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.
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 students with useful skills for careers in diplomatic services, international organisations, non-governmental organisations or international business.
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 works 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.
In addition to the international opportunities2 described here, the School of Humanities currently has a collaboration with Lazarski University in Warsaw, Poland. There is the possibility of individual students exchanging with Lazarski under the Turing Scheme (subject to availability and eligibility).
Students from both institutions have also previously 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 with the South-South International Cooperation organisation in Sicily2.?
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.
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.
As well as giving you the opportunity2 to achieve the CMI's Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, this CMI-accredited Global Professional Development module may also set you apart in a competitive job market. You can expect to gain practical leadership skills to critically evaluate and develop solutions for complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that you could experience in your future organisations.

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