Department of Politics and International Studies, Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy & Centre for Energy and Climate Policy

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Start date
Duration
1 year
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On Campus
Fees

Home: £18,750   
International: £27,730

Course code
M1UX
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher.

 

In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements and English language requirements.

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The MA International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) programme is designed for those engaged in, or planning to embark upon, a professional career requiring international expertise in government, not-for-profit, corporate or academic environments.

ISD aims to prepare students for a variety of roles, such as working within a Foreign Service or other government department; international civil service (such as the United Nations or European Union), international NGOs (working in fields such as development, humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution), multinational corporations and international media.

The programme also suits those engaged in or considering research roles within a policy think tank, risk analysis organisation or doctoral programme and seeking to deepen their academic and practical understanding of international affairs and contemporary diplomatic practice. The International Studies and Diplomacy programme has a multi-disciplinary structure and draws on the teaching and research strengths of the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) and of the SOAS departments of International Politics, Law, Economics and area studies (especially of Asia, Africa and the Middle East) as well as a wide range of languages. Students choose a combination of modules to meet their specific professional needs and personal interests.

Students on the MA ISD also have the opportunity to participate in a Study Tour to Geneva to visit the United Nations and other international organizations.

Why study MA International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS?

  • We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2024)
  • 4th globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024) 
  • gain an excellent inter-disciplinary understanding of key concepts, theories and debates in the study of international affairs
  • gain in-depth knowledge of international policy debates and principle issues from perspectives of both the global North and South
  • develop the ability to undertake critical analysis of contemporary international policy issues and challenges
  • you will also develop module specific practical skills such as policy analysis and policy advocacy, negotiation, mediation, communication and media relations

Who should apply

We welcome applications from academically strong individuals from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds; however, it is not necessary to have a first degree in a discipline directly related to the programme. Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a sustained practical interest in the international field.

Global Partnerships

This programme can be offered as part of a dual masters degree with Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Through the dual masters, students can spend the first year studying at SAIS and second year at SOAS or vice versa and gain a Masters award from each institution. For more information and eligible programmes included in the dual masters, please see the SOAS-SAIS partnership on the Global Partnerships website.

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Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits, Plus the dissertation worth 60 credits.

Credits must be taken in the following combination:

  • Dissertation (15PFFC999) (60 credits)
  • General Diplomatic Studies (15PFFH014) (15 credits) and
  • Diplomatic Practice (15PFFC033) (30 credits)
  • A minimum of 30 credits from list B
  • A maximum of 45 credits from list C (maximum 30 credits from PG Open options)

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. 

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. 

Compulsory

Guided options List C

Guided options List B

Minimum 30cr from List B

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The International Studies and Diplomacy programme may be taken in one year (full-time) or in two or three years part-time (MA only), with the schedule designed to allow participation by those in full-time employment. Participants may choose a combination of modules to meet their professional needs and personal interests. The programme is convened on a multi-disciplinary basis, and teaching is through lectures, tutorials and workshops conducted by SOAS faculty and visiting specialists.

The Centre endeavours to make as many of the modules for International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) accessible to part-time students. Where possible the majority of CISD lectures are at 6pm; however, lecture times will be rotated on a yearly basis for some modules (between evening and daytime slots) so that part-time students will have access to as many modules as possible over the duration of their degree. Associated tutorials are repeated in hourly slots with the latest taking place at 8pm. Students sign up for tutorial groups at the start of term and stay in the same group throughout the academic year. There is a minimum of two and a half hours formal teaching a week (lecture and tutorial) for each ISD module taken. Practical exercises may take place at weekends.

Teaching includes

  • Wide range of modules: Diplomatic Studies and Practice, International Relations, International Economics, International Law, and International Security
  • Wide choice of electives: Global Energy and Climate Policy, Multinational Enterprises in a Globalising World or a module offered by other SOAS departments (e.g. Development Studies, Politics, Economics, Law, Languages)
  • Interaction with diplomats, policy makers, NGO officials and other international practitioners.
  • Training in negotiation, policy analysis, policy advocacy, communication and media and other skills through practical exercises including strategy, communication and media workshops, moots courts, and negotiation and mediation workshops.

Further activities

Included in the degree programme:

  • Week long dedicated study tour, e.g. United Nations in Geneva.
  • Guest lectures by leading scholars and senior practitioners, and policy conferences (listen to CISD's podcasts)
  • Opportunities to actively participate in Centre research programmes.

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Title Deadline date
Tibawi Trust Award
Felix Non-Indian Scholarship
Felix Scholarships
Sasakawa Studentships
SOAS Master's Scholarships (Home)

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Students from SOAS’s Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) develop an in-depth understanding of international affairs, contemporary diplomatic practice and policy-makers. Graduates leave with a portfolio of transferable skills such as critical analysis, problem solving, negotiation and communication, all of which are valued by employers across a number of sectors.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
  • Ernst & Young
  • European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights
  • Government of India
  • International Rescue Committee
  • Medical Aid for Palestinians
  • NHS
  • The Commonwealth
  • UK National Commission for UNESCO
  • UNHCR
  • United Nations
  • World Food Programme

Find out about our Careers Service.