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International Studies and Diplomacy – (M.A.)
School of Oriental and African Studies
Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
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| Application Deadline: | June 30 | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 15,134 - | ||
| Location: | London / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Education Variants: |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of School of Oriental and African Studies
The MA / PG Diploma International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) programme is designed mainly for those engaged in or planning to embark upon a professional career requiring international expertise; as a diplomat or member of a government department such as foreign trade; as an international civil servant or member of a non-governmental organization in, for example, the development aid or humanitarian fields; as an employee of an international company or the media. However, the programme will suit those wishing for whatever reason to deepen their academic and practical understanding of international affairs.
The programme is administered by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, has a multi-disciplinary structure and draws on the teaching and research strengths of the SOAS departments of politics, law and economics within the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences. A stimulating choice of 'Area Studies' and language elective courses is also available.
If you are interested in a diplomatic career and are seeking a professionally relevant postgraduate programme, we hope what we offer will be of value.
The programme may be taken in one year (full-time) or two or three* years part-time (*MA only), and the schedule is designed to allow participation by those in full-time employment. Participants may choose a combination of courses to meet their professional needs and personal interests. The programme is convened on a multi-disciplinary basis, and teaching is through lectures, seminars and workshops conducted by SOAS faculty and visiting specialists.
As the programme is interdisciplinary in nature, it is not necessary to have a degree in a discipline related to the programme. However, this would of course be an advantage.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in the light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a practical interest in the international field.
Lectures for all ISD core courses take place in the evening (18.00-19.00) and associated seminars/tutorials (small groups) are repeated in hourly slots starting as early as 14.00 for some courses, with the latest taking place at 19.00* (*reserved in the first instance for part-time students). Students sign up for seminar/tutorial groups at the start of term and stay in the same group throughout the academic year. There is a minimum of two hours formal teaching a week (lecture and seminar) for each ISD course taken.
The programme also runs a number of additional lunchtime lectures given by guest speakers and practitioners/specialists which are not compulsory and are also filmed and made available to view for those students who are unable to attend.
The annual (optional) European Study Tour emphasises the link between theory and practice as it includes guided tours of institutions such as the International Court of Justice, the War Crimes Tribunal, NATO, the United Nations in Geneva and other EU Bodies.
Contents
MA candidates must select either three MA ISD course and write a dissertation, or two MA ISD courses and one elective course and write a dissertation.
Postgraduate Diploma candidates must take either three MAS ISD courses or two MA ISD courses and one elective course.
International Studies and Diplomacy Courses
- Global Energy and Climate Policy
- General Diplomatic Studies and Practice
- International Relations
- International Law
- International Economics
- International Security
Elective courses
Please note that acceptance onto an elective course is subject to availability of places on the particular course, timetabling, and the approval of the convenor of that course.
MA ISD students can choose one full-unit course or two half-unit courses from the following list:
Elective courses – Full Unit Courses (1.0)
- China and International Politics
- Chinese Commercial Law
- Comparative Politics of the Middle East
- Economic Development of South East Asia
- Economic Dynamics of the Asia-Pacific Region
- Economic Problems and Policies in Modern China
- Economic Problems of South Asia
- Government and Politics in Africa
- Government and Politics of Modern South Asia
- Government and Politics of Modern South East Asia
- International Politics of East Asia
- Modern Chinese Law and Human Rights
- Political Economy of Development
- Problems and Debates in the Social History of Modern South Asia
- Society and Politics in Late Colonial South East Asia
- State and Society in the Chinese Political Process
- Taiwan's Politics and Cross-Strait Relations
- Theory, Policy and Practice of Development
- World War II, Cold War and the "War on Terror": The United States and South East Asia from 1942 to the present
Elective courses - Half-Unit Courses (0.5)
[Scheduling in terms 1 and 2 to be confirmed for 2010/11]
- Colonial and Contemporary North Africa I: From the eve of colonialism to 1962
- Colonial and Contemporary North Africa II: From the dawn of Independence to the present
- Colonial Conquest and Social Change in Southern Africa
- Congo Wars: A Century of Violence in Central Africa
- Cross Cultural Management (DeFims)
- Economic Development of Modern Taiwan
- Government and Politics of Taiwan
- Identity in International Relations
- International Political Communication
- Japanese Modernity I
- Japanese Modernity II
- Power in World Politics
- Social and Cultural Transformations in Southern Africa since 1945
- The International History of the Contemporary World
- The Transnational News Environment: Production, Representation and Us
- Topics in the Chinese Economy (DeFims)
Auditing Courses
It is possible to audit courses at SOAS in addition to your three assessed taught elements, however, before you do so, you must seek approval from the appropriate course convenor and this will of course again be subject to availability.
NB: Although all MA / PG Diploma ISD core courses run every year, we cannot guarantee that all Elective courses offered during the pre-registration period will be available for each academic session.
Studying Languages at SOAS
You may choose language options from the approved list of MA programmes offered as electives (see above), however, you are not permitted to take language courses offered by the SOAS Language Centre as electives. If you wish to study a language with the Language Centre, you must contact them directly and pay the additional fee.
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
More informationRequirements
Applicants should have a first or good second class honours bachelors degree from a UK university, or equivalent, in a subject appropriate to that of the programme to be followed. As an approximate comparison, an equivalent BA from a US university would have a Grade Point Average of either 3.3 or 3.5 depending on the awarding university. If an applicant does not have a bachelors degree in an appropriate field s/he may be required to complete a qualifying year or a one year diploma before entering the masters programme. Relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration. Individual courses may have specific entry requirements, so you are advised to consult the postgraduate prospectus for further information.
English language requirements
In order to ensure that SOAS students have a sufficient standard of English to study effectively, we require overseas students to submit evidence, during the application process, of their current level of proficiency.
Score for Unconditional Entry
- IELTS: Overall 7+ with at least 7 in all sub scores
- TOEFL: iBT105+ with at least 25 in all sub scores
- Pearson Test of English - Academic: Score of 75 or above with at least 70 in all sub scores
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| IELTS Band: | 7.0 |
| TOEFL Internet-based: | 105 |
Funding details
Scholarships and BursariesThere are some scholarships and bursaries available for postgraduate students. These are very competitive and early application is advised.
Loans
Another way to fund your studies is through educational loans. Some high street banks offer loans for education. The other option is a career development loan. Before taking out a loan ensure that you understand what the repayments will be and that you will be able to afford them.
Professional and Career Development LoansA Professional and Career Development Loan is a bank loan for UK students designed to help you pay for your course. Repayments start one month after you complete your course. You can borrow between £300 and £8,000. The bank will approve your loan according to your credit rating.
US Federal LoansEligible US students can apply for Stafford Federal Loans, Federal Plus and private loans to cover their tuition and maintenance costs.
The Registry Fees and Scholarship section can also certify student registration for other loans, such as Canadian educational loans.
Please contact:
- Registry Fees Section if you have any queries on educational loans or fees for degree courses.
- Noel Connaughton for fees information for occasional courses, certificates and diplomas.
- CEFIMS for fees information for distance learning courses.
Other Sources of Funding
Useful funding information can also be found at:
- Hotcourses Scholarship Search
- HERO funding information for research students
Interested? Request information!
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