International Relations and Diplomacy MA

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Middlesex University London

Program Overview

Middlesex University London’s MA International Relations and Diplomacy equips you with sharp insights into today’s geopolitical upheavals—from Ukraine and Middle East conflicts to China’s rise—perfect for aspiring diplomats, policy analysts, or NGO leaders ready to navigate global power shifts. You’ll master critical skills in security, intelligence, and statecraft through interactive debates and real-world analysis of foreign policy, migration, climate challenges, and human rights .

Curriculum Structure

In your first term, dive into Global Security to unpack threats like terrorism, WMDs, and non-military risks such as climate disasters through theoretical debates and case studies on human rights crises. Foreign Policy Analysis sharpens your grasp of key actors’ strategies and geopolitical risk via policy simulations, while Diplomacy and Intelligence builds practical competencies in diplomatic discourse and intelligence practices with reflective exercises.

The second term offers flexibility with options like International Political Economy of Media, exploring media’s role in globalisation and misinformation through critical frameworks, or Geopolitics of Migration, analysing transnationalism and social divisions in modern mobility.

Summer culminates in either the Research Dissertation, a substantial independent project on your chosen IR topic with advanced methods training, or Work Integrated Learning, a 44-day placement applying skills in NGOs, embassies, or think tanks for hands-on professional growth.

Focus areas: Geopolitics, security threats, foreign policy, diplomatic statecraft, global media.

Learning outcomes: Policy analysis, risk assessment, intelligence evaluation, research design.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Middlesex University London’s MA International Relations and Diplomacy, you’ll sharpen real-world diplomatic chops through lively debates on live crises, guest talks from practitioners, and hands-on policy simulations that mirror UN negotiations—all powered by interactive workshops, student-led seminars, and London’s unbeatable access to global hubs. The Work Integrated Learning module throws you into 44-day placements at NGOs, think tanks, or embassies like Minority Rights Group International or UN bodies, while academic-led field trips to spots like the UN’s International Maritime Organization bring geopolitics to life with on-site insights . This London-centric setup turns classroom theory into career fuel: standout experiences include.

• Academic-led field trips: Visits to UN International Maritime Organization and other London global organisations for direct exposure .

• Work Integrated Learning placements: 44-day internships with NGOs, think tanks, embassies, or UN agencies like Minority Rights Group International .

• Interactive workshops and debates: Guest speakers, student-led seminars, and mooting on trade cases/security in modules like Global Security and Diplomacy .

• Teamwork exercises: Group problem-solving, rapporteur roles, and presentations building leadership in core modules .

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Middlesex University London’s MA International Relations and Diplomacy launch into dynamic global roles, leveraging London’s diplomatic hub and hands-on placements to influence policy, security, and international affairs in embassies, NGOs, and think tanks. You’ll shine as a diplomatic attaché, policy analyst, intelligence officer, or NGO campaigner: this program from a top-10 UK employability university catapults you ahead .

• MDX Works careers service delivers tailored CV clinics for diplomacy roles, mock interviews with practitioners, alumni networking, and placement support with UN/NGO partners .

• Top 10 UK for employability (UniCompare 2025); IR roles start at £32k-£48k, with rapid advancement in government/security .

• Placements via Work Integrated Learning with Minority Rights Group International, UN bodies, embassies for direct industry links .

• No formal accreditation; MDX’s Top 6 young university status (THE 2024) ensures enduring prestige in global affairs .

Program Key Stats

£18,000
£11,300


Eligibility Criteria

3

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
79
2:2
50
NA

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • The MA International Relations course is designed for individuals who wish to expand their knowledge and abilities and stay up-to-date with the latest developments
  • Graduates of the programme can explore various professional opportunities
  • including the diplomatic service
  • non-profit organizations
  • and the business sector
  • which require people with global market knowledge and policy influencing skills
  • Throughout the course
  • you will acquire critical analytical
  • data research
  • written
  • oral
  • and visual communication
  • policy analysis
  • and theoretical comprehension skills
  • These abilities are highly transferable and sought after by employers across all sectors
  • The University's Employability Service is available to students
  • and the Programme Leader and other course contributors offer guidance on how to succeed in national and international recruitment processes
  • Renowned scholars who integrate instruction on core subjects with current research conduct courses on the programme
  • Internship opportunities with national and international organizations
  • such as the United Nations
  • may also be available through these scholars' networks

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