Diplomacy and International Relations (by Distance Learning)

MA

  • Entry year 2025 or 2024
  • Duration Full time 1 year, Part time 2 years

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • Study with experts in Politics and International Relations from across the World

  • World Top 50 Arts & Humanities THE World University Rankings 2024

  • Internship and placement opportunities

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.

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

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

Detailed module information for this postgraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Location Full Time (per year) Part Time (per year)
Home £13,260 £6,630
International £15,600 £7,800

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

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.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Postgraduate digital open event - 6 November

Join us online and let us tell you about postgraduate study at Lancaster and how to apply.

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Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 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.