Diploma for Graduates in International Relations
Is this programme for me?
The programme is suitable for graduates of any discipline who, for professional or personal reasons, wish to secure a stand-alone qualification in international relations. It is also ideal for those who wish to undertake postgraduate work and whose first degree is in an unrelated field. It aims to provide a thorough grounding in the principles of international relations while developing critical skills for a wide range of real world professional situations.
Programme structure
You must pass four full courses (or the equivalent) to complete the programme.
Prestige
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) provides academic direction for this programme. LSE is regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences.
Flexible study at a reasonable cost
You have between 1-5 years to complete this Diploma for Graduates. The total fee payable to the University is £1,387 if you complete in the minimum study period.
| Key dates | |
| Application deadline | 1 October in the year before you intend to sit your exams |
| Registration deadline | 30 November |
| Despatch of study materials | Shortly after your registration form is received |
| Examinations take place | May/June |
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- Introduction to international relations
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- Nationalism and international relations
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- International organisations
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- Foreign policy analysis
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- International political economy
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- Security in international relations
Three courses (including at least one 300 course) chosen from
Notes:
The structure shown above is subject to confirmation in the 2013-2014 Regulations. The Regulations also contain full details on the rules that govern the choice of any course. Students already registered on the programme should consult the current Regulations section of our website.
Course Information Sheets are updated annually and students should ensure they are reading the correct information sheet for their year of study. Course Information Sheets for 2013-14 will be available from Summer 2013.
How you study
Our programmes provide an opportunity to obtain a prestigious degree or other qualification at a reasonable cost. You can choose to study independently or pay for additional educational support at a local institution (where available) to benefit from face-to-face tutorial support and the opportunity to interact with fellow students in person.
Students wishing to study either the Diploma in Economics or the Diploma in Social Sciences must first enrol at an institution recognised by the University for teaching the specific Diploma. Studying at an institution provides students with face-to-face academic support and the opportunity to interact with fellow students in person. Find your nearest recognised local institution.
You receive specially written online study materials
Developed by academics appointed by LSE, your specially written study materials guide you through textbooks, which will be the real focus of your studies. The cost of your study pack is included in your initial and continuing registration fees. Study materials include:
- A Student handbook containing practical information and advice (e.g. how to enter for exams).
- Strategies for success which provides help with study techniques.
- A Subject guide for each course, designed to guide you through the syllabus and offer advice on how to use textbooks in an organised and productive manner. Partial versions of EMFSS subject guides are available to view.
- Past exam papers and Examiners' commentaries which are updated annually and available to download. These provide an insight into how questions should have been tackled and outline common mistakes made by students in the past. Copies of the most recent exam papers and Examiners’ commentaries are available for reference on our website, see EMFSS past exam papers. A fuller back catalogue is available for all registered students through the VLE.
Online support
When you are given an offer, we will also send a username and password enabling you to register and log in to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and two other key online resources:
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which provides electronic copies of all printed study materials. This is also an open space for students to discuss interests and experience, and also to seek support from their peers while working collaboratively to solve problems and discuss subject material. Online support materials are continuously being developed and for some courses audio-visual tutorials, recorded lectures, academic interviews and debates are available, along with self-testing activities and expert study skills advice.
The Online Library
The Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.
Optional courses held at LSE in London
LSE Summer School held annually, usually from early July to mid-August. This offers a range of stimulating and challenging courses, allowing you to undertake a period of intensive study in areas of interest.
Fees
The fees below relate to the 2013-2014 session and are subject to annual review.
| Academic year | 2013-2014 | |
|---|---|---|
| Application handling fee | £ 72 | |
| Initial registration fee | £ 515 | |
| Examination entry fee (per full course) | £ 200 | |
| Examination entry fee (per half course) | £ 100 | |
| Continuing registration fee | £ 330 | |
| Total for Diploma for Graduates | £ 1,387 | |
| Other fees (as applicable) | ||
| Additional registration fee for students taking law courses (per course) | £ 44 | |
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ConvertGBP x 1 | ||
Disclaimer: the currency conversion tool is provided to you for convenience only and does not constitute an endorsement or approval by the University of London; the exchange rates are provided dynamically via a third-party source, consequently, the University of London International Programmes is not responsible for their accuracy.
Fees are payable as you progress rather than as a single lump sum. The total provided above is an example of the total amount of fees payable to the University for the whole programme of study. The example is calculated using current fees, does not reflect any annual change in fees and assumes completion in the minimum time permitted with no law courses being chosen.
When to pay
The application handling fee is payable when you make your application. The closing date for applications is 1 October. If you meet the entrance requirements you will be invited to register.
The initial registration fee is payable when you register with the University. The closing date for registrations is 30 November.
The examination fee is payable when you choose to enter an examination. Examinations take place in May or June each year and examination entries are accepted between 30 November and the examination entry closing date, 1 February.
The continuing registration fee is payable in the second and subsequent years of registration at the time when you confirm the courses that you will be registered for during that year. The continuing registration fee is effective between 1 March and 30 November.
How to pay
All University fees must be paid in pounds sterling (GBP). The University accepts:
- Western Union - Quick Pay
- Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron, JCB)
- Sterling banker's draft/cheque
- International money/postal order
Further details are given in payment methods.
Other costs
In addition to the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:
- textbooks (this may well be in the region of £300 per year)
- tuition costs (if studying at a teaching institution)
- LSE Summer School (optional)
- the fee charged by your local examination centre to cover its costs; this fee will vary.
Note
Fees are subject to annual review and the University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary. For a full list fees that may be applicable, please see the fee schedule.
Assessment
When you decide you are ready, you enter for unseen written examinations. These are set and marked by our academics to ensure your work is assessed to the same standard as College-based students at LSE. Examinations are held once a year, in May/June, at local centres in over 190 countries as well as in London. You will be charged a fee by your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
For most courses you sit a three-hour paper (or a two-hour paper for each half course). For the following courses a project/coursework also counts towards the assessment:
- IS1060 Introduction to information systems
- IS3139 Software engineering: theory and application
- GY3157 Independent geographical study
- IS3159 Research project in information systems.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible to register for a Diploma for Graduates programme you are required to satisfy the following:
- hold a full first degree completed in a minimum of three years duration on a full-time basis (or equivalent) from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London and
- provide proof of competence in English which is acceptable to the University and
- have regular internet access.
Applicants for the Diploma for Graduates in International Relations are exempt from the requirement to demonstrate competence in Mathematics. If you wish to transfer from this programme to another Diploma for Graduates at a later stage, you will need to demonstrate competence in Mathematics as described.
If you hold a professional and/or postgraduate qualifications without a full first degree, you cannot be considered for admission to a Diploma for Graduates. If we cannot accept you with your current qualifications and experience, we will advise you of what qualifications you could take in order to become eligible in the future. There are many other acceptable entrance qualifications [pdf: 9pgs, 160KB], both from the UK and overseas, which we accept instead of UK O and A levels.
LSE academic leadership
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the Colleges of the University of London and a world-leading social science institution. Academics from LSE provide the academic direction for this programme.
Since its foundation in 1895, LSE has been regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Its teaching and research is recognised worldwide as a benchmark of quality.
The School’s academic profile spans the broad range of social sciences – disciplines that reflect how we interact with one another and with society. LSE is an institution renowned for focusing on ‘real world’ issues. Current areas of research and expertise include globalisation, human rights, risk and business management, new communications technologies, urban and regional policies, and new forms of governance.
LSE alumni and former staff include 16 Nobel prize winners and 34 past or present heads of state. LSE academics come from all over the world and from many social, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They are in constant demand as commentators and analysts in the media, act as advisors to governments, and are seconded to national and international organisations.
Academic leaders
Dr Keith Sharp: Programme director
Keith has 20 years experience of working in British universities, including Coventry University, De Montfort University and the University of Gloucestershire, where he was dean of faculty and associate pro-vice-chancellor. In 2009-10 he spent a year as head of the UK HE International Unit based at Universities UK.
Keith is very familiar with the area of international partnerships and transnational education. Partnerships and internationalisation formed part of his remit at De Montfort and Gloucestershire. In his position as head of the UK Higher Education International Unit, he was regularly consulted by universities for advice on their international strategies, including international marketing. More recently, he has been acting as a consultant to a number of public and private sector HE institutions on various aspects of their international marketing and recruitment strategies.
Keith took his undergraduate degree at LSE between 1984-87 and graduated with a first in sociology, as well as being awarded the Hobhouse Memorial Prize. Further details of the University of London International Programmes at LSE team can be found on the Who's who page on the LSE website.
Apply online
- Diploma for Graduates International Relations
- Download Prospectus
- Ask a question
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Overview of Graduate Diplomas in Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences
Dr. Keith Sharp - Director of the University of London International Programmes at LSE, provides an overview of the University's diplomas for graduates in Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences, with academic direction provided by LSE.