the theories behind them, their structure, powers, financing, accountability and their law-making and judicial roles. The second part of the course examines specific international organisations. Topics covered include:
- Introduction to International Organisations and International Law
- The Nature of International Organisations
- Structure and Membership
- Personality and Immunities
- Law-Making
- Finance and Accountability
- Dispute Resolution and Judicial Organs, in particular the International Court of Justice
- Group Exercise
- UN Specialised Agencies, including the IMF and World Bank
- Negotiation Exercise
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Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy (distance learning)
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy are central to the understanding of international politics. The structure of the international system induces a constant need for political dialogue and negotiations. Besides war, diplomacy is the common language states are using to interact on the world stage.
This module introduces students to ways of conceptualizing diplomacy and foreign policy in the 21st century:
- Why do states rely on diplomacy?
- What are the current forms and features of diplomacy and foreign policy?
- Is diplomacy the only form of international dialogue besides war?
- How do states (and statesmen) negotiate?
- How has diplomacy evolved throughout history?
- Does 'global governance' exist?
The teaching and learning strategy of this distance learning Diplomacy and Foreign Policy module is designed to give students both theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in diplomacy and foreign policy. Lectures podcasting and online discussion activities will be complemented by live online talks offered by practitioners through video conferencing facility. Distance learning students will have a lot of opportunities of online interaction with peers and tutors.
Suggested Key Readings:R. Barston, Modern Diplomacy, Longman, 2006.
G. R. Berridge, Diplomacy: Theory and Practice, Palgrave, 2002.
S. Smith et al., Foreign Policy: Theories, Actors, Cases, OUP, 2012.
J. P. Muldoon et al., The New Dynamics of Multilateralism Diplomacy, International Organizations, and Global Governance, Westview Press, 2005.
A. Heywood, Global Politics, Palgrave, 2011.
Fees and Funding
| Location | Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) |
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| Home | £12,750 | £6,375 |
| International | £15,000 | £7,500 |
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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What is my fee status?
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and Bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Law
- Diplomacy and International Law LLM
- Diplomacy and International Law MA
- Diplomacy and International Law (Distance Learning) MA
- Environment and Law LLM
- International Business and Corporate Law LLM
- International Human Rights Law LLM
- International Law LLM
- International Law and International Relations LLM
- International Law and International Relations MA
- Law LLM
- Law LLM by Research
- Law MPhil/PhD
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Politics and International Relations
- Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies MA
- Conflict, Development and Security MA
- Diplomacy and Foreign Policy MA
- Diplomacy and International Law LLM
- Diplomacy and International Law MA
- Diplomacy and International Law (Distance Learning) MA
- Diplomacy and International Relations (by Distance Learning) MA
- Diplomacy and Religion MA
- International Law and International Relations LLM
- International Law and International Relations MA
- International Relations MA
- International Relations PhD
- Philosophy and Religion MA
- Politics MA
- Politics PhD
- Politics and International Relations PgCert
- Politics and Philosophy MA
- Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
- Public Policy MSc
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2024/2025 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Why Lancaster?
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League tables and reputation
A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.
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Colleges and community
Your college will be your home away from home.
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Careers and employability
Career support for our students through university and beyond.
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Student life
Lancaster has so much to offer. On our campus, in our city and in our community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.
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Where is Lancaster?
Lancaster is easy to get to and surrounded by natural beauty.
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The campus and the city
Our campus and the surrounding area is a great place to call home.
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Your global experience
Build your global community on campus and around the world.
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Wellbeing and support
Services to help you fulfil your potential at Lancaster.
