Diplomacy and World Order MA

Course modules

Diplomacy and International Politics – examines the role of diplomacy in the changing international system. You will be able to critique differing explanations of the international environment in which diplomacy operates and review in detail the functions of diplomacy as well as its historical development.

Globalisation – globalisation affects business and society at all levels. In this module you will explore the historical background to globalisation and look at the economic, political and commercial contexts of globalisation. You will study globalisation debates and look at the effects of globalisation on various actors. You will also examine the relationship between globalisation and business.

Fundamentals of Empirical Social Research – introduces you to the basic elements of research methodology and the complete range of research methods suitable for research in international relations and diplomacy. It will help you to define a research topic and produce a suitable research proposal for your dissertation.

Post-Cold War World Order – considers the relationship between order and justice in international relations and links this to debates on the new world order that emerged after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. You will examine the position of the United States as the sole superpower after the Cold War and the extent to which it has been able to exert its model of order at a global level.

You will choose further elective modules. The following are typical of the elective modules offered:

• Britain and European Integration
• Global Health: Politics, Policy and Strategy
• International Trade Theory and Practice
• Comparative Territorial Politics
• Democracy and its Discontents

Please note that the running of modules in any academic year is subject to minimum numbers of students enrolling for each module and the availability of staff.

Dissertation - You must also undertake a dissertation, providing an invaluable opportunity to work in-depth on a particular aspect of any international relations topic of your choice. You will need to apply and enhance your technical knowledge and critical awareness in a subject of your choice.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching will be delivered through formal lectures, informal seminars, tutorials, workshops, discussions and e-learning packages. Assessment will usually be through a combination of individual and group work, presentations, essays, reports and exams.

Teaching contact hours

Full-time option

For the full time option you should be prepared to devote approximately 38 hours a week to your studies. You will typically have up to 14 hours contact hours of teaching most weeks for semester 1 and 2. Teaching is through a mix of lecturers, tutorials, seminars and lab sessions and the breakdown of these activities is shown in each module description.

In addition each module provides a 2 hour surgery each week available for individual consultation with the lecturer. You may also have some scheduled meetings with your programme leader, personal tutor, and/or careers throughout the year to discuss your academic progress and personal development.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to make regular use of our on-line resources, participate in classroom discussions including on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study, revision and reflection for approximately 24 hours per work during semester 1 and 2

In semester 3, you will undertake independent research for your dissertation (or In-company project), and again should typically allow around 38 hours per week for this. You will be allocated a dedicated academic supervisor to support you, who you will be able to contact on a regular basis.

Part-time option

For the part time option you should be prepared to devote approximately 19 hours a week to your studies. You will typically have up to 7 hours contact hours of teaching most weeks. Teaching is through a mix of lecturers, tutorials, seminars and lab sessions and the breakdown of these activities is shown in each module description.

In addition each module provides a surgery hour each week available for individual consultation with the lecturer. You may also have some scheduled meetings with your programme leader, personal tutor, and/or careers throughout the year to discuss your academic progress and personal development.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to make regular use of our on-line resources, participate in classroom discussions including on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study, revision and reflection for approximately 12 hours per work during teaching weeks

Once you have completed all the taught modules, you will then undertake independent research for your dissertation (or In-company project), and should typically allow around 19 hours per week for this. You will be allocated a dedicated academic supervisor to support you, who you will be able to contact on a regular basis.