Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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World Top 50 Arts & Humanities THE World University Rankings 2024
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Internship and placement opportunities
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Study with experts in British, Russian, and Middle Eastern politics
Why Lancaster?
- Study alongside your ongoing professional and personal commitments with our convenient and flexible online course
- Develop a deep understanding of diplomacy and politics, and skills that could take you anywhere in the world
- Gain insight from internationally renowned experts whose research is shaping political theory, international relations, security and more
- Be part of a department that is a leader in the country for research power and research environment
- Prepare for a career on the frontline of global affairs, whether pursuing a role in parliament, diplomacy, public affairs or academia
Is global terrorism a religious matter? How has diplomacy evolved throughout history? What influences international negotiations? Discuss and debate these questions and more as you sharpen your skills and boost your employability.
Kick-start your career
We’ve designed this course to help you explore the theories, issues and processes connected with diplomacy, foreign policy and international relations. You’ll benefit from our extensive experience of supporting distance learners and be supported by our community of academics who are experts in their field.
This course is for you if you’re eager to work in diplomacy, international NGOs or global policy and politics – or perhaps you already are and feel ready take your career to the next level. Many of our students want to make their mark through research too.
Learn alongside your life
We have provided our courses via online learning and have a deep understanding of how best to support our students. You’ll join us for an online induction before the course begins. This is a great chance to meet your tutors and peers and learn about everything from our digital services and software to e-library resources.
Throughout the course you will take part in online discussions, group projects, and web seminars. You’ll also produce a 20,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, through which you will be supported by one of our expert academic supervisors.
Careers
Our graduates are in high demand. You will develop highly-valued research skills, the ability to think analytically and critically, and to work independently. These transferrable skills will stand you in great stead for your career – whether you are just starting out or progressing in your current role.
Our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in:
- The Civil Service
- Parliament
- NGOs
- Think Tanks
- Charity and Third Sector
- Public Affairs
Others have taken roles in broadcasting, marketing, public relations, teaching, accounting, consultancy and financial services.
Some of our students go on to study for a PhD and pursue an academic career.
Our Careers and Employability Service will be on hand to offer tailored advice and guidance throughout your journey, and you’ll also receive careers support on a departmental level.
Entry requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 degree in a related subject is normally required. We will also consider applications where you have a degree in other subjects, have a 2:2 or equivalent result and/or extensive relevant experience. In these cases, you should clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills have prepared you for postgraduate study.
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 5.5 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
Detailed module information for this postgraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.
Fees and funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2025/26 entry fees have not yet been set.
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 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
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
Details of our scholarships and bursaries for 2025-entry study are not yet available, but you can use our opportunities for 2024-entry applicants as guidance.
Check our current list of 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 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.