MA in Global Governance and Diplomacy

Our MA Global Governance and Diplomacy provides the expertise and skills required to pursue a fruitful career within an international organisation and their member states, or a non-governmental organisation operating within global politics. The skills-based teaching throughout the course will allow you to gain training in the practices, institutions, and processes that address the key global challenges of our time such as health, food security, climate change, migration, gender equality, humanitarian assistance, health, poverty, economic stability, development and education.

Throughout the programme you will gain a deeper understanding of the transnational nature of these issues, and how the interrelated and global scale of these challenges requires a fresh approach beyond the nation-state. You will gain a deeper understanding of the governance regimes that seek to address global challenges, why such regimes succeed or fail, the politics underpinning current practice and the obstacles to change.

The practical focus of the course will ensure you are well-equipped and practised in the skills required to succeed in this field, such as lobbying, report writing, negotiating, and campaigning.

You will also benefit from the research expertise and experience of staff contributing to the programme. Our staff have experience working with major international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the Joint Office for Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and beyond.

Course content

Compulsory modules will introduce you to governance, challenging the view of the nation-state as the sole actor of change. You will analyse the power of different actors in addressing global issues and build skills required for 21st-century diplomacy. You will explore ways to effectively implement changes transnationally, looking beyond ministries of foreign affairs and diplomats to include non-governmental organisations, individuals and municipal governments or cities.

Your dissertation will then allow you to critically examine an issue related to international diplomatic practices, transnational cooperation and governance.

The range of optional modules will allow you to gain specialised knowledge of particular global challenges and the related governance structure and diplomatic practices.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Diplomatic Practice
• Global Governance
• Dissertation

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will choose 60 credits from the below:

• Engaging the Modern City: The Civic Researcher
• Global Governance through Law
• Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance
• Education in Development
• Gender, Globalisation and Development
• Global Inequalities and Development
• International Relations and the Environment
• Global Justice

995645 / Pixabay

Learning and teaching

Teaching methods will include traditional lectures and seminars, as well as practice-based workshops to develop skills such as report writing, presentation and campaign skills, media training, and negotiation.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of academic and practice-based assessments including essays, a dissertation, reports, presentations, and group-based / work-placed projects.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) or a non-UK equivalent in social science, humanities, or another related discipline. Relevant experience will also be taken into account.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area.

How to apply

Application deadlines:

• UK/EU students: 31 July
• International students: 31 July

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

Fees

See our website for the latest fee information.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.

The School usually offers a number of scholarships each year.

Career opportunities

This course provides students with the skills, experience and expertise required to pursue a fruitful career within international organisations and their member states, or non-governmental organisations. The combination of an academic and practical focus will allow you to develop both the knowledge and skills to succeed in global governance.

Careers support

The School of Politics and International Studies has a dedicated Careers Consultant who is on-hand throughout the year to support and advise you in regards to your career. The School also arranges a number of guest speaker events where you are able to engage with prospective employers, and hear from leading figures in the field.

In addition to the School-specific careers support, you will also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Centre. The Careers Centre offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.