The LLM/MA Diplomacy and International Law (distance learning) is a flexible and engaging degree that provides a strong introduction to diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. Jointly delivered by the Law School and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion (PPR), it enables you to deepen your understanding of the social, legal, economic and political issues playing out on the world’s stage.<br/><br/>Our Law School is home to the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, the Centre for Law and Society, and the Centre for Child and Family Justice. These centres underpin our postgraduate teaching and you will have access to the expertise of academics working in the field of research into politics, international relations, legal and socio-legal issues.<br/><br/>The pathway for the LLM/MA ensures a duality in the nature of your studies. Core and elective modules from the Law School and PPR, and a 20,000 word dissertation, enable you to pursue your own interests whilst becoming practiced at looking at issues from different perspectives.<br/><br/>Your core modules are: Theory and Concepts in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy; The Law of International Organisations; International Law; Issues and Practice in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy; International Human Rights Law and a Dissertation.<br/><br/>The dissertation is an independent, in-depth inquiry into a research topic of your choosing that has been agreed together with your academic supervisor. The topic should link to a key legal or political question or issue and may also directly relate to your professional/career interests. This is your opportunity to make a contribution to the academic community with new, original research and writing. A dissertation supervisor can provide you with support and introduce you to relevant material and research; our aim is that their personal research interests will align with your chosen topic, wherever possible.<br/><br/>The supervising department for your dissertation, and the choice of modules studied, dictate which award you will receive: LLM or MA.<br/><br/>Our distance learning approach typically combines recorded material, live and interactive lectures, elements to be worked through autonomously, online collaboration and discussion, and group work. We actively encourage you to build a beneficial ‘virtual’ network of academics and peers as you study. Distance learning usually begins in early October, with an online orientation session conducted through a virtual learning environment (VLE) and web conferencing system.<br/><br/>You have the opportunity to develop the skills required to critically evaluate research; inter-disciplinary skills; and, to enhance your analytical and communication skills.