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United Nations and Diplomatic Studies at University of Buckingham - UCAS

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The University of Buckingham is:

  • Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).
  • We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses.
  • Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford.
  • Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.
  • As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.
The MA provides a firm grounding in the UN, and more broadly in diplomacy. Although we do not guarantee employment at the UN the degree nonetheless will provide a good basis for applying for jobs at the UN and in other international organisations. The degree covers the structure of the UN and other international organisations, peacekeeping and peacemaking, UN communication strategies, diplomacy, and ‘great powers’ (the Security Council). There is also a simulation exercise and a dissertation. For the latter you can choose an area of special interest. The Director of the of the Centre for UN Studies is Mark Seddon – a former Senior Communications Adviser to the President of the UN General Assembly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa and former speechwriter to UN Secretary-General, Ban ki-moon former & Director of Communications, UN Special Envoy, Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown. He is also a former UN Correspondent for al Jazeera English TV. The Deputy Director is Dr. Paul Graham – Previously taught at Glasgow University and has published work on John Rawls (Rawls, Oneworld Publications, 2016) and an important textbook – (with John Hoffman), Introduction to Political Theory (Routledge, 2022). He has an interest in questions of global justice and conflict resolution. ‘The Chair of the Board of Advisers is Lord Mark Malloch-Brown. He is a former UN Deputy Secretary-General and a former UK Government Minister. The Board of Advisers includes; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the UN General Assembly and former Foreign & Defence Minister of Ecuador.’

Modules

  • Great Power Politics
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Diplomacy
  • The European Union and its External Policies
  • Global Political Communication
  • International Organisations
  • Simulation Exercise
- Dissertation

Assessment method

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.


How to apply

International applicants

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. Voted top for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since 2006, we provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal; guaranteed accommodation in halls of residence; and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our students have formed a number of overseas clubs, and there is a sports and social programme each term to ensure you enjoy your time with us. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Entry requirements

The minimum entry-level required for this course is as follows: - Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution. We would normally expect an Upper Second class honours degree (or equivalent), although motivation and professional experience will be taken into consideration in case you have not achieved an Upper Second. Mature students Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students. English Language Requirements If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme. You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £10300 Whole course
Northern Ireland £10300 Whole course
Scotland £10300 Whole course
Wales £10300 Whole course
Channel Islands £10300 Whole course
EU £16480 Whole course
International £16480 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £16480 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

The University would like to encourage students – both undergraduates and postgraduates – to come to Buckingham regardless of their financial circumstances. The bursaries and scholarships we offer are awarded on merit and/or on financial need. You may only accept one University award. All awards are subject to your meeting the University’s academic entry requirements and abiding by the University’s rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. For details of our current range of scholarships and bursaries please see our website: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/admissions/scholarships

United Nations and Diplomatic Studies at University of Buckingham - UCAS