Diplomacy and International Law

Why Lancaster?
- Study at one of the first universities to offer a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy

- Engage with a range of external organisations via Lancaster’s Richardson Institute, the oldest peace and conflict research centre in the UK

- Develop your negotiation and diplomacy skills with academics who are researching the latest developments in international law and humanitarian rights

- Prepare for future roles in foreign affairs through extensive and complex mock negotiation exercises

- Collaborate with the leaders of tomorrow in the Lancaster Security Institute, a centre exploring the intersection of technology, society and behaviour

Coming to an agreement isn’t always easy, especially when dealing with cultural and economic differences surrounding international disputes. This dynamic degree allows you to explore the complexities of foreign diplomacy in the context of international law.

Understanding strategic negotiations
On this engaging programme you’ll gain a deep understanding of diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. You’ll learn to pick apart the strategic and institutional constraints that affect negotiations, and prepare for a future working on the international stage.

You’ll also spend time looking at how diplomatic theory weighs up against the pragmatic issues involved with making decisions. Our mock negotiations will give you the opportunity to put your theory into practice.

Global rules, laws and customs
Balanced with international law, this course delivers tremendous strength in understanding international norms and law. You’ll uncover immunities and jurisdiction, and look into the nuances of state responsibility and dispute settlement.

Through a combination of theoretical and practical exercises, lectures and visits by guest speakers, you’ll explore topics such as nuclear weapons and foreign policy, arms control and diplomacy, international climate negotiations, and terrorism and citizen protection.

A focus on international law
On our LLM course, you’ll explore the relationship between international law and diplomacy, and you’ll take a module on International Human Rights. You’ll have a keen focus on legal aspects of the topic and you’ll apply everything you’ve learnt to your dissertation.

A focus on diplomacy
On our MA course, you’ll learn about diplomacy and how international law applies to this, and you’ll take a module on Theory and Methods in Postgraduate Research. You’ll bring together everything you’ve learnt in your dissertation.