Global Governance and Diplomacy

By focusing on the institutions and processes of global governance and diplomacy, the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy enables students not only to develop a big-picture view of world politics but also to specialise on topical aspects and make an original contribution based on their own research.

You will take a foundation course, two optional courses from a list of choices and a course on research methods, and write a dissertation.

The foundation course is a two-term course running over 16 weeks and covering fundamental issues of global governance and international diplomacy.

The optional courses cover important aspects of global governance and/or diplomacy. Each option consists of eight two-hour seminars.

There is also a mandatory, two-term course on qualitative and quantitative research methods in the social sciences.

Lastly, you will research and write a 10,000- to 12,000- word dissertation under the direction of a supervisor, to be submitted towards the end of the final term.

Over the duration of the course, you will benefit from a series of plenary lectures and other events. The speakers discuss important issues of global governance and diplomacy and/or provide research-led presentations followed by discussion.

For more information, including the course handbook and further details about course offerings, see our course page on the departmental website.

Most of the department's teaching takes place in small classes to encourage active participation and enable students to learn from each other. Teaching styles vary and include lectures, seminars, workshops, and student presentations.

Students and staff are passionate about research for graduate dissertations, which are due in late May or early June. Your general and dissertation supervisor(s) will support you in your academic development and you will meet them regularly. In addition, you will have a college advisor whom you may consult on issues concerning your personal wellbeing.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Oxford Department of International Development and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Oxford Department of International Development.

During the course, you will receive regular feedback on presentations and practice essays. Such feedback does not count towards your final mark but will prepare you for the formal assessment of your performance at the end of the degree. In June, you will be examined in your four courses: the foundation course, your two options and research methods. Your final mark will be aggregated from the results of these examinations and the mark for your dissertation.

The degree prepares you for a career in diplomacy and/or transnational and regional institutions of governance such as international organisations, nongovernmental organisations, and private sector firms interacting with these institutions. It also provides the basis for further education, including doctoral studies.

Graduates of the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy have joined the United Nations and other international organisations, such as the World Food Programme, the diplomatic service in the UK and other countries, government departments across the globe, NGOs such as Oxfam and WWF, and the private sector in fields ranging from investment to energy.

“GGD brings together an extraordinarily diverse group of students who share a passion for international affairs and development and yet are able to specialise in a wide range of topics of personal interest throughout the programme.” Rafael Saiz Garcia, graduated 2017.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the faculty

International Relations MPhil

All graduate courses offered by the Oxford Department of International Development

Development Studies MPhil

Economics for Development MSc

Global Governance and Diplomacy MSc

International Development DPhil

Migration Studies MSc

Migration Studies DPhil

Refugee and Forced Migration Studies MSc

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Entry requirements