Take your knowledge of international relations theory and method to the next level with an in-depth look at state behaviour and the nature of power. As part of our international community of learners, you’ll explore the changes in the global system brought about by political ideology, cultural identity, social networks, regional and global social movements, and pressing environmental challenges.
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Undergraduate awards
Key Features
Course highlights
During this part-time Diploma course in International Relations, you will:
- increase your understanding of the theory and practice of international affairs
- develop academic skills in research, analysis, evaluation and problem-solving
- prepare for further study at postgraduate level
Gain a broad overview of international relations theory and method, and the connections between ideas, evidence and interpretation. We will examine a variety of international relations theories, look at global institutions and conflict, and explore a range of regional tensions. This diploma is a natural progression from the Certificate in International Relations, and ideal for anyone with advanced knowledge or professional interest in this area.
As part of our learning community, you will:
- build your understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of international relations
- understand the growth of international institutions and international law
- think critically about the nature of security, hard and soft power, and different kinds of war
- explore state and regional responses to security and economic stressors brought about by climate change.
Course breakdown
The course will run from Friday 10th October 2025 - Wednesday 10th June 2026.
Most of the teaching for each term will be done during 2 long weekends per Unit, with an early evening session on the Friday of the week before:
Michaelmas term: International Relations in Theory and Practice
- Unit 1 start date: Friday 10th October 2025
- Unit 1 end date: Wednesday 7th January 2026
Lent term: Sovereignty, Security and Power
- Unit 2 start date: Week commencing 5th January 2026
- Unit 2 end date: Wednesday 25th March 2026
Easter term: The End of History? Climate Change and Other Global Threats
- Unit 3 start date: Week commencing 30th March 2026
- Unit 3 end date: Wednesday 10th June 2026
After the course
Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in International Relations may be interested in progressing their studies further and apply to join the Advanced Diploma in Research Theory and Practice (60 credits at level 6). Students on this course will have the opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with qualified researchers in their field and will be introduced to a research community where they will begin to forge an identity as a researcher in their own right.
Entry requirements
To be accepted onto a Diploma course, you will normally have passed a Certificate (level 4) qualification, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.
We are able to make exceptions, especially if you have evidence of relevant professional experience that demonstrates your suitability for the course.
Please tell us about any previous study or relevant educational and professional experience when you apply.
On your application form you will be asked to give additional information about why you wish to apply for the Diploma in International Relations as detailed below:
- in the “Education” box please list your qualifications and education background starting with the highest level qualification gained, plus any courses or practical work recently completed (title/level/date);
- in the “Personal Statement” box please include a statement of around 500 words, explaining why you wish to enrol on the course and how it fits into your long-term career plans. If applicable, please also include details of any previous work experience that may be related to International Relations.
As part of the application process you will also be asked to upload 2 documents:
- A current CV.
- A sample of academic writing such as an essay, dissertation or presentation submitted previously for formal assessment. Please include the name of the higher institution, the year of submission and, if possible, the grade received. Should you not have an academic paper to upload, a comparable report or research paper you have produced for business purposes can be submitted. Please note that the writing sample provided should be written in English.
Your application will be reviewed by the Course Director or Academic Director, who will decide whether to make you an offer of a place.
If you are still unsure which academic level to study, would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, or would like to know more about the admissions process, please use the 'Ask a question' button.
English language requirements
If you are applying to study an Undergraduate Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma and your first language is not English, you will need to meet the requirements of one of the language proficiency tests below. Your test must be completed and the results submitted to our admissions team no later than Friday 5 September 2025.
IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake
Overall score of 7.0, with not less than 7.0 in Speaking, Listening and Writing, and 6.5 in Reading.
TOELF iBT or TOEFL Home Edition
https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
Overall score of 100, with no element below 25.
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/
Overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.
IT requirements
The course content will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
You will therefore need to have access to:
- the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device
- speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material
- a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available
Identity Check
As part of your application you are required to provide a copy of your ID. At the beginning of the course, you will be required to attend a live zoom session, so that we can verify your identity. Please note we will not be able to issue the award if an identity check has not been completed.
As part of our open and inclusive learning environment, you can enjoy the world-class resources and expertise of the University of Cambridge wherever you are on your academic journey.
Our video-based teaching platforms offer a flexible way to access lectures, while our Virtual Learning Environment makes it easy to study and learn online and interact with your tutor and fellow students.
Our teaching methods include lectures and seminars, presentations by guest speakers and facilitators, and interactive and experiential learning activities. We will also give you reading and assignments to complete outside of classroom sessions.
You will be asked to submit two assignments totalling 3,000-4,000 words for each unit to demonstrate your learning. There are more details about how this course is assessed in the course guide we will send you once you have enrolled.
Qualifications
This course is equivalent to half of the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree. You will earn 60 CATS credits on successful completion. CATS credits are recognised by higher education institutions and employers.
Notional hours
The award of academic credit is a means of quantifying and recognising learning and within the UK, one credit notionally represents 10 hours of learning. This course attracts 60 credits, so students should expect to need to study for approximately 600 hours in total to complete all units successfully. However, it is recognised that students study at different paces and use a variety of approaches, so this is a recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast calculation.
SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (2021) here.
The fee for this course is £4,100.00. You can either pay:
- in full when you enrol,
or - Your account will be set up for you to pay in 3 equal instalments: the first when you enrol, the second by 1 January, and the third and final instalment by 1 April – (standard instalment plan). The exact dates will be confirmed in your booking details
Important: your place on the course is not secured until we receive your first payment along with any required documents, such as proof of English language proficiency.
If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.
Help with fees
We have many sources of financial support that you can explore.
Refunds
This course will require a minimum number of students to run. In the rare event that the course is cancelled by us, due to minimum numbers not being met, or for any other reason, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid.
Disability Support
The University’s Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre Non-Matriculated Service (ADRC NMS) provides advice, guidance, and resources to University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) award-bearing undergraduate and postgraduate students who have a diagnosed disability or medical condition, including mental health conditions. The support provided can include:
- appointments with a Senior disability adviser or Neurodiversity disability adviser
- reviewing/assessing medical or diagnostic evidence
- production of a Student Support Document (SSD)
- signposting to sources of disability-related funds (Disabled Students’ Allowances [DSA], as well as other internal funds for home and international students)
- coordination of human support, such as specialist mentoring or specialist study skills
- neurodiversity screening service (Autism, Specific Learning Difficulties, ADHD)
- signposting to disability library services
- signposting to assistive technology and software support
If you would like to access support then please indicate this on your course application form and then complete the ADRC NMS online Student Information Form so they can work with you to fully support your studies. Please upload medical evidence (written in English) when prompted to within the Student Information Form. The following links to guidance on medical evidence or diagnostic evidence will help to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any questions concerning disability support then please contact the ADRC NMS team via [email protected] or view their website.
Wellbeing Support
It is important that all our learners feel safe in their learning environment and student wellbeing is our key priority. We have a dedicated Student Support team who can offer a variety of support mechanisms to those who are experiencing challenges maintaining positive mental wellbeing. The PACE Student Support Team are here to support you throughout the duration of your studies with us and can:
- meet with you via teams/zoom (camera can be off) to discuss any concerns surrounding your wellbeing, mental health, academic pressures, or welfare
- advise you on options and signpost you to appropriate sources of guidance which range from self-guided resources to wellbeing conversations
- direct you to specialist support and help concerning welfare, wellbeing, safeguarding and prevent
- in specific circumstances (where there is a clear need unmet elsewhere) provide access to counselling
- provide access to study skills resources
If you have any questions concerning learning support, then please contact us.
