Power, peace, order and challenge
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.
Ready to advance your knowledge of international relations? Apply and enrol by 31 May 2026 to save £150 on your course fee (terms and conditions apply).
Why choose this course with us?
- Access Cambridge teaching in a flexible format: part-time and online
- Gain a credited, Cambridge award: boost your learning and career opportunities
- Join our peer-learning and Cambridge alumni communities: connection and support, for life
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Course overview
Course information
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 9 October 2026 - 9 June 2027.
Live teaching sessions for this course occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Teaching sessions vary in length from one hour to 4 one-hour long interactive seminars running on the same teaching day. Session timings are typically in the early evening or, for longer sessions, 11am to 4pm or 5pm. The dates for teaching sessions are as follows:
- Fri 09 October 2026
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026
- Friday 13 November 2026
- Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026
- Friday 08 January 2027
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 January 2027
- Friday 05 February 2027
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February 2027
- Friday 09 April 2027
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April 2027
- Friday 30 April 2027
- Saturday 08 May and Sunday 09 May 2027
Exact teaching dates and times will be confirmed in the course guide upon enrolment.
Michaelmas term: International Relations in Theory and Practice
- Unit 1 start date: 9 October 2026
- Unit 1 end date: 6 January 2027
The unit will review the historical evolution leading to the establishment of the international order within a system of anarchy, and the processes entailed in structuring the international community of states. It will include discussion on the political thought that framed the growth of international institutions and international law, and the intellectual grounding for understanding the nature of contestation and cooperation. You will engage with realist and liberal approaches to conceptualising global governance and states’ interactions, to strengthen your foundations in the field.
Lent term: Sovereignty, Security and Power
- Unit 2 start date: week commencing 4 January 2027
- Unit 2 end date: 24 March 2027
This unit will interrogate the concept of the state as sovereign actor within the international system. You will consider state behaviour and the nature of power in a world governed by great power competition, spheres of influence, alliances, enmities, and international political economy and trade relations. In thinking about the state in both theoretical and practical ways, however, you will also start to examine how other actors and systemic factors challenge the state’s sovereignty and security. You will be encouraged to think critically about the nature of security, hard and soft power, and different kinds of war, including conventional, proxy, nuclear, economic, terrorist and cyber, and how states strategically position their foreign policies and international communications, to address threats and opportunities.
Easter term: The End of History? Climate Change and Other Global Threats
- Unit 3 start date: week commencing 29 March 2027
- Unit 3 end date: 9 June 2027
As the world transitions from being unipolar to multipolar, regional competition and fragmentation are on the rise, with implications for territorial boundaries, economic relationships and structural revision at the international level. You will consider changing tensions within the global system brought about by ideology and cultural identity, globalised social media networks, regionally networked social movements such as the Arab Uprisings and the shared challenges presented by environmental issues and their consequences.
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 PACE Admissions along with 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.
Your application will be reviewed by PACE Admissions along with the Course Director or Academic Director who will decide whether to make you an offer of a place.
English language requirements
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet the requirements of one of the language proficiency tests below. You’ll need to complete your test and submit the results to our admissions team by 15 September 2026.
IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake
Overall score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component.
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Home Edition
https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
Overall score of 92, with no element below 20.
(Please note that changes to TOEFL Internet Based Test and Home Edition mean that it will no longer be suitable for entry to Cambridge at Undergraduate level from 21 January 2026. Tests taken after this date will not be accepted.)
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/
Overall score of 176, with no element lower than 169.
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 demonstrate your learning using a range of assignments submitted during and at the end of each unit. 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 first year of a full-time undergraduate degree. It offers 60 CATS credits, which are recognised by higher education institutions and employers.
Hours of study
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.
Fees
The total fee for this course is shown above in 'Course details'.
To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments. For more information on payment options, and how to secure your place, see how to pay.
Funding
We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support before applying to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries.
Undergraduate early enrolment offer
Want to learn for less? Apply and enrol by 31 May 2026 and you'll save £150 on your course fee. Terms and conditions apply.
We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.
