
Online
DURATION
2 up to 3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Apr 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 12,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
Introduction
The programme will enhance your understanding of international affairs and contemporary diplomatic practice with a regional focus on East Asia. Using a combination of interdisciplinary approaches, cutting-edge research and public discussion of diplomacy and international politics, you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of international affairs and contemporary diplomatic practice with an East Asia regional focus. You will learn to think critically, with reference to theoretical and empirical (historical and/or contemporary) content about international studies, diplomacy and the political economy in East Asia.
Research is a key component of this programme upon completion will give students the skills to:
- Think critically, with reference to theoretical and empirical (historical and/or contemporary) content about international studies, diplomacy, and political economy in East Asia
- Develop and practice the ability to see – and comment on – the strengths and the weaknesses of others’ ideas and arguments.
The programme is delivered by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) in association with the FCO's Diplomatic Academy, using a combination of multi-disciplinary teaching, cutting-edge research and public discussion of diplomacy and international politics in a globalised world.
This programme is available as a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate level.
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Ideal Students
Who should apply
This course is for those engaged in or embarking on a career in diplomatic or related fields in the Middle East and North Africa requiring international expertise in government, not-for-profit, corporate or academic environments.
By studying online, students will also have the flexibility to integrate studies into working life without having to take a career break.
Admissions
Curriculum
Students study one subject module and one research ‘mini’ module (included in the fee) per study session. One study session runs every six months, meaning the majority of students complete their programme within two calendar years of beginning their studies.
There are two core modules and a range of elective modules on offer each session. There are also four research mini-modules.
- 2 x core modules (30 credits each)
- 2 x elective modules (30 credits each)
- 4 x research mini-modules
- 1 x dissertation on a topic related to East Asia (60 credits)
Of the taught modules, one core module and one elective module must be from the East Asia list, while one core module and one elective module must be from the Diplomacy list.
Modules
- The Art of Negotiation (Core)
- Economy, Politics and Society in East Asia (Core)
- Afghanistan: Strategic and Geopolitical Perspectives (Elective)
- America and the World: US Foreign Policy (Elective)
- Cultural Diplomacy (Elective)
- Digital Diplomacy (Elective)
- Economics, Politics and Society in MENA (Elective)
- Economy, Politics and Society in South Asia (Elective)
- Finance, Sustainability and Climate Change (Elective)
- Foundations of International Law (Elective)
- Gender, Conflict and the Middle-East (Elective)
- Global Citizenship and Advocacy (Elective)
- Global Energy and Climate Change (Elective)
- Global International Organisation: United Nations in the World (Elective)
- Global Media (Elective)
- Global Public Policy (Elective)
- India's Foreign and Security Policy (Elective)
- International Economics (Elective)
- Muslim Minorities in a Global Context (Elective)
- Pakistan: Religion, Politics and Security (Elective)
- Political Economy of Violence, Conflict and Development (Elective)
- Political History, Culture and Diplomacy in Iran (Elective)
- Sport and Diplomacy (Elective)
- Strategic Studies (Elective)
- Trade Diplomacy (Elective)
- Diplomacy and Power: International Actors in the Middle East (Elective)
- Global Challenges: Science Diplomacy (Elective)
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information through your Department.
Career Opportunities
Students from SOAS’s Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) develop an in-depth understanding of international affairs, contemporary diplomatic practice and policy-makers. Graduates leave with a portfolio of transferable skills such as critical analysis, problem solving, negotiation and communication, all of which are valued by employers across a number of sectors.
Recent CISD graduates have been hired by:
- Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- Ernst & Young
- European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights
- Government of India
- International Rescue Committee
- Medical Aid for Palestinians
- NHS
- The Commonwealth
- UK National Commission for UNESCO
- UNHCR
- United Nations
- World Food Programme
Faculty
Program delivery
This program is taught 100% online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
In the VLE you will have access to learning materials and course resources anytime so you can fit your studies around your existing commitments. For each module, students will be provided with access, through the SOAS Library, to all necessary materials from a range of appropriate sources.
A key component of the student experience will be peer-to-peer learning, with students enrolled in discussion forums.