Introduction
The MSc Strategic Studies and Diplomacy is a programme for all those interested in the workings and interactions of governments across various levels, concerning governments which have both friendly relations and those which endure more strained relations.
It will also be of interest for professionals interested in progressing their careers who require knowledge on diplomacy and strategic thinking within both government and non-government organisations.
This course has January and September start dates. Apply Now.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
We live in a global situation which is becoming ever more uncertain as the international community tackles problems as diverse as climate change discussions, migration, development aid, trade and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Middle East. New actors have emerged on the international arena, but states remain the key actors within the international system.
This programme explores how governments and non-government organisations interact with each other, ranging from formal state visits to more covert interactions which take place. During this programme you will learn about the different types of diplomacy that exist, conflict resolution, transnational diplomacy with several case studies also being explored including crisis diplomacy and immigration. You will also be able to practice your diplomatic skills with interactive learning opportunities and blended learning.
To achieve this goal, three key questions are examined:
- What are the ‘rules of the game’ in international diplomacy?
- How do governments engage with other governments (both friendly and more hostile)?
- How do governments engage with the emergence of new strategic actors, economic trends, security and development challenges, and global flashpoints?
Available Programmes of Study
Please note that as this is a new MSc programme, the final programme structure is yet to be confirmed and the courses listed should be considered indicative of what you will learn.
- MSc
-
Strategic Studies and Diplomacy
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £23,000 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Semester 1
PART TIME ROUTE: This route will run over two years. Students can take up to 120 credit points in a single year.
PD5006 must be taken in Year 1 and PI5901 must be taken in Year 2.
The following courses are compulsory and can be taken in either Year 1 or Year 2:
- PI5001 Strategic Theory (30 credit points)
- PI5034 International Diplomacy Theory and Practice (30 credit points)
- PI5521 Chinese Security Issues (30 credit points)
- PI5535 US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy (30 credit points)
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Strategic Theory (PI5001)
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30 Credit Points
This core module considers the contribution of strategy, as the mechanism for the application of power and force, to national, regional, and international security. It explores what strategy is (the pursuit of continuing advantage) and how to think clearly about it. Topics addressed include the nature of strategy, deterrence, arms control, strategic stability, nuclear policy, and emerging technology and future warfare.
- International Diplomacy Theory and Practice (PI5034)
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30 Credit Points
This course explores the origins, theory, manifestations, and practice of diplomacy. This is achieved via a series of lectures, seminars, practical exercises, and simulations. Appropriate focus is also given to diplomatic skills (oral, written, and strategic). The course provides an understanding of diplomacy and how it functions.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Chinese Security Issues (PI5521)
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30 Credit Points
The focus of this module is the key approaches, institutions, and contemporary issues in global security relating to the rise of China. Set in the context of broader global security issues, this module offers students an introduction to Chinese security policy and approaches to international relations. It lifts the vale on a very misunderstood, controversial, and increasingly critical feature of global security and world affairs. It will explore debates on China's rise, China's growing involvement in international politics, and global security.
- US Foreign Policy and Diplomacy (PI5535)
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30 Credit Points
As a global superpower, how the US conducts itself in international affairs is both incredibly visible and has become a standard by which to judge successes and failures in this realm. By examining the development of US Foreign Policy through specific eras we can begin to judge the impact and effectiveness of their diplomatic practices.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Strategic Studies (PI5901)
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60 Credit Points
The Strategic Studies dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc Strategic Studies, Strategic Studies & International Law and Strategic Studies & Management degree programmes.
MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
You will enjoy a diverse and friendly style of teaching throughout our programme including interactive learning opportunities and blended learning. Opportunities to engage with practitioners will also take place.
These unique ways of learning will develop skills valued by employers, including independent learning and research, group work, presentation skills and project work.
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
By written examination, essay work and class presentation as prescribed for each course and by submission of a dissertation. The degree of MSc shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in PI5901, irrespective of their performance in other courses.
Why Study Strategic Studies and Diplomacy?
- The MSc Strategic Studies at Aberdeen has produced graduates of high repute with excellent career prospects for over thirty years, with a network of alumni internationally
- Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for International Relations (Guardian University Guide 2025) and 3rd in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Politics (National Student Survey 2024)
- Scrutinise salient, real-world security issues that affect a range of sectors around the world while developing the methodology and knowledge needed to interpret strategic situations that present in these areas
- The interdisciplinary nature of the programme creates exciting collaboration opportunities with other departments across the university including Business, Geography, Law, and Computer Science
- This programme encourages collaboration with course experts who have experience with public policy; government departments; and international organisations such as NATO, EU, UN, and think-tanks; and who have worked as advisers to various governments including the UK, US, EU, and East Asia
- Students benefit from the opportunity to engage with practitioners, building upon the key concepts and theories embedded in the curriculum
- Learn from experts actively involved in research. The University of Aberdeen is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more
- The University of Aberdeen has been ranked a Top 10 university for Overall Student Satisfaction for four consecutive years (National Student Survey 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- Take part in the Wargaming Club, a group convened by the Strategic Studies programme leaders, to sharpen your skills in strategic thinking, tactics, diplomacy, communication, and teamwork
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body.
Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference x 2
- two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
Along with developing a deeper understanding of strategic theory and the various factors which influence strategy, you will also hone many transferable skills essential for entering the workforce or going onto further study. These include written and oral communication, critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, teamwork, negotiation, IT skills, and more.
Career prospects include public advocacy, research, and project management work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and regional and global institutions such as the European Union or the United Nations. Graduates may also forge careers in the international media, the armed forces, international risk management, and international corporations.
Career Opportunities
- Diplomacy, Defence, Development
- Diplomat
- Government Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Journalist
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Non-Governmental Organisation Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Political Analyst
- Social Researcher
Our Experts
A small and cohesive group of highly skilled academic staff with many years of graduate teaching experience, who are part of a network of high quality academics in strategic studies and diplomacy.
Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis and Dr Jim Johnson are Programme Directors, and Prof Mervyn Bain and Dr Malcolm Harvey are Course Coordinators for this programme.
- Programme Coordinators
- Prof Mervyn Bain, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Malcolm Harvey, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr James Johnson, The University of Aberdeen
- Dr Dimitrios Anagnostakis, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
We provide a wide range of related research centres including the Centre for Global Development; the Centre for Global Security and Governance; the Institute for Conflict, Transition, and Peace Research; and more.
Regular Seminar Series and Guest Speakers
We have regular seminar series hosted by the department of Politics and International Relations along with guest speakers throughout the year.
Find out moreThe Institute For Conflict, Transition And Peace Research
ICTPR at the University of Aberdeen brings together a diverse and interdisciplinary group of scholars and students to develop in-depth theoretical understandings of the concepts and practices of transitions in terms of conflict and peace.
Find out moreCentre for Global Security and Governance
A centre of excellence committed to inter-sectoral & interdisciplinary working for equity, social justice & sustainable futures. A space at the University for staff, students, practitioners & the public to develop collaborative teaching & research.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX