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The MA provides a firm grounding in the UN, and more broadly in diplomacy. Although we do not guarantee employment at the UN the degree nonetheless will provide a good basis for applying for jobs at the UN and in other international organisations. The degree covers the structure of the UN and other international organisations, peacekeeping and peacemaking, UN communication strategies, diplomacy, and ‘great powers’ (the Security Council). There is also a simulation exercise and a dissertation. For the latter you can choose an area of special interest.

The Director of the of the Centre for UN Studies is Mark Seddon – a former Senior Communications Adviser to the President of the UN General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa and former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General, Ban ki-moon former & Director of Communications, UN Special Envoy, Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown. He is also a former UN Correspondent for al Jazeera English TV. The Deputy Director is Dr. Paul Graham – Previously taught at Glasgow University and has published work on John Rawls (Rawls, Oneworld Publications, 2016) and an important textbook – (with John Hoffman), Introduction to Political Theory (Routledge, 2022). He has an interest in questions of global justice and conflict resolution.

‘The Chair of the Board of Advisers is Lord Mark Malloch-Brown. He is a former UN Deputy Secretary-General and a former UK Government Minister. The Board of Advisers includes; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly and former Foreign & Defence Minister of Ecuador.’

What our students and graduates say

“The UN Studies Masters program provided an opportunity for me to fully understand global initiatives as one who wanted to pursue developmental change particularly for the African Continent. The knowledge and experience gained have ushered me into the role I am currently in and proved valuable to my organisation and surrounding communities”.

Malebo Modise, South Africa

“One of the most important areas of the United Nations is the global security firstly for women and young girls around the globe. The research I completed outlaid the importance on my heritage country Somaliland and respectively Somalia. This also including the historical aspect of the United Nations involvement for peace and security.
The most important research I conduct was with remarkable tutors and professors. I look back at it today with great memories. I am also grateful for the inspiration during the length of time I had as student in the University of Buckingham”.

Zamzam Osman, Somaliland

“The MA is a perfect course to enhance your skill set as a UN practitioner – whether you are a UN staff member or a diplomat. Under the supervision of the well-experienced faculty at the University of Buckingham, you will have an ideal blend of academic and professional development to take you to the next level of your career.”

Minhong Yi, South Korea (Career Diplomat, South Korean Foreign Ministry)

Modules available on this course

• Great Power Politics
• Conflict Resolution
• Diplomacy
• The European Union and its External Policies
• Global Political Communication
• International Organisations
• Simulation Exercise
• Dissertation

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.