Program Overview

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MA United Nations and Diplomatic Studies

Course Overview

The degree provides a firm grounding in diplomatic theory and practice. It is taught from the Centre for United Nations Studies.

Start and Duration

• Sep, 1 year
• Jan, 1 year

Level

• Postgraduate
• Postgraduate

Qualification

• Master of Arts
• Master of Arts

UK Fees

• £10,300
• £10,300

International Fees

• £16,480
• £16,480

Campus

• Buckingham
• Buckingham

School

• School of Humanities and Social Sciences

About the Course

Course Modules

Sep 2025 (Full-time)

• Conflict Resolution (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• Diplomacy (Core, 15.00 credits, Level 7)
• Diplomacy Simulation Exercise (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• Dissertation (Core, 40.00 credits, Level 7)
• Global Political Communication (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• Great Power Politics (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• International Organisations (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• The European Union and its External Policies (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)

Jan 2026 (Full-time)

• Conflict Resolution (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• Diplomacy (Core, 15.00 credits, Level 7)
• Diplomacy Simulation Exercise (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• Dissertation (Core, 40.00 credits, Level 7)
• Global Political Communication (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• Great Power Politics (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• International Organisations (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)
• The European Union and its External Policies (Core, 20.00 credits, Level 7)

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution. We would normally expect an Upper Second class honours degree (or equivalent), although motivation and professional experience will be taken into consideration in case you have not achieved an Upper Second.

Mature Students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International Students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

English Language Requirements

If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme. You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).

Selection Process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.

Teaching & Assessment

Quality Teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

Teaching Methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Assessment Methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

After Your Course

Graduate Employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Course Fees

Fees

• Sep 2025: UK £10,300, INT £16,480
• Jan 2026: UK £10,300, INT £16,480

Postgraduate Loan Scheme

A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.

UK Students

• Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship: The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.

International Students

• Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship: The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.
• Sheikh / Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship (Postgraduate): A £20,000 scholarship for outstanding Arabic students pursuing a full-time Master’s degree in the UK.

Accommodation

On-Campus Accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

What’s Included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.