Duration and mode of study

Two years by Distance Learning.

Start Dates

March and September each year.

Entry requirements

Either a first or a good second class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects. We also welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.

Fees

These are the total course fees.

2012/13

Home/EU/International: £6,545

Course aims

Diplomatic studies has long been an important element in teaching and research in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Leicester. Diplomatic studies is concerned principally with the modes of diplomacy (for example, the resident ambassador and summitry) and its function (for example, negotiation and information gathering). The subject deals not only with the contemporary period but also with the origins of diplomatic institutions and the development of diplomatic law.

This course aims to promote an understanding of the distinctiveness of diplomacy as a political activity of central importance to the peaceful, stable and productive conduct of relations between states; to impart knowledge and stimulate debate concerning the key modes and functions of diplomacy, in both contemporary and historical contexts; to consider international institutions and areas of the world with which professional diplomats might reasonably be expected to be familiar, for example, the European Union.

Course modules

Core:

• The Art of Negotiation
• Dissertation

Option modules (three from the following – subject to availability):

• Post-Cold War World Order
• International Security
• America and the World: The Making of US Foreign Policy
• Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union
• Intelligence and Security
• South African Foreign Policy: The Diplomacy of Isolation
• International Migration: Political and Social Aspects
• Human Rights, Ethics and War in the Post-Cold War Order
• EU Enlargement and Democratic Consolidation in Post-Communist Europe
• American intervention since 1993Ethics and International Relations
• Diplomatic Systems
• Strategic Studies
• The International Politics of Protection
• Theories of International Relations
• The Ascent to Pre-Eminence: The United States’ Emergence as a Global Power 1898-1948
• Visions of the Modern American Presidency
• The Politics of Human Rights
• The British Way of Warfare: Counter Insurgency since 1945

Teaching and assessment methods

Teaching will be based upon use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) ‘Blackboard’. This allows for a range of innovative and engaging teaching techniques to be used, as well as one to one contact through conventional channels. Modules are assessed by a traditional end of module essay and a range of online activities.

Contact

The Distance Learning Advisor
Department of Politics and International Relations
T: 0116 252 5164
irdl@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/politics

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