MA Global Governance and Diplomacy University of Leeds, Faculty of Social Sciences

Throughout the programme you will gain a deeper understanding of the transnational nature of governance and diplomacy. You will analyse the transnational governance regimes that seek to address global challenges, questioning why such regimes succeed or fail, along with the politics underpinning current diplomatic practice and the obstacles to change.

The practical focus of the programme will ensure you are well-equipped to succeed in this field, with advanced knowledge of lobbying, report writing, negotiating, and campaigning.

Research expertise

You will 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 and the Joint Office for Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect.

This programme features research-led teaching informed by the research that occurs in the European Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, recognised internationally for its work on atrocity prevention, and the Centre for Democratic Engagement.

SPEAK TO A CURRENT STUDENT

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 non-state 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.

The skills-based teaching throughout the programme 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.

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 structures and diplomatic practices.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Diplomatic Practice
• Global Governance
• Dissertation

Optional modules
(selection of typical options shown 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

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.

In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

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.

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.