LoadingLoadingLoadingLoadingUnderstand power, diplomacy, and global governance
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The MA International Relations at ALU examines how states, international organisations, and non-state actors shape world politics. Core modules cover international theory, security studies, diplomatic history, and global political economy. You will simulate UN Security Council negotiations, write policy briefs for real NGOs, and engage with faculty who have served in diplomatic corps and multilateral agencies. The programme prepares graduates for careers in foreign services, international NGOs, journalism, and further doctoral study.
Simulations include UN Security Council crises, trade negotiations, and humanitarian access dilemmas. You will brief a policy audience in written and oral formats each term. Language support modules (French, Arabic, Spanish) are optional electives.
Faculty spotlight
Ambassador (ret.) James Thompson teaches diplomatic practice; Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid researches Gulf–Africa economic corridors.
Study online
Tuition is free. Examinations are free. There is no exam fee. Study from anywhere in the world.
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| IR501 | Theories of International Relations Theories of International Relations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR502 | International Security & Conflict International Security & Conflict — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR503 | Global Political Economy Global Political Economy — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR504 | Diplomatic History since 1945 Diplomatic History since 1945 — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| IR505 | International Law & Organisations International Law & Organisations — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR506 | Foreign Policy Analysis Foreign Policy Analysis — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
|
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| IR601 | Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar Contemporary Geopolitics Seminar — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR602 | Policy Simulation & Negotiation Policy Simulation & Negotiation — 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 24 months. 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
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR507 | Research Methods in IR Research Methods in IR — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR508 | Regional Studies (Africa, Asia, or Europe) Regional Studies (Africa, Asia, or Europe) — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 3 · 30 h |
| 3 · 30 h |
| IR603 | MA Dissertation MA Dissertation — core module covering foundational concepts, applied practice, and formal assessment on this degree pathway.
| 6 · 60 h |