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.
Book my placeOverview
Why Lancaster?
- Study alongside your ongoing professional and personal commitments with our convenient and flexible online course
- Develop a deep understanding of diplomacy and politics, and skills that could take you anywhere in the world
- Gain insight from internationally renowned experts whose research is shaping political theory, international relations, security and more
- Be part of a department that is a leader in the country for research power and research environment
- Prepare for a career on the frontline of global affairs, whether pursuing a role in parliament, diplomacy, public affairs or academia
Is global terrorism a religious matter? How has diplomacy evolved throughout history? What influences international negotiations? Discuss and debate these questions and more as you sharpen your skills and boost your employability.
Kick-start your career
We’ve designed this course to help you explore the theories, issues and processes connected with diplomacy, foreign policy and international relations. You’ll benefit from our extensive experience of supporting distance learners and be supported by our community of academics who are experts in their field.
This course is for you if you’re eager to work in diplomacy, international NGOs or global policy and politics – or perhaps you already are and feel ready take your career to the next level. Many of our students want to make their mark through research too.
Learn alongside your life
We have provided our courses via online learning and have a deep understanding of how best to support our students. You’ll join us for an online induction before the course begins. This is a great chance to meet your tutors and peers and learn about everything from our digital services and software to e-library resources.
Throughout the course you will take part in online discussions, group projects, and web seminars. You’ll also produce a 20,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, through which you will be supported by one of our expert academic supervisors.
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
Our graduates are in high demand. You will develop highly-valued research skills, the ability to think analytically and critically, and to work independently. These transferrable skills will stand you in great stead for your career – whether you are just starting out or progressing in your current role.
Our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in:
- The Civil Service
- Parliament
- NGOs
- Think Tanks
- Charity and Third Sector
- Public Affairs
Others have taken roles in broadcasting, marketing, public relations, teaching, accounting, consultancy and financial services.
Some of our students go on to study for a PhD and pursue an academic career.
Our Careers and Employability Service will be on hand to offer tailored advice and guidance throughout your journey, and you’ll also receive careers support on a departmental level.
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 (distance)
The module involves the negotiation, design and delivery of a research project whose precise topic will be determined by you and your project supervisor.
The dissertation will be 20,000 words in length and is designed to provide you with the opportunity to both consolidate and enhance your existing knowledge and skills through engaging with an extended piece of project-orientated research and writing.
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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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Major Approaches to the Study of International Relations (distance)
This module aims to provide you with a broad understanding of the main areas of study within the field of international relations (IR). The introductory session seeks to address the general question as to what constitutes the study of IR. Subsequent sessions aim to examine the major approaches to the discipline (both mainstream and critical), focusing upon the distinctive insights and analyses that they have brought to bear.
You will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the nature of the wide-ranging theoretical debates that have shaped the discipline and will also be encouraged to take a critical approach to these debates to consider the ways in which we study IR.
More particularly, you have the opportunity to:
- understand and critically assess the interpretation of the world and of IR put forward by each theory
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory
- apply the theoretical tools to the “facts out there” (linking theory with practice)
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Religion and Conflict (distance learning)
Whether global, national, ethnic or ethical, conflicts frequently involve religion. Between themselves, in their relations with secular states and ideologies, and even at the level of sects or denominations, religions engage in conflict arising from deeply held beliefs and values, as well as in struggles for power, status and legitimacy. Understanding how and why religious groups contribute to global and regional conflicts and civil wars – from terrorist attacks, through historically embedded disputes in Israel/Gaza and Northern Ireland, to Christian/Muslim violence in Nigeria, Uganda and India – is vital for development, humanitarian intervention, international relations, diplomacy and conflict resolution.
This module provides the knowledge and skills to help students understand and analyse why conflict happens within and between religious groups, and to assess the positive and negative contributions that religions make to wider struggles – from local disputes through to global terrorism.
Week 1: An Historical Introduction to 'Religion and Conflict' Week 2: Religion and Secularism in the West
Week 3: Religion and Secularism in India Week 4: Religion and Ethnic Conflict
Week 5: Conflict, Religion, and International Relations Week 6: Religion and Violence
Week 7: Religion and Protest: Mohandas Gandhi Week 8: Religion and Protest: Martin Luther King Week 9: Religion and Society: Islam in Britain Week 10: Consolidation Lecture
The module is designed to introduce students to key concepts and issues in scholarship on religion and conflict: e.g. on the relationship between conflict and violence, religion and ethnicity, the ‘clash of civilizations’, intra-religious as well as inter-religious conflict, jihad and martyrdom. Equal attention will be given to the importance of context – historical, social, geographical and political. Analysis and debate about religion and conflict will be situated in particular cases, from the UK and Europe, the US, the Indian sub-continent and sub-Saharan Africa. Lecture podcasts and online discussion activities will be complemented by online talks by experts and short films. There will be plenty of opportunities for online interaction with peers and tutors.
Assessment is by 5,000 word essay.
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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.
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Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Studies (distance)
Throughout the module we aim to examine theories, methods and skills relating to postgraduate study and research. Further to this you will also have subject specific input, related to your degree programme. The content of those sessions will be determined relative to the specific needs of your discipline at the time. The module concludes with workshop discussions and presentations of student projects.
We use a range of teaching methods which may include a mix of podcast lectures, web-seminars, online presentations from fellow classmates, and discussions. We also offer opportunities for you to engage with online "office hours" for additional learning support. You can choose different online presentation methods, choosing to present either through real time video conferencing or by posting recorded presentations in the discussion forum. The general themes of the weekly discussion are provided in the introduction to each weekly subject.
Fees and Funding
| Location | Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| 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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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) LLM
- Diplomacy and International Law (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.
