MA United Nations and Diplomatic Studies
The degree provides a firm grounding in diplomatic theory and practice. It is taught from the Centre for United Nations Studies.
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Course overview
About the Course
View All Course Modules
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Jan 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Resolution | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy Simulation Exercise | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Dissertation | Core | 40.00 | 7 |
| Global Political Communication | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Great Power Politics | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| International Organisations | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| The European Union and its External Policies | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
Sep 2025 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Resolution | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy Simulation Exercise | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Dissertation | Core | 40.00 | 7 |
| Global Political Communication | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Great Power Politics | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| International Organisations | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| The European Union and its External Policies | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
Jan 2026 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Resolution | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy | Core | 15.00 | 7 |
| Diplomacy Simulation Exercise | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Dissertation | Core | 40.00 | 7 |
| Global Political Communication | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| Great Power Politics | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| International Organisations | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
| The European Union and its External Policies | Core | 20.00 | 7 |
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
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry-level required for this course is as follows:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution. We would normally expect an Upper Second class honours degree (or equivalent), although motivation and professional experience will be taken into consideration in case you have not achieved an Upper Second.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English Language Requirements
If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme. You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our contact form.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
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.
After Your Course
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.
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
Jan 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,300 |
| INT | £16,480 | |
Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,300 |
| INT | £16,480 | |
Jan 2026 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,300 |
| INT | £16,480 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Please note that The University of Buckingham has four terms per year. The tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at Buckingham in January, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in September). Students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. The tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree. Fees are normally paid in termly instalments.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Postgraduate first-class scholarship
A first-class scholarship is available to both home and international students studying a taught postgraduate degree at the University. The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33%. The scholarship will be automatically awarded to applicants who already have a first class honours degree that is recognised to UK standard.
Details of other scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.