LoadingLoadingLoadingLoadingUnderstand global politics, diplomacy, and security
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International Affairs at ALU examines how states, institutions, and non-state actors shape world order. You will analyse conflict, cooperation, human rights, and economic diplomacy through historical and contemporary lenses. Debate-style seminars develop argumentation skills; research methods training prepares you for policy briefs and dissertation work. Edinburgh's diplomatic community provides guest lectures and networking opportunities throughout the programme.
Model United Nations and crisis simulation weekends are embedded in Years 2 and 3.
Faculty spotlight
Professor Elena Vasquez researches EU governance; Dr. Marcus Chen specialises in Indo-Pacific security.
Study online
Tuition is free. Examinations are free. There is no exam fee. Study from anywhere in the world.
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| IA101 | Introduction to IR Theory Introduction to IR Theory — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA102 | Global History since 1945 Global History since 1945 — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA103 | International Political Economy International Political Economy — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA104 | Research & Academic Writing Skills Research & Academic Writing Skills — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA105 | Comparative Politics & Government Comparative Politics & Government — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA106 | International Law & Human Rights Foundations International Law & Human Rights Foundations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| IA201 | Security & Strategic Studies Security & Strategic Studies — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA202 | International Organisations & Multilateralism International Organisations & Multilateralism — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
|
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| IA301 | Diplomacy, Negotiation & Conflict Resolution Diplomacy, Negotiation & Conflict Resolution — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA302 | Global Governance in the Digital Era Global Governance in the Digital Era — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
|
Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
The published duration is 3 years full-time. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
This is a fully online award. You study from your country. No student visa and no campus relocation are required.
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. Examination or administrative fees may apply at checkout — never an annual tuition invoice. Check the Fees page for any extras.
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. Arab Leadership University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@aleaderuni.com.
Recognised & Accredited
| 20 |
| IA203 | Human Rights & Sustainable Development Human Rights & Sustainable Development — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA204 | Foreign Policy Analysis Foreign Policy Analysis — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA205 | Geopolitics & Regional Powers Geopolitics & Regional Powers — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA206 | Research Methods in International Relations Research Methods in International Relations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| 20 |
| IA303 | International Migration & Global Borders International Migration & Global Borders — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA304 | Emerging Global Security Threats Emerging Global Security Threats — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 20 |
| IA305 | Honours International Affairs Dissertation Honours International Affairs Dissertation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 40 |