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- Diplomacy and International Relations – BA (Hons)
Diplomacy and International Relations – BA (Hons)
Diplomacy and International Relations – BA (Hons)
Why study this course?
Explore contemporary diplomacy against the changing nature of world politics in this highly innovative degree course. Lecturers with nationally recognised expertise guide you through issues of international terrorism, climate change and violent conflict, and introduce you to the practices of a variety of international players including Greenpeace, the United Nations, and even celebrities and private individuals.
We came second in the country for teaching quality on our politics-related courses and ranked fifth in the country for learning opportunities, according to the National Student Survey 2021.Apply for January / FebruaryCall 0800 032 4441Apply online
More about this course
This exciting course provides students with an excellent grounding in the development and dilemmas of diplomacy and international affairs in today’s globalising world.
This degree is practically oriented and you’ll gain experience and develop your skills through formal opportunities to interact with serving and former diplomats and other international actors. You can also take part in simulations, roleplay exercises, and a variety of assessment tasks.
There are also excellent opportunities for you to pursue a specific interest, such as a particular region (eg the Middle East or Africa) or to study a language. Our teaching team can also support you in finding a work placement with a relevant organisation in your final year. We’ve helped our students secure work placements in embassies, government departments and non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty International.
Members of the course teaching team have nationally-recognised expertise in developing students’ employability, and the practical dimension of the course, along with opportunities for reflection through the various methods of assessment, will enable graduates of the programme to promote themselves effectively in the competitive job market.
This course received a 100% overall student satisfaction rate in the 2018 National Student Survey.
Assessment
Modes of assessment on this course comprise practically-oriented assignments such as reports, presentations, portfolios comprising blog entries and other forms of reflective writing, briefing papers, individual and group research projects, and case studies.
This is in addition to essays and a very small number of examinations.
Our teaching plans for autumn 2021
We are planning to return to our usual ways of teaching this autumn including on-campus activities for your course. However, it’s still unclear what the government requirements on social distancing and other restrictions might be, so please keep an eye on our Covid-19 pages for further updates as we get closer to the start of the autumn term.
Entry requirements
In addition to the University’s standard entry requirements, you should have:
- a minimum of grades CCC in three A levels (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification)
- English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our International Relations (including foundation year) BA (Hons) degree.
Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
International Relations Jobs
Getting a Master’s degree in International Relations is one of the key ways you can make the world a better place. If you’re reading this, you must be wondering: what can you do with an International Relations degree?
You’ll have the opportunity to maintain positive diplomatic relations between countries, prevent international conflicts, and make sure things run smoothly between governments in our highly interconnected world.
As an international relations specialist, you will have a broad set of career options in addition to politics, including in fields like economics, social systems and the cultural life of communities.
Here are a few universities we recommend for International Relations studies:
- Northeastern University, the US
- Queen Mary University of London, the UK
- Radboud University, the Netherlands
- University of Pavia, Italy
- Masaryk University, the Czech Republic
Pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations will provide you with great insights into foreign affairs, public policies, international development, economic trends, social issues, law and more.
But what are your International Relations career options? Popular International Relations degree jobs include: diplomacy work, lobbying, political analysis, international law and intelligence.
1. Diplomat – Maintaining good relations between countries
As a diplomat, you will represent and protect a nation’s interests abroad in terms of politics, trade and consular services. You’ll spend usually around three years in a foreign country. Some of your responsibilities will be:
- Act as a link between the country you represent and the country where you are stationed
- Collect and report on all the information that would affect your nation’s interests
- Discuss, negotiate and mediate with the local government issues about peace and war, trade, commerce, economics, as well as social and cultural aspects
2. Intelligence Specialist – Gathering state-critical information
As an intelligence specialist, you can work in the military, the navy, national security departments, or almost any state department of one of the national government agencies. Your main duties will include:
- Collect and analyse operational intelligence data
- Create mission reports, using data, maps and charts
- Evaluate results and prepare reports, statistics and graphics
- Maintain intelligence databases, libraries, and files
3. Political Analyst – Explaining the political climate
Generally, you’ll be employed by the government, but you can also find work opportunities within media companies or research institutes. Your tasks will be to:
- Inform about and interpret various political developments
- Analyse laws, public policies, and government decisions
- Advise government officials, political parties, or the media
- Forecast political trends and election results
- Put events into historical context
4. Lobbyist – Promoting ideas to those who can make them a reality
Lobbyists are usually hired by an association, corporation, or non-profit organisation to convince government members to make a decision that would benefit the organisation or company they are representing.
As a lobbyist you will perform tasks like:
- Monitor, research and analyse legislation
- Attend congressional hearings
- Reach out to government policymakers
- Use communication tools to promote ideas to the public
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