Diploma in International Relations and Global Affairs

International relations as a field of study explains political activity across state boundaries: a complex web of economic, legal, political and social relations among countries. The course traces the modern state system from the Peace of Westphalia to today's international agenda of environmental, security and energy issues.

Describes the political institutions of government, the executive, legislature and judiciary, and the role of the state in politics. Students examine how systems of government are classified and investigate the historical, cultural, economic and social contexts that shape political landscapes across the region.

Examines international theories from the perspective of the key ideological traditions, focusing on the classical theories of Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism. Each tradition offers a particular lens on political behaviour and shows how theories give shape and structure to a confusing world.

Introduces the foundations of research design, methodologies and methods in the social sciences, political science and IR. The first part covers quantitative methods, data types, data structure and research ethics; the second part covers qualitative traditions with an emphasis on the rigorous use of theories and cases.

A comprehensive introduction to the political systems of all ASEAN countries from a comparative perspective, investigating political institutions, actors and processes across democracies and autocratic regimes alike.

How a country uses different strategies to guide its relationships with other countries and international organisations, and how diplomacy and negotiation are used to solve domestic and international problems peacefully in world politics.

Explores the interactions between political and economic forces on a global scale: how politics and economics shape one another and affect global commerce, finance and development, and how nations, institutions, companies and non-state actors interact.

The ideas, tactics and practical methods for understanding, managing and resolving conflicts in different societal contexts. Students investigate the causes of conflict and the strategies for promoting peace, and build the skills needed to contribute to effective conflict resolution.

An analytical research paper on a current issue, drawing on the primary ideas and research methods covered in the programme and written under mentorship during the final month.