MA Diplomacy and International Relations by Distance Learning

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

This MA immerses you in the theory and practice of diplomacy, foreign-policy processes, international negotiations and global politics, giving you the conceptual and practical grounding needed to understand how states and international actors interact. It’s especially suited for students aiming for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, policy-making, or advanced research in global politics.

Curriculum structure

First (and only) Year

In the first half of the programme, you begin with core modules such as “Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy” and “Issues and Practice in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy”, which introduce foundational frameworks of international relations, key diplomatic theories and practical aspects of foreign-policy decision-making.

You also take “Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Studies”, which gives you training in research methods — preparing you to undertake rigorous analysis, understand global political dynamics, and carry out independent research or policy-oriented studies.

Later in the year, you work on a 20,000-word dissertation, where you choose a topic related to diplomacy, security, foreign policy or international relations. This gives you a chance to apply your theoretical learning and research training to a real question, preparing you for professional or academic work in foreign policy or global affairs.

The programme also offers a range of optional modules depending on your interests, such as Theorising Security and War, Conflict Management and Contemporary Conflicts, Globalisation, International Relations and Politics of South Asia, Politics and International Relations of the Middle East, among others — allowing you to tailor the MA to regions or themes you’re passionate about.

Focus areas:

“International relations theory; diplomacy & foreign-policy practice; global security & conflict; international negotiation and diplomacy; regional politics (e.g. South Asia, Middle East); research methodology; global governance & globalisation”

Learning outcomes:

“You will understand key theories and concepts of diplomacy and foreign policy, gain strong research-method skills, develop capacity to analyse international relations and global security issues, and produce an in-depth dissertation — equipping you for professional roles or further academic/research paths in global affairs.”

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying this MA at Lancaster doesn’t just involve reading theory — you get direct exposure to practical diplomacy and foreign-policy study environments, research tools, and institutional supports that help you engage with global politics in a hands-on way. The course offers opportunities to visit key institutions, work on independent research, and benefit from a rich academic community with international-relations expertise.

Here are the main experiential-learning features you’ll benefit from:

Institutional research & academic community through the School of Global Affairs: As a student, you become part of Lancaster’s School of Global Affairs — this gives you access to their active research and teaching community, with faculty experienced in diplomacy, international relations and global security.
Research-oriented training and a substantial dissertation project: Core modules such as Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Studies prepare you with the academic research skills — critical analysis, IR theory application, foreign-policy evaluation — and you conclude the MA with a 20,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice, giving you real-world research practice.
Opportunities for real-world exposure and institutional visits: The programme description mentions that, where possible, the course has included trips in previous years — for example, a visit to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London — giving firsthand insight into diplomatic institutions and foreign-policy environments.
Access to university libraries & research centres on campus: Lancaster University’s central library (plus facilities like The Ruskin Museum & Research Centre) provide extensive resources for research, history, international relations, and diplomacy studies — valuable for your coursework and dissertation.
Flexibility & interdisciplinary opportunities via optional modules across IR themes: You can choose optional modules on globalisation, security and war, regional politics (e.g. South Asia, Middle East), conflict management and more — allowing you to tailor your learning to the real-world issues you care about.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this MA are well-placed for roles such as Diplomatic Service Officer / Foreign Affairs Officer, Policy Analyst / Foreign Policy Advisor, International Relations Researcher, or Think-Tank / Global Affairs Consultant — because the course blends diplomatic theory, foreign-policy practice and advanced research skills. And with Lancaster’s strong employability support and recognition by employers, you’ll have good chances to transition into international relations, diplomacy, policy-work or research after graduation.

Here’s what supports and outcomes you can expect:

Dedicated career-support services: Lancaster’s central Careers Service (Hello Future / Careers) is open to students and alumni, offering career guidance, CV/interview help, job-search resources, and access to employer-networking events.
High employability reputation among employers: Lancaster is ranked among the top 30 UK universities most targeted by leading graduate employers.
Strong graduate outcomes across the university: According to the latest institutional data, a very high proportion of Lancaster graduates enter employment or further study shortly after graduation — demonstrating strong long-term prospects.
Wide sector & employer reach: Because the MA covers diplomacy, foreign policy, security and global politics, career paths span across government/foreign service, international organisations, NGOs, think-tanks, global consultancies, media/analysis — giving flexibility to choose a path aligned with your interests.
Long-term academic & professional credibility: As a degree from a well-ranked, research-intensive institution with global recognition, this MA carries credibility that supports careers in diplomacy, international policy, global governance, and also provides a strong basis should you wish to pursue further academic research or PhD-level study.

Further Academic Progression:

You also have a clear pathway to advanced academic study — after the MA you could pursue a PhD in International Relations, Diplomacy Studies, Security Studies, Global Governance or related fields. Given Lancaster’s research-orientation and academic reputation, this degree would prepare you well for doctoral-level work or research careers in think-tanks, academia or international organisations.