Diplomacy, Law and Global Change MA

Study level: Postgraduate
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If you feel like the world has taken a worrying turn, an MA in Diplomacy, Law and Global Change could set you on the path to changing it.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
16-24 months (with professional experience)

Course code

AHT021

Start date

September 2025
January 2026
May 2026

At Coventry University, we continuously review the courses we offer to ensure we reflect industry-relevant emerging best practice and technology. As a result, this course is undergoing continuous improvement assessment and will be launched with a renewed curriculum starting in September 2025. Module content and titles will be updated. Course title, learning outcomes and assessments may also change. We expect our new curriculum to be fully updated by January 2025. Please return to this page to see the final course details.


Course overview

Focusing on the emerging global order of the 21st century, this course provides an understanding of the development and contemporary practice of diplomacy and the rules of international law and helps prepare you with useful skills for careers in diplomatic services, international organisations, non-governmental organisations or international business.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

  • You will have the opportunity to study the changing environment and challenges globalisation presents, such as gender equality, climate change, modern slavery, terrorism and organised crime.
  • The course typically attracts students from across the globe, offering a multicultural learning experience drawing on the experience of students from diverse cultures. As a consequence, the course will prepare you to work in an increasingly globalised job market.
  • The School of Humanities and Coventry Law School work to maintain an outstanding network of professional contacts spanning diplomats and diplomacy specialists in a range of prestigious external organisations, both private and public2. Our network includes Chatham House, the International Slavery Museum and the Royal African Society. These links are reflected in hosted talks and events2. Past examples include workshops facilitated by the assistant district attorney of Sicily, a senior anti-trafficking prosecutor from Nigeria, the CEO of the NHS Counter-Fraud Authority, a senior manager from the UK’s National Crime Agency and a forensic accountant from the Italian national police (talks and events are subject to availability).
  • The relevance of course content is reinforced by our staff’s current involvement in professional organisations, such as the British International Studies Association (BISA), the Political Studies Association (PSA), the University Association for Contemporary European Studies, the African Studies Association of the UK (ASAUK) and the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR) (staff are subject to change).

Collaborations with other organisations

The School of Humanities is home to the Confucius Institute. This is a collaboration created with Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, which aims to promote an understanding of the Chinese language and culture.


What you'll study

The course focuses on two sets of inter-related issues which are central to understanding this changing environment. First, you will be encouraged to look at the role and nature of diplomacy as a key mode of communication between states and other actors on the international stage. Second, you will examine the development and adaptation of the norms and rules of international law, which have traditionally constituted the main sources of order in the international system.

Modules

With professional experience option

The professional experience opportunity2 enables you the opportunity to apply for optional professional experience in semester 1, which, upon successfully securing an opportunity, will extend the duration of your master’s to either 16, 20 or 24 months. The professional experience provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability.

Please note that the optional professional experience modules incur an additional tuition fee, for which 1 semester of professional experience is £1,333.33, for 2 semesters of professional experience is £2666.67, and for 3 semesters of professional experience is £4,000.

Professional experience may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Professional experience opportunities are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the professional experience option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Teaching methods include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects
  • Workshops

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first year. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. 

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending on the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Essays
  • A dissertation
  • Reviews
  • Reports
  • Reflective writing
  • Practical coursework
  • Presentations

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Previous students have participated in Model European Parliaments, in Coventry and in Lecce, Italy. We have also held Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities, including webinars and exchange visits, with the University of Costa Rica, the University of Buenos Aires and the South-South International Cooperation organisation in Sicily2.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Successful applicants must normally hold a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Applicants who can demonstrate considerable experience at an appropriate professional level but who do not have the formal academic entry qualifications may also be admitted, subject to an application and assessment.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Successful applicants must normally hold a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Applicants who can demonstrate considerable experience at an appropriate professional level but who do not have the formal academic entry qualifications may also be admitted, subject to an application and assessment.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience)  
Request fee information
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £18,600 | £22,600 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £18,600 | £22,600 (with prof. experience)  
Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Students will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus4.

Delia Derbyshire building

Delia Derbyshire Building

The Delia Derbyshire complex offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.

 

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The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

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George Eliot building

Named after one of the leading writers of the Victorian age, the George Eliot building is the city centre home of English studies at Coventry University. Mingle with like minded students, cross the Edible Garden campus to relax at the Hub, or take the few minutes walk to immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: the nature of diplomacy, its evolution and role in international politics; the changing international environment and how this affects and influences the development of diplomacy and law; and the principles of consultancy and the theories and practices found in leadership
  • apply knowledge of the dynamics of diplomacy and international law in a wide range of situations and organisations
  • show awareness of, and sensitivity to, differing international environments and the impact these have on political, economic and social actors
  • apply research skills, identify appropriate sources and methods, take personal responsibility and demonstrate initiative in dealing with complex and unpredictable environments
  • demonstrate advanced analytical and evaluative skills to construct fair, coherent and convincing arguments
  • exhibit advanced problem-solving skills, tackling complex issues both independently and as part of a team, identifying appropriate solutions in a systematic, creative and constructive manner.

Employers are looking for individuals with the ability to work across different cultures, and to possess problem-solving and critical analysis skills.


How to apply

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