Global Governance and Diplomacy MA

Course overview

This course provides the expertise and skills in global governance and diplomacy required to pursue a fruitful career within international organisations, their member states, or a non-governmental organisation operating within global politics.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the transnational nature of governance and diplomacy. You’ll analyse the transnational governance regimes that seek to address global challenges, questioning why such regimes succeed or fail. You’ll also examine the politics underpinning current diplomatic practice and the obstacles to change.

The practical focus of the course will ensure you’re well equipped to succeed in this field, with advanced knowledge of lobbying, report writing, negotiating, and campaigning.

Course highlights

You'll benefit from the research expertise and experience of staff contributing to the course. Our staff have experience working with major international bodies such as the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Joint Office for Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect, and other UN agencies.

This course features research-led teaching informed by the research that occurs in the European Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, recognised internationally for its work on atrocity prevention, the Centre for Democratic Politics, and the Centre for Global Development.

Studying in the School of Politics and International Studies

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Course details and modules

Compulsory modules will introduce you to governance, challenging the view of the nation state as the sole actor of change. You’ll analyse the power of different non-state actors in addressing global issues and build skills required for 21st century diplomacy. You’ll explore ways to effectively implement changes transnationally, looking beyond ministries of foreign affairs and diplomats to include non-governmental organisations, individuals and municipal governments or cities.

The skills-based teaching throughout the course will provide training in the practices, institutions, and processes that address the key global challenges of our time. These include health, food security, climate change, migration, gender equality, humanitarian assistance, health, poverty, economic stability, development and education.

Your dissertation will then allow you to critically examine an issue related to international diplomatic practices, transnational cooperation and governance.

The range of optional modules will allow you to gain specialised knowledge of particular global challenges and the related governance structures and diplomatic practices.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Global Governance and Diplomacy MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, and online learning, as well as practice-based workshops to develop skills such as report writing, presentation and campaign skills, media training, and negotiation.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a range of academic and practice-based assessments including essays, a dissertation, reports, presentations, and group-based / work-placed projects.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or a non-UK equivalent in a social science, humanities, or another related discipline (that includes a minimum of five social science and humanities modules).

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you will need include:

• original or certified copies of your transcripts

• original or certified copies of your degree certificate

• original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language).

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Politics and International Studies

Contact us

School of Politics and International Studies

Email: pgpolis@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,750 (Total)

International: £26,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The School offers a number of scholarships for Masters study. Find out more about our scholarship opportunities.

Career opportunities

This course provides students with the skills, experience and expertise required to pursue a fruitful career within international organisations and their member states, or non-governmental organisations. The combination of an academic and practical focus will allow you to develop both the knowledge and skills to succeed in global governance.

Careers support

The School of Politics and International Studies has a dedicated Careers Consultant who is on-hand throughout the year to support and advise you in regards to your career. The School also arranges a number of guest speaker events where you are able to engage with prospective employers, and hear from leading figures in the field.

Find out more about how we support your career development

In addition to the School-specific careers support, you will also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Service. The Careers Service offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.

Find out more about the Careers Service