Degree Overview:

The MA International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) program at SOAS is designed for individuals interested in a professional career in government, non-profit, corporate, or academic environments that require expertise in international affairs. The program aims to prepare students for diverse roles within the international field, such as:

Foreign Service:
International Civil Service:
International NGOs:
Multinational Corporations:
International Media:
Policy Think Tanks:
Risk Analysis Organizations:
Doctoral Programs:

Program Objectives:

Equip students with an interdisciplinary understanding of key concepts, theories, and debates in international affairs.
Provide in-depth knowledge of international policy debates and critical perspectives on global issues from both the Global North and South.
Develop skills for critical analysis of contemporary international policy issues and challenges.
Foster practical skills such as policy analysis, policy advocacy, negotiation, mediation, communication, and media relations.

Program Structure:

The MA ISD program consists of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.

Compulsory Modules:

Diplomatic Practice (30 credits):
General Diplomatic Studies (15 credits):

Dissertation:

Dissertation in Global Studies (60 credits):

Guided Options:

Students must choose modules worth at least 30 credits from List B and a maximum of 45 credits from List C, with a maximum of 30 credits from PG Open options.

Examples of List B Modules:

Theory, Policy, and Practice of Development (30 credits):
China and World Development (15 credits):
Global Energy and Climate Policy (30 credits):
Multinational Enterprises in a Globalising World: Economic and Legal Perspectives (30 credits):
Sport and Diplomacy: More than a Game (30 credits):

Examples of List C Modules:

Frameworks of International Relations (15 credits):
Risk and Policy Analysis (15 credits):
Global Advocacy (15 credits):
Global Public Policy (15 credits):
International Economics (15 credits):
Gender and the Law of War (15 credits):
The Afghanistan Wars, 1979 to the Present (15 credits):
Foundations of International Law (15 credits):
International Criminal Law (15 credits):
International Political Communication (15 credits):
Foreign Policy Analysis (15 credits):
The Politics of Global Security (15 credits):
International Politics of the Middle East (15 credits):
International Relations of South Asia (15 credits):
International Security Politics in East Asia (15 credits):
Methodology in the Social Sciences (15 credits):
Emergence of the Contemporary World (15 credits):
Future of War (15 credits):
International Politics of Africa (15 credits):
Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations I (15 credits)
Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations II (15 credits)
South Asia: Politics and International Relations I (15 credits)
South Asia: Politics and International Relations II (15 credits)
Taiwan and International Politics I (15 credits)
Taiwan and International Politics II (15 credits)

Home student fees: £18,030 per year Overseas student fees: £26,660 per year Please note that fees go up each year.

Program start date	Application deadline
2025-09-01	-
2026-09-01	-
2027-09-01	-

MA International Studies and Diplomacy

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