MA International Studies and Diplomacy

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

SOAS University of London

Program Overview

SOAS University of London’s MA International Studies and Diplomacy equips you with the tools to navigate global affairs, blending diplomacy practice with international politics, law, and economics—ideal for aspiring diplomats, policy pros, or NGO leaders eyeing careers in government or think tanks. You’ll dive into real-world challenges like security, trade, and multilateral negotiations, drawing on SOAS’s expertise in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East .

Curriculum Structure

In term one, you’ll build foundations through core modules like Diplomatic Studies and Practice, mastering negotiation techniques, protocol, and crisis diplomacy via workshops and moots with visiting diplomats. Paired with International Relations Theory, you’ll analyse power dynamics and global governance, honing skills in policy debates and strategy sessions that simulate UN negotiations .

Term two expands with electives such as International Law for dissecting treaties and human rights, or Global Energy and Climate Policy to tackle sustainability diplomacy. You’ll engage in practical exercises like mediation workshops and media simulations, sharpening advocacy and communication for professional impact .

The summer dissertation lets you research a bespoke topic, like regional security or economic diplomacy, with CISD mentorship for publishable insights .

Focus areas: Diplomacy practice, international security, economics/law, Asia/Africa/Middle East studies .

Learning outcomes: Negotiation expertise, policy analysis, diplomatic communication, multidisciplinary global insight .

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At SOAS University of London’s MA International Studies and Diplomacy, you’ll build real-world diplomatic chops through hands-on workshops with visiting diplomats, policy makers, and NGO leaders, simulating high-stakes negotiations and crisis scenarios right in the classroom. The Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) backs this with cutting-edge teaching tools, including moots, mediation sessions, and strategy exercises that sharpen your advocacy and communication skills for global roles. Plus, optional study tours to hubs like Geneva let you engage directly with UN agencies and international orgs: here’s what stands out.

• Negotiation and mediation workshops: Practical sessions in Diplomatic Studies and Practice module, role-playing UN-style talks and crisis diplomacy .

• Group projects and moots: Collaborative policy debates, strategy workshops, and media simulations across cores like International Relations Theory .

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from SOAS University of London’s MA International Studies and Diplomacy step into influential roles shaping global policy, from foreign services to international NGOs and think tanks, leveraging sharp negotiation and analysis skills honed at CISD. Typical paths include diplomat in a foreign ministry, policy advisor at the UN, international NGO programme manager, or risk analyst at a multinational firm: this program primes you for high-stakes impact .

• SOAS Careers Service delivers one-on-one coaching, networking with diplomats/NGOs, job fairs, and optional work placements for diplomacy pros .

• 90%+ SOAS postgrads employed or in study within 6 months; diplomacy roles start at £35k-£50k, scaling to senior levels .

• Ties via CISD to UN, EU, governments, and NGOs like UNHCR, World Food Programme for practitioner insights and networks .

• No external accreditation needed; SOAS’s top QS ranking (6th UK Politics) ensures lifelong prestige in international affairs .

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