Information about who will teach your course is correct at the time of publication. In some cases changes may be necessary and unavailable, such as staff changes due to illness or leaving the University.
Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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Study with experts in Politics and International Relations from across the World
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World Top 50 Arts & Humanities THE World University Rankings 2024
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Internship and placement opportunities
The School of Global Affairs offers four master’s degrees that share a common ethos and course structure. Each provides distinctive yet interconnected opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge, relationships and partnerships needed to meet the global challenges of our time.
Why Lancaster?
- Develop critical, creative and cross-disciplinary approaches to global affairs
- Study with world-leading researchers whose expertise spans a diverse range of global affairs contexts across the arts, humanities, and social sciences
- Learn global leadership and collaboration skills that equip you to navigate difficult decision-making
- Work collaboratively with peers across our suite of global master’s courses to build your own interdisciplinary professional network
- Develop a practical and future-orientated understanding of how change is made
- Learn from experts in British, Russian, Middle Eastern, Asian, European, African and American global politics and international relations
Our innovative master’s course is designed to generate fresh thinking to address global problems such as climate change, conflict, identities, information and truth. Applying critical concepts, theories and practices drawn from the humanities and social sciences, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to be an impactful and transformative professional.
A new approach to Global Affairs
In today's world of complexity and interdependence, global challenges are evolving, shifting and transforming across different sectors, disciplines and localities. Multi-disciplinary perspectives and insights will be essential to meet the problems facing humanity and the planet.
This course is built around critical thinking, collaboration and creative approaches. You'll be introduced to cutting-edge concepts, theories and practices from across disciplines ranging from politics, sociology and history to art, economics and environmental sciences.
You will be encouraged to draw on different disciplines as you consider issues from the perspectives of diverse stakeholders and seek workable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Collaboration in practice
This master’s course is one of a series of four interconnected courses that have a common ethos and structure.
You’ll take part in subject-specific modules designed to build in-depth knowledge of global affairs. You’ll assess, engage in and create responses to real- world issues.
In studio modules you’ll work collaboratively with other course participants on live community briefs, connecting Lancaster’s research with both local environments and analysing global issues.
For some modules, you’ll join with students from other master’s cohorts on projects that will develop your leadership skills – using use generative, collaborative thinking to create innovative solutions that are relevant to diverse external stakeholders.
Working with students from our other cohorts will bring you into contact with those specialising in global sustainability and the environment, AI, and global health and medical humanities. You’ll experience the benefits that harnessing skills and knowledge from diverse groups and subjects can bring.
You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your final project to draw on your academic, personal or professional experience. A range of innovative assessment types will give you the freedom to represent your chosen topic creatively and persuasively.
Learn or develop a language
This course gives you the opportunity to gain advanced cultural perspectives via a beginners or continuing language module. Choose from French, German Spanish, Italian or Chinese
Explore areas of interest
Optional modules enable you to study a range of topics such as:
- Global conflict and violence
- Geopolitics and security: traditional and critical approaches
- Global histories: modernity, colonisation and legacies of empire
- Population mobilities and borders.
- Global hunger, poverty and inequality
- Global governance and leadership
- Human rights, social movements and community activism
A new type of leader
With its dedicated leadership module, this course prepares you for a future as a collaborative change-maker. The course challenges traditional views of leadership, adopting an understanding of leadership grounded in critical, creative and collaborative skills - a holistic and humanistic way of thinking.
By taking this interdisciplinary approach and engaging in the discourses of leadership ethics, you’ll be equipped to perform whatever role you take to bring about positive change.
You’ll benefit from Lancaster’s rich, collaborative academic environment, being able to participate actively in research events and opportunities provided by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Flexible study optionsStudy while continuing your career by taking this course on a part-time basis. Running over two years, you would take the following core modules each year:
- Year 1: Navigating, Applied Learning Studio 1, and Global Leadership
- Year 2: Applied Learning Studio 2 and MA Project
We would liaise with you over your choice of optional modules and your schedule, so that you can successfully balance your work and other commitments alongside the master’s programme.
Careers
This course will appeal to those already engaged in a professional role as well as graduates wishing to move into a challenging but rewarding career where you can make a difference to the world we live in.
It is an opportunity to extend your prior educational and work experience in new directions. The master’s is suitable for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and careers who are keen to work in a Global Affairs role anywhere in the world.
You may be interested in roles with:
- NGOs
- Financial Institutions
- Global Commerce
- Think tanks
- The United Nations
- Media and Education
- The World Health Organisation
- Charities
- The Civil Service
- Governance and Policy Making
- The Intelligence services
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in any subject, or 2:2 with professional experience relevant to the programme (please give further detail of your experience in your personal statement).
The personal statement should be a 300-500 word reflection on your interest in the programme, the relevance of your experience and what you hope to gain from the programme.
The department plans to interview all eligible applicants.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Pre-master’s programmes
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Course structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.
Core
core modules accordion
Running in an innovative studio format across 5 weeks, this module will provide learning through practice by setting you a live brief which you will work towards in group projects. Offering learning in project management and practice at an advanced level, projects will centre on how interdisciplinary humanities approaches can be applied to contemporary place-based challenges.
You will apply learning from your specific topic of expertise (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Society and Global Challenges, Global Affairs, Sustainability and Environmental Futures, Global Medical and Health Humanities) to address these multi-dimensional challenges through multifaceted approaches.
Projects may be based on academically significant topics, thereby enabling you to become exposed to areas of contemporary research. Alternatively, they may be linked to ‘real world’ issues and external clients, thereby developing your abilities in professional practice.
This project-based module will incorporate studio sessions with lectures from a range of disciplinary experts and external stakeholders, workshops to support practical skills, and student-led group working in the studio space.
Running in an innovative studio format across 5 weeks, this module will provide learning through practice by setting you a live brief which you will work towards in group projects. Offering learning in project management and practice at an advanced level, projects will centre on how interdisciplinary humanities approaches can be applied to contemporary global challenges encompassing multiple locales and contexts.
You will apply learning from your specific topic of expertise (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Society and Global Challenges, Global Affairs, Sustainability and Environmental Futures, Global Medical and Health Humanities) to address these multi-dimensional challenges that require multifaceted approaches.
Projects may be based on academically significant topics, thereby enabling you to become exposed to areas of contemporary research. Alternatively, they may be linked to ‘real world’ issues and external clients, thereby developing your abilities in professional practice.
This project-based module will incorporate studio sessions with lectures from a range of disciplinary experts and external stakeholders, workshops to support practical skills, and student-led group working in the studio space.
This module equips you with a range of practical skills required to lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions to global challenges within education, academia, business and society. As well as theories of leadership and followership, you will learn skills for leadership and collaboration which may include project and self-management, entrepreneurship, research and information literacy, communication, and partnership building.
A critical, decolonial lens is applied throughout, enabling you to reflect on your own positionality and prior learning and experience and connect these with discourses of leadership (and leadership ethics) in a range of contexts. Emphasis is placed on a humanities-led approach to leadership, grounded in critical, creative and collaborative skills, a holistic approach to the role of leadership in society, and humanistic thinking.
The teaching and learning are designed to be flexible and prioritise self-directed study, enabling you to develop your own unique set of leadership skills and traits which will prepare you for a wide range of leadership roles, further study or employment outside of academia. You will participate in workshops and work in self-directed Action Learning Sets which meet independently on a regular basis outside of the classroom.
This project module is a core component of the MA programmes in the School of Global Affairs. Students will be encouraged to explore and experiment with topics, ideas and methods during the core modules of their programme in order to devise and design their project. The project will normally be realised as a piece of individual work and can take a number of formats, which may include: a long form written dissertation, a multi-media formatted project, a creative intervention or a policy document. The School of Global Affairs will support students in working collaboratively and identifying external partnerships through which to develop the project. Students will be expected to draw on the multi-disciplinary aspects of their MA programme to devise critical, creative and future facing work.
Optional
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This module revolves around different aspects of Asian Security and looks at some of Asia’s trouble spots. The course will also examine the politics of intervention in these conflicts, and the attempts made to manage and prevent conflicts, and transform these conflict zones into more peaceful situations. The case studies that this module looks at include Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and China.
The module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the different facets of contemporary Asian conflicts and how international organisations and Western and Asian governments have attempted to deal with these challenges in recent times. Conceptually, the course will examine the principles of state failure; terrorism, ‘New Wars’, the New Security Agenda, nationalism and sub nationalism, international conflict prevention; peace keeping; and global governance. The course also covers topics like the rise of Islamism and Hindu nationalism in contemporary South Asia. This module provides you with an overview of the key security concerns of South-Central Asia.
Aims of the Module- To firstly identify trouble spots in contemporary Asia and the different layers of conflict in each case study;
- To analyse the politics of intervention;To examine the basis of political identities, the nature of nationalism and sub nationalism and their implications for the nation state, regional stability, security, peace, cooperation and development;
- To identify methods of conflict resolution for these violent conflict zones and to look at the politics of reconstruction.
This module is an introduction to macro-sociological theory and those branches of contemporary sociology that attempt to deal with ‘the world’ as a whole. The aim is to critically interrogate the ways in which sociologists envision time, space, and ‘global relations’ between different parts of the world (modern/traditional, East/West, developed/developing, First World/Third World, North/South).
Beginning with comparative and historical sociology, we consider how social theorists employ ‘big structures’ at a world scale, ‘grand narratives’ of epochal shifts, ‘large processes’ of global change, and ideas of the novelty of the contemporary period.
The module focuses on understanding the relation between theory, methodology, and questions of power in research, including the critiques of sociology within postcolonial theory. Drawing on theories grounded in political and economic sociology as well as cultural and discursive approaches, we will critically reflect on Western Sociology's assumptions and exclusions, including the ways in which recent theories of globalisation, time-space compression and spatial mobility may reiterate Orientalist and colonial discourses.
In the age of the 'anthropocene', the devastation of the natural environment, loss of biodiversity, global warming and pollution can no longer be ignored. At the same time, the solutions to the environmental crisis have not yet materialised.
This module introduces you to the challenges the environmental crisis poses to a multitude of actors, including international organisations, governments, political parties and individuals. It will discuss the way in which institutions, ideas and interests shape environmental politics, and will provide a comprehensive introduction to environmental activism and green politics at local and international levels.
Intercultural business communication plays a key role in the global economy and world commerce as it considers cultural differences between international business partners and clients. This interdisciplinary course examines how communication is affected by different values, attitudes and beliefs, in the context of our volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.
The ability to effectively interact, work and develop meaningful relationships with professionals across different cultures and social groups is essential in a global workforce. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, this course will provide you with the necessary awareness, know-how and practical skills needed to become more effective at intercultural interactions. You will draw on various models to analyse your own experiences in order to develop a personal development plan to address effective interactions at work in the face of significant challenges. Studying intercultural business communication fosters an understanding of your own cultural, linguistic and communication related background. This may benefit future careers that operate within a multicultural context.
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy are central to the understanding of international politics. The structure of the international system induces a constant need for political dialogue and negotiations. Besides war, diplomacy is the common language states are using to interact on the world stage.
Complementing the first core module on Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, which provides theoretical understanding of the subject, this module applies these theoretical tools to contemporary diplomatic and negotiation issues and great power politics (PPR.430 is NOT a prerequisite though). Indeed, the teaching and learning strategy of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy is designed to give you both theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in diplomacy and foreign policy. Academic teaching will thus be complemented by guest lectures (e.g. by a practitioner) and in-class activities such as mock negotiation exercises.
The syllabus is likely to draw upon the following: Nuclear weapons and foreign policy, Arms control and diplomacy, International climate negotiations, South-North relations and development, and some in-class mock negotiation exercises.
This module will give you the opportunity to study a language formally, in a way that will support any learning that you may have undertaken / be undertaking alongside your studies. You can enrol either as a beginner or as a more advanced student, building on existing knowledge.
Spanning over two terms, the module will help you develop transferable communicative skills and reflect on cultural and linguistic challenges which are relevant to your postgraduate studies and beyond, whether you intend to use these skills to research matters relating to intercultural and/or interlinguistic issues, work with archives, develop an international research network, or simply add them to your CV. You will be given opportunities to practise in your chosen target language, building on materials posted on the learning space (flipped classroom videos, self-study links) as well as other events organised for the community of linguists in the university, such as our weekly lunch clubs.
In the seminars & workshops, as well as through a series of optional drop-ins offered in the second term, this module will also give you the tools to approach materials which are relevant to your own academic and work interests.
In this module, you will be in control of your language learning and how you apply these skills to your studies / future work, which is reflected in the optionality offered for your final assessments.
This is your opportunity to learn about policymaking theories and policy analysis.
You'll explore both theoretical and practitioner perspectives in public policy from the UK and beyond. This knowledge will enable you to use and apply public policy insights in your work.
The module covers important topics such as:
- What is policy? Why is it needed? Who makes policy?
- Theories of policymaking: policymaking cycle and the policymaking environment, how does policy change, policy instruments and policy tools, policy learning and transfer.
- Critical Policy Studies: issues of power in policymaking and alternative approaches to policymaking, critical theories such as feminism and anti-racism.
- Policy analysis: identifying steps that policy analysis should follow. Practical analysis of a policy problem and possible solutions in areas such as economic, social, justice/home affairs and foreign policy.
- Policy implementation and administration including the role of street level bureaucrats.
- Policy evaluation: methods for evaluation policy against objectives to assessing the extent to which the policy was implemented correctly and, if so, had the desired effect.
Fees and funding
Location | Full Time (per year) | Part Time (per year) |
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Home | £11,960 | £5,980 |
International | £24,830 | £12,415 |
Additional fees and funding information accordion
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
Scheme | Based on | Amount |
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
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Politics and International Relations
- Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies MA
- Diplomacy and Foreign Policy MA
- Diplomacy and International Law LLM
- Diplomacy and International Law MA
- Diplomacy and International Law (Distance Learning) LLM
- Diplomacy and International Law (Distance Learning) MA
- Diplomacy and International Relations (by Distance Learning) MA
- Diplomacy and Religion MA
- International Law and International Relations LLM
- International Law and International Relations MA
- International Relations MA
- International Relations PhD
- International Security MA
- Philosophy and Religion MA
- Politics MA
- Politics PhD
- Politics and International Relations PgCert
- Politics and Philosophy MA
- Politics, Philosophy and Management MSc
- Public Policy MSc
- Public Policy (Distance Learning) MSc
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.