PGDip Global Diplomacy (Online)

“The United Nations is still the last best hope of humanity.” Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s statement highlights the enduring relevance of the UN to global affairs. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the UN system, situating it within the broader landscape of international organisations and examining its historical foundations, structures, and contemporary challenges.
You will explore the UN’s origins, tracing its roots from the League of Nations and wartime cooperation to the creation of its Charter by the Allied powers. The module examines the operation, goals, and core institutions of the UN, including the Security Council and General Assembly, as well as its work in humanitarian action, disarmament, and human rights. Contemporary challenges, such as US engagement, UN reform, and debates over the rules-based international order, are considered in both historical and global context.
Learning is research-driven and engages with cutting-edge projects in international law, disarmament, and women’s leadership in human rights. You will analyse policy and scholarly debates, evaluate evidence, and apply critical thinking to questions of international governance.
Why this module matters for your future
The module develops skills essential for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy analysis, and research. You will gain expertise in evidence-based argumentation, professional communication at an international level, and the ability to synthesise complex information, assess global challenges, and propose informed solutions.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: Research; critical and analytical thinking; evidence-based argumentation; professional communication (international organisation level); policy and IO awareness; problem solving; professional synthesis and evaluation.

What role can anthropology play in a world shaped by overlapping political, social, economic, and environmental crises? This module introduces contemporary anthropology through key research areas, showing how anthropological perspectives contribute to understanding and addressing today’s most pressing global challenges.
Structured around major thematic areas - food systems, health and mental health, environmental change, migration and diasporas, and political systems - you will explore how current research informs debates on food security, the mental health crisis, climate change, migration, and trust in institutions. Drawing on cutting-edge work, the module highlights how anthropologists analyse complex issues and engage with policy, practice, and public debate.
A central focus is on how anthropology can support meaningful change. You will examine how cultural insights, qualitative research, and critical perspectives can challenge narrow or purely quantitative approaches to global problems. The module encourages you to think about how anthropological knowledge can inform advocacy, decision-making, and action across different contexts.
Learning is grounded in real-world applications, with opportunities to engage with contemporary case studies and research practices. You will develop the ability to analyse complex issues through a cultural lens and communicate insights effectively to diverse audiences.
Why this module matters for your future
This module builds skills in research, analysis, and communication that are valuable across policy, NGOs, public sector, and research careers. You will gain the confidence to apply anthropological perspectives to complex global challenges and contribute thoughtful, context-sensitive solutions.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: Attention to detail; comparative reasoning; contextual awareness; critical thinking; digital literacy; ethical judgement and reasoning; professional conduct; project planning; reflexivity; research observation; risk appraisal; stakeholder analysis; synthesis and evaluation; written communication and conceptual clarity.

Water and land are at the heart of the climate crisis, global development, and social justice. This online module explores the powerful connections between natural resources, climate change, economies, and societies - and how these relationships are shaping the world’s future.
You will examine how climate change is transforming water and land systems, and why these resources are essential for livelihoods, food security, and economic development. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the module introduces key debates in governance and management while critically analysing how power, inequality, and political interests influence access to and control over vital resources.
A core focus is on integrated, real-world solutions. You will explore sustainable land use, water resource management, and nexus-based approaches that link land, water, energy, and food systems. Drawing on case studies from both developed and developing contexts, you will compare policies and practices across regions and evaluate what enables - or blocks - meaningful change.
Why this module matters for your career
The module is designed to help you build the skills sought by employers in sustainability, policy, consultancy, development, and environmental management. Through research-based assessments, applied learning, and peer feedback, you will develop the ability to construct clear, evidence-based arguments, analyse governance and political systems, communicate confidently to diverse audiences, and evaluate complex, cross-sector challenges.
Key topics include
Throughout the module, you will explore the interactions between water, land, climate, and development, alongside the concept of planetary and societal boundaries. You will examine the political economies of land and water governance and consider how social justice shapes sustainable development outcomes. The course also introduces the land–water–energy–food nexus and investigates approaches to sustainable land and water management in different global contexts.
By the end of the module, you will be ready to contribute to equitable, resilient, and sustainable resource solutions in a rapidly changing world.

Biodiversity is fundamental to the resilience of ecosystems and the well-being of societies - yet it is under increasing pressure from climate change, unsustainable production, and global inequality. This module explores the complex relationships between biodiversity, conservation, and human development, and why decisions about nature today will shape the futures of generations to come.
You will examine the major drivers of biodiversity loss and the role that development processes play in accelerating or mitigating these trends. The module critically engages with conservation as a contested field, shaped by competing values, power relations, and governance systems. From community-led initiatives and Indigenous knowledge systems to global biodiversity frameworks and financing mechanisms, you will explore how conservation is practiced and debated across different contexts.
Through interdisciplinary perspectives and case studies from the Global South and North, the module highlights the trade-offs and synergies involved in conservation decisions. You will analyse the social, political, economic, and ethical dimensions of biodiversity governance, with a focus on equity, justice, and sustainability transitions.
Why this module matters for your career
This module develops the analytical and practical skills needed to work in biodiversity and conservation-related fields. You will strengthen your ability to evaluate complex challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and communicate effectively in professional and policy environments.
Key topics include
Throughout the module, you will explore the drivers of biodiversity loss and global environmental change, alongside conservation governance and policy frameworks. You will examine community-led conservation approaches and the role of Indigenous knowledge, as well as financing mechanisms and global biodiversity initiatives. The course also considers the trade-offs and synergies inherent in conservation decisions, and the relationships between biodiversity, equity, and sustainability transitions.
By the end of the module, you will be equipped to critically engage with biodiversity challenges and contribute to informed, just, and context-sensitive conservation strategies.

Gender is central to how development is experienced, negotiated, and contested across the world. This module explores the dynamic relationships between gender, power, and development, addressing pressing issues of inequality, social change, and justice in contemporary contexts.
You will examine how gender is socially constructed and how it shapes - and is shaped by - development processes, policies, and debates. The module engages with competing understandings of development and analyses how different approaches interact with gender dynamics in practice.
A key focus is on building critical perspectives on gendered development. You will learn to evaluate policies and interventions, identify intersectional factors that influence outcomes, and assess how power operates across different social, economic, and political contexts.
Learning is applied and interactive. Through real-world case studies, collaborative tasks, and reflective activities, you will connect theory to practice while developing skills in argumentation, evidence synthesis, and critical judgement. This approach supports a deeper understanding of how development initiatives can either reinforce or challenge inequality.
Why this module matters for your career
The module develops analytical, research, and communication skills relevant to careers in development, policy, NGOs, and advocacy. You will gain the confidence to apply gender-aware approaches in professional settings, contribute to inclusive policy design, and support initiatives that advance equality and social justice.

Industrial policy has long played a central role in economic development and structural transformation, from early applications in Europe and the United States to later experiences in Asia. After a period of decline during globalisation, it has re-emerged as governments respond to technological change, economic uncertainty, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
This module examines how industrial policy is designed and implemented across different contexts. You will explore its multiple meanings, the range of policy instruments available, and the challenges of coordination within the state and between public and private actors. The module also considers common pitfalls in policy formulation and delivery, alongside the political and institutional factors that shape outcomes.
Drawing on cross-disciplinary perspectives, the module traces the evolution of industrial policy and analyses its contemporary relevance. Learning is supported through academic literature, case studies, and discussion-based activities that connect theory to real-world policy debates.
A key focus is on applied policy analysis. You will develop the ability to assess state capacity, evaluate fiscal and budgeting decisions, and analyse how institutional contexts influence policy effectiveness.
Why this module matters for your future
This module prepares you for roles in government, international organisations, development agencies, and policy research. You will gain the skills to engage critically with industrial policy debates and to design policy options that are both analytically rigorous and politically feasible.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: AI literacy and responsibility; application of theory to practice; communication and presentation; creativity and innovation; critical thinking; data and digital literacy; empathy; ethical and contextual awareness; project management; relationship building; research; synthesis and evaluation; teamwork and collaboration.

This module examines how multinational enterprises (MNEs) design, implement, and adapt financial strategies to build and sustain competitive advantage across international environments. It explores the financial, strategic, and institutional factors that shape global investment, funding, and risk management decisions, with attention to the impacts of digital transformation, sustainability pressures, and geopolitical change.
You will engage with advanced financial theories and apply them to real-world contexts, analysing how firms allocate capital, manage risk, and optimise value in complex and uncertain markets. The module considers how global businesses respond to regulatory differences, cultural contexts, and shifting economic conditions, developing a nuanced understanding of financial decision-making across borders.
Through case studies and applied analysis, you will evaluate financial strategies from multiple perspectives, strengthening your ability to interpret data, assess risk, and support strategic planning. The module encourages critical thinking about the role of finance in shaping sustainable and responsible business practices.
Why this module matters for your future
This module develops advanced analytical, financial, and strategic skills relevant to careers in international business, finance, and consultancy. You will gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to value creation in global organisations.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills:
Analytical thinking and critical application; application of academic knowledge; attention to detail; global awareness; contextualisation of theory in practice; critical thinking; decision-making at managerial levels; reasoning and judgement; research; stakeholder engagement; strategic planning; synthesis and evaluation; teamwork and time management; written communication (business and academic).

This module introduces how machine learning techniques are applied to financial analysis and decision-making. It explores how data-driven methods can be used to identify patterns in financial markets, analyse large datasets, and support modelling and forecasting.
The module is designed to be accessible to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and does not require prior experience in programming or advanced quantitative methods. Foundational mathematical and statistical concepts are introduced through structured, self-paced preparatory materials before the module begins, and are reinforced throughout teaching.
You will gain hands-on experience using computational tools and programming environments commonly used in data science and quantitative finance. By working with a widely used programming language, the module develops transferable technical skills and familiarity with workflows used in industry.
The module also introduces key financial datasets and analytical platforms, enabling you to retrieve, process, and analyse market data and financial indicators using tools comparable to those used in professional contexts.
Why this module matters for your future
This module prepares you for data-driven roles in finance, analytics, and technology. You will develop both conceptual understanding and practical skills, enabling you to apply machine learning methods confidently in financial contexts and to interpret complex data for decision-making.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: AI literacy and responsibility; analytical and critical thinking; attention to detail; communication (technical and non-technical); creativity and innovation; data literacy, management, and visualisation; decision making and problem solving; digital fluency; ethical awareness; methodological judgement; programming (Python); reflection; reproducibility; research and enquiry; risk assessment; strategic thinking; synthesis and evaluation; teamwork.

This module examines how migration and diaspora are shaped by gendered, sexualised, racialised, and national forms of power. It connects key theoretical debates to contemporary issues such as border control, forced displacement, migrant labour, and diasporic politics.
You will explore how identities of belonging and exclusion are produced through state practices, public discourse, and cultural expression across diverse global contexts. The module draws on feminist, queer, postcolonial, and decolonial perspectives, encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to understanding migration and diaspora.
Through engagement with both empirical research and cultural material, you will learn to analyse how different forms of knowledge - academic, political, and creative - interact in shaping debates about migration. The emphasis is on developing context-sensitive and critically informed interpretations of complex global processes.
You will also strengthen your ability to construct independent arguments, engage with competing perspectives, and reflect on the ethical and political dimensions of migration and diasporic life.
Why this module matters for your future
This module is relevant to careers in policy, international organisations, advocacy, and research. It equips you to analyse migration issues with nuance, communicate effectively across contexts, and contribute to informed and ethical debates on global mobility and belonging.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: Analytical thinking; creativity and innovation; communication and presentation; digital literacy; empathy; cultural, political and contextual awareness; critical thinking; research and enquiry; synthesis and evaluation; application of theory to practice; persuasive writing.

This module explores humanity’s long and contested relationship with the planet, connecting deep histories to today’s global challenges, including climate crisis, environmental injustice, and technological change. By tracing how human–environment interactions have evolved over time, it reveals how past transformations shape present dilemmas and future possibilities.
Spanning from the Ice Age to speculative post-Anthropocene futures, the module examines major shifts such as the rise of agriculture and urbanism, the persistence of foraging and egalitarian lifeways, changing forms of power and hierarchy, and scientific and medical revolutions. It also engages with emerging debates around artificial intelligence and planetary change.
Through interdisciplinary perspectives and diverse case studies, you will develop the ability to analyse human–nature relationships across time and evaluate their ethical, social, and political implications. The module emphasises long-term thinking, encouraging you to apply historical insight to contemporary environmental and policy challenges.
Learning is collaborative and inquiry-driven. You will work with both local and global perspectives, developing skills in synthesising complex information and communicating environmental histories in formats aligned with real-world research and public engagement.
Why this module matters for your future
The module builds critical, analytical, and communication skills relevant to sustainability, policy, research, and public engagement roles. You will be equipped to think historically about planetary challenges and contribute thoughtfully to debates on sustainable and ethical futures.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: Analysis and problem-solving; communication (written and presentation); critical evaluation and reflection; ethical reasoning; teamwork and collaboration; project planning and delivery; research skills (interdisciplinary and observational); reflexivity and responsiveness to feedback; synthesis and integrative thinking; time management and self-organisation.

This module examines the significance of digital transformations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, exploring how digital media, data, and artificial intelligence are reshaping societies, cultures, and political systems. It introduces key approaches to understanding digital change, focusing on how these transformations are experienced unevenly across global contexts.
You will begin by analysing the infrastructures that underpin digital life, examining the “network society” as a space where power, inequality, and resistance are constantly negotiated. The module then explores the commodification of platforms and user data, highlighting how digital economies can generate new forms of labour exploitation and inequality.
Attention is also given to emerging challenges, including information disorder, digital warfare, surveillance, and digital authoritarianism. You will critically assess how these dynamics intersect with governance, control, and political power.
Alongside these challenges, the module explores participatory culture and digital creativity, focusing on how communities in the Global South adapt and reshape technologies in innovative ways. Key debates include artificial intelligence, data colonialism, and the reproduction of social inequalities through digital systems.
The module concludes with an examination of platform governance, regulation, and accountability, encouraging balanced and critical engagement with digital transformation.
Why this module matters for your future
This module develops digital, analytical, and research skills relevant to careers in media, policy, technology, and international development. You will gain the ability to critically evaluate digital systems, understand their global impacts, and communicate informed perspectives on complex technological change.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills:
Self-awareness; digital literacy; global citizenship; reflective practice; critical and analytical thinking; political and contextual awareness; research; synthesis and evaluation; application of academic knowledge; written communication.

How do states define security? What makes a state feel threatened or secure, and how do ideas, narratives, and maps shape our understanding of international politics? This module introduces learners to core concepts in geopolitics, strategy, and international security, examining how power, territory, and identity influence global and regional dynamics.
Drawing on classical and critical approaches, the module explores how geopolitical ideas emerge, evolve, and structure the international order. You will interrogate the assumptions behind dominant thinking, critically evaluating how these ideas affect policy, strategy, and public discourse. Attention is given to how new technologies, environmental challenges, and emerging powers reshape global spatial imaginaries and strategic logics.
Learning combines online lectures, seminars, and interactive activities. Case studies demonstrate how geopolitical ideas have informed strategy and policy across diverse contexts, histories, and regions. You will analyse contemporary security challenges using theoretical frameworks, integrate Global South perspectives, and reflect on the politics of knowledge production.
Why this module matters for your future
The module develops analytical, research, and communication skills, equipping you to think critically and strategically about power and security. You will gain the confidence and insight to evaluate complex global challenges, synthesise theory and practice, and contribute thoughtfully to policy, advocacy, or research roles in international affairs.
This module will support the development of the following employability skills: Cultural and political awareness; empathy; analytical and critical thinking; creativity and innovation; research and enquiry; synthesis and evaluation; communication and presentation; application of theory to practice; problem solving; confidence and leadership; contextual awareness.