Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution MA

Postgraduate

Lecturer facing students in a lecture theatre

Prepare for a career in global diplomacy, security and human rights, focus on real-world conflicts and policy solutions, and develop the skills needed to address complex international challenges.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST014

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course is ideal for you if you’re interested in shaping global change, negotiating international challenges, shaping policy and contributing to effective solutions.

Key course content:

Human rights and diplomacy: explore the evolution of diplomacy and its role in protecting human rights during global crises.
Conflict and security: examine warfare, rebellion, and international security through key case studies and critical analysis.
Extremism and resilience: investigate the rise of populism and extremism while exploring resilience strategies to counter their impact.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Enhance your knowledge and analytical skills: assess ways in which different actors on the global stage can interact and collaborate in a way that promotes peace and stability. Analyse the motivations of policymakers and other global stakeholders, as well as assess the impact of threats on individuals, communities and countries.
Learn from a wide range of external professionals and practitioners: speakers deliver a range of guest sessions² designed to connect you with a range of critical issues, from current challenges facing the global community and the role played by the diplomat in overcoming them. Learn from a broad range of perspectives and gain invaluable industry and policy-related insights.
Engage in teaching, learning and assessment opportunities: our teaching, learning and assessment aim to help you enhance your knowledge and expertise. Workshops are interactive, supportive learning environments. Assessments are varied, providing you with an opportunity to create a broad portfolio of experience and skills.
Enhance your employability: in addition to transferable skills (communication skills, digital, research and creativity), develop specialist skills to prepare for careers in international conflict management such as the diplomatic corps, the United Nations, government agencies and international NGOs.

Collaborations

Endorsement by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Global Affairs in Action module, you will receive RSA digital badging.

What you'll study

Underpinned by practice-led learning, explore the complexities of diplomacy and its impact upon the global community.

Examine peace processes, human rights and international security through advanced theories and real-world case studies. Investigate pressing global issues, such as populism, extremism and threats to democracy, while exploring strategies for resilience and justice. Gain critical research and analytical skills to address challenges like human trafficking, rebellion and security dynamics, preparing you to pursue a range of globally focused careers.

Modules

Global Affairs in Action – 30 credits

Examine a range of issues in global affairs from a practitioner-led perspective. This module is developed with the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA). Learn from international practitioners, reflecting on how academic knowledge and ideas translate into real-world security practice. Learn about cultural diplomacy by exploring how ideas, art, and literature shape real-world connections and drive change. Take part in workshops and visits to UK security institutions², where you'll discuss how classroom theories apply in the real world. This approach challenges you to reflect on whether academic theories align with the real-world views, experiences and policies of international security professionals.

Compulsory

Diplomacy and Human Rights – 30 credits

Explore the key debates around the evolving nature of international human rights. Carefully analyse these rights, assessing their use and relevance in today’s world. Study the evolution of diplomacy and its role in protecting individual rights during global conflicts and crises. Use independent research and critical reflection to assess diplomatic strategies and international laws addressing human rights violations, preparing for impactful work in international relations and human rights.

Compulsory

Security, Warfare and Rebellion – 30 credits

Explore issues surrounding warfare, rebellion and international security. Look at key case studies, assessing the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape global conflict and security. Compare policy and the cultural reality of conflict and rebellion, examining both as representations of societal and political consequences which naturally emerge from a highly dynamic and, often, unstable world in which state and non-state actors frequently collide. Use critical thinking, advanced knowledge and practical engagement, and develop analytical and research skills to bridge the gap between theory and practice in international security, preparing you for both academic research and professional roles.

Compulsory

Managing International Affairs – 30 credits

Explore peace processes through the lens of advanced international relations theory. Engage with key themes and ideas that emerge and shape interactions between states, particularly where conflict is likely or has recently concluded. Explore a range of key theoretical ideas that can then be applied to real world events. Develop advanced knowledge of international relations by combining theory and real-world examples.

Compulsory

Resilience, Extremism and Populism – 30 credits

Look at populism and extremism through the idea of resilience. Examine several key case studies, from the US to Latin America and the Middle East, in the rise of global extremism and populism, and the modes of resilience-thinking that can help counter this phenomenon's destabilising impact. Explore how these forces work across borders, using case studies to show local experiences within a global context.

Compulsory

Fighting Injustice in the International System – 30 credits

Explore the threats that democracies face along with the individual and localised consequences of the resultant instability. Acknowledge these issues while looking at practical solutions and policy-making approaches that can protect democratic institutions, and the people who rely upon them.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

policy reports
essays
digital content creation
coursework
presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a social science or humanities related discipline.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a social science or humanities related discipline.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The George Eliot Building hosts interactive seminars, advanced research training, and group project activities. Interact with like-minded students, cross the Edible Garden to relax at the Hub, or immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

The Delia Derbyshire Building offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates may seek positions in the following job roles: diplomatic corporations, national consul, civil service, intercultural mediation, publishing, research, academia or cultural advocacy.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of current issues and insights in diplomacy theory and practice informed by research at the forefront of the field
critically assess contemporary threats to international order, states and individuals, focusing on conflict resolution and the methodologies of peace processes
apply knowledge innovatively, demonstrating a practical understanding of how established research methods are used to generate and interpret relevant insights
manage complex issues creatively, make informed judgments with incomplete data, and communicate conclusions effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
show initiative and autonomy in problem-solving, working independently and in groups to plan and execute tasks
demonstrate effective organisational skills, including time management, setting objectives, and evaluating both self and others.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Full-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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Fees and funding