Program Overview

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Introduction to the MSc Security, Peace-building and Diplomacy

The MSc Security, Peace-building and Diplomacy is a postgraduate program offered by Loughborough University London. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to pursue a career in global security, peace-building, and diplomacy.

Qualification(s) available: MSc

The program leads to the award of a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Security, Peace-building and Diplomacy.

Fees

The fees for the program are as follows:

• UK fee: £12,500 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)
• International fee: £25,500 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)
• UK fee: £12,900 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)
• International fee: £26,300 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the program are:

• A 2:2 honours degree (50% in final year), or equivalent international qualification, in any subject area.
• Country-specific requirements are also available.

Full-time and Part-time study

The program is available for both full-time and part-time study.

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: Up to 4 years

Location

The program is based at the Loughborough University London campus.

Start date

The program starts in October 2025, January 2026, or October 2026.

Department

The program is offered by the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Program description

The MSc Security, Peace-building and Diplomacy program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between development, peace-building, and global security. The program explores the challenges and risks facing democratic societies and the role of diplomacy in shaping key developments around the world.

Modules

The program consists of the following modules:

• Semester 1:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Diplomacy in the Digital World (15 credits)
    • Negotiation - Strategy, Skills and Leadership (15 credits)
    • Grand Challenges (15 credits)
  • Optional modules:
    • Sport, Politics, and Diplomacy (15 credits)
    • International Business in Contexts (15 credits)
• Semester 2:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • International Relations and Security in the Age of Polycrises (15 credits)
    • Strategies and Challenges in the World Order (15 credits)
    • Dissertation (60 credits)
  • Optional modules:
    • Peace and Conflict Transformation (15 credits)
    • Research Approaches in International Affairs, Development and Social Change (15 credits)
    • Collaborative Project (15 credits)
    • Learning from the Global South: Field Trip (15 credits)

Assessment

The program is assessed through a combination of essays, reports, presentations, projects, and exams.

Study mode

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, independent study, group work, workshops, and practical sessions.

Career prospects

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to pursue a career in global security, peace-building, and diplomacy. Graduates can expect to find employment in government, NGOs, international relations, the armed forces, communications, and more.

Related master's degrees

Related master's degrees offered by Loughborough University include:

• Diplomacy and International Relations MSc
• Diplomacy, International Business and Trade MSc
• Diplomacy, International Politics and Trade MSc
• International Business MSc
• International Financial and Political Relations MSc
• International Business Management MSc
• Risk, Governance and International Management MSc
• Media and Communication MA

Academics

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics, including:

• Tatevik Mnatsakanyan, Lecturer in Diplomacy and International Affairs
• Dr Tim Oliver, Director of the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA)
• Professor Helen Drake, Professor of French and European Studies
• Dr Cristian Nitoiu, Senior Lecturer in Diplomacy and International Affairs
• Dr Nicola Chelotti, Senior Lecturer in Diplomacy and International Affairs
• Professor Aidan McGarry, Dean and Professor of International Politics at Loughborough University London

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

The fees for the program are as follows:

• UK fee: £12,500 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)
• International fee: £25,500 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)
• UK fee: £12,900 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)
• International fee: £26,300 Full-time degree per annum (for the academic year)

Your development

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to pursue a career in global security, peace-building, and diplomacy. By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Analyse and engage with the latest research addressing global security, international business and digital diplomacy.
• Critically evaluate official peacekeeping and peacebuilding programmes, and contribute to improving them.
• Understand how and why peacekeeping programmes fail and succeed, and advise on further action.
• Engage in work to enhance individuals’ and societies’ resilience to international crises and emergencies, such as climate change, war or pandemics.
• Contribute to NGO security strategies around issues like food or water security.

Your future career

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to pursue a career in global security, peace-building, and diplomacy. Graduates can expect to find employment in government, NGOs, international relations, the armed forces, communications, and more.