Diplomacy and Global Politics MA

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The MA Diplomacy and Global Politics at the University of Westminster is a dynamic master’s programme that blends theory with hands-on practice — helping you understand how global politics works and how diplomacy operates at the centre of international decision-making. You’ll explore the fundamental ideas of international relations and negotiation, preparing you to shape policy, contribute to global solutions and engage with the many actors that influence world affairs.

This programme is ideal for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of contemporary diplomacy and global political challenges while developing practical skills for careers in international organisations, government, policy, and negotiation-focused roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, one year)
Throughout this one-year master’s you’ll be grounded in core areas of diplomacy and global politics. You’ll study the theoretical foundations of diplomacy and foreign policy alongside modules that look at how diplomatic strategies are used to address global issues such as conflict, power dynamics and governance. Cambridge-style research and negotiation are embedded in classroom learning to help you connect theory with real practice.

Your studies will also include practical negotiation skills, policy analysis and advocacy exercises, where you’ll actively apply what you learn through workshops, moot courts and interactive seminars. Elective options allow you to dive deeper into topics such as crisis diplomacy, global governance, international law and power relations.

You’ll then bring your insights together in a dissertation or substantial research project, giving you the opportunity to investigate a contemporary global politics or diplomacy topic in depth and demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research.

Focus areas: diplomacy theory and practice, negotiation skills, global political challenges, policy analysis.
Learning outcomes: advanced understanding of international relations and diplomacy; practical negotiation and analysis skills; ability to apply theory to real political scenarios.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While not tied to a specific professional accreditation, this master’s builds practical skills and analytical expertise valued by employers in international organisations, policy and diplomatic services.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Westminster’s politics and international relations courses are part of a broader portfolio that benefits from London’s global setting and institutional connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this MA, you won’t just learn about diplomacy through books — Westminster places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world engagement. Much of the teaching is delivered by academics and practitioners with experience in international affairs, giving you insight into how global politics works in practice.

You’ll have opportunities to learn negotiation and policy-making skills through interactive workshops, negotiation simulations and moot courts, helping you practise what diplomats and political analysts do in real professional settings.

The programme also arranges visits to international organisations abroad — past visits have included institutions such as NATO’s headquarters in Brussels, the European Commission and the European Parliament — giving you first-hand exposure to global governance environments.

These immersive experiences are supported by a range of practical learning activities:

Negotiation and advocacy exercises, putting you in real-world decision scenarios.
Workshops and interactive seminars led by diplomats, policy-makers and global affairs professionals.
Skill development in policy analysis, negotiation and communication, supported by Westminster’s Policy Skills Lab.
Opportunities for placements and part-time work experience linked to global politics and policy sectors.
Access to Westminster’s central London campus resources, including libraries and political science collections.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Diplomacy and Global Politics will leave Westminster with practical skills and a deep understanding of the international political landscape — qualities that are highly sought after by employers in global policy, diplomacy and international relations sectors.

You’ll build analytical, negotiation and communication skills that prepare you for careers such as diplomat, policy analyst, international relations consultant, human rights advocate, or global affairs advisor.

Here’s how the programme supports your career development:

Careers and Employability services at Westminster, offering guidance on CVs, applications and interview preparation relevant to global politics and international roles.
Experiential learning and London location, helping you make connections with policy institutions, NGOs and global organisations.
Transferable skills employers value, including negotiation, policy analysis, critical thinking and cross-cultural communication.
Opportunities for further study, including PhD or doctoral research in international relations, diplomacy or political science, building on the programme’s strong foundation in theory and practice.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re inspired by research and academic inquiry, this MA provides a robust springboard to PhD or specialised research degrees in diplomacy, global politics or international relations.