Overview and entry requirements

The MA/PGDip 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 Interternational 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 may have the opportunity to participate in CISD's Study Tour (e.g.: United Nations in Geneva), although this is in addition to the programme of study and cannot be guaranteed.

See Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD)

Why study MA/PGDip International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS

• 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.

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September intake only

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

Email: cisd@soas.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)20 7898 4840

Structure

Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits, PLUS dissertation (15PFFC999) 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 of which can be 30 credits of language options)

Programme Specification

• MA International Studies and Diplomacy Programme Specification 2021/22 (pdf; 548kb)

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

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. 
• Media and communication skills training by current and former BBC staff
• Guest lectures by leading scholars and senior practitioners, and policy conferences (listen to CISD's podcasts)
• Opportunities to actively participate in Centre research programmes.

Tuition fees

Fees for 2022/23 entrants, per academic year (Band 3 tuition fee) 

Fees go up each year, therefore your tuition fee in your second and subsequent years of study will be higher.

Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

Full details of postgraduate tuition fees can be found on the Postgraduate tuition fees page.

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

• How to Apply
• Online Application
• Request a prospectus
• Got a question - use our enquiry form (opens a new window)
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts