• Two core modules 
• Two elective modules
• Plus a dissertation on a topic related to the Middle East and North Africa.

View Modules

The programme is offered online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You study at a time and pace that suits you (subject to course-specific deadlines) using the study materials provided and support from a dedicated tutor.

Study materials

You will have access through the VLE to study materials developed by academics at SOAS. These include a core subject guide for each course; key and further readings; and various online and multimedia tools.

Online support

When you register, you gain access to your Student Portal. You can then access your university email account and other key resources:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to course materials, resources, and activities.
• A dedicated Associate Tutor, who you can contact with queries.
• The Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.

Time commitment

You study one module at a time over a sixteen-week study session. There are two study sessions (and two dissertation sessions) per year. If you follow this without interruption, you should complete in the minimum two-year period.

You should expect to study between 10-12 hours a week during these sessions.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by a series of written online activities (30% of the module mark), and a coursework essay of 4,000-5,000 words (70% of the mark).

The dissertation will be assessed by an initial 1,500 word research proposal (15%) followed by a written dissertation of up to 15,000 words, excluding bibliography and appendices (85%).

More about coursework.

What qualifications do you need?

You will need either a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline from an institution acceptable to the University or relevant education and work experience that comprises suitable training for the programme.

If you have a qualification in an unrelated subject or an unconventional career path with diverse work experience, we will consider your application on its own merits.

English Language requirements

If your first degree was not taught in English, you will need to provide evidence of language ability as tested by the British Council or another registered body. This is equivalent to a score of 7.0 overall in the iELTS test, or 7.0 in both reading and writing.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. Certain courses may have additional requirements, such as software to manage spreadsheets and run macros.

See more about computer requirements.

The fees below apply if you begin during the 2018-2019 session. These may be increased by up to 5% per year.

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

Methods of payment available

Please contact CISD: glodipadmin@soas.ac.uk

This MA will benefit anyone who works in foreign services or foreign affairs around the world and acts face to face with international diplomacy on a daily basis. But it could also benefit those working in international finance, international law or other aspects of business, who face similar challenges and might welcome a greater understanding of diplomacy and negotiation in all of its forms.

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.

This MA is designed by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) at SOAS, University of London.

CISD is committed to promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship and research, and producing work that influences key international debates. The Centre’s research on corporate governance, disarmament and globalisation exemplifies this approach.

Programme Director

Dr J. Simon Rofe is Senior Lecturer in Diplomacy and International Studies, and the inaugural director of the MA Global Diplomacy programme. He has worked at a number of UK institutions, including the roles of Senior Lecturer and Director of Distance Learning Director in the Department of Politics and International Relations, and Centre for American Studies at the University of Leicester.

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study.