How long is the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies at LSLPE?

The Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies runs 12 to 15 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. All three modes complete the same situation-report portfolio for the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies.

How is the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies delivered?

The Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies is delivered on-campus in London, online and by distance learning. Every mode uses weekly case-room seminars and briefing workshops.

Is the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies UK-recognised?

Yes, the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies is a UK Level 5 award aligned with British International Studies Association, Chatham House and IISS analytical standards.

What are the entry requirements for the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies?

The Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies expects a relevant Level 4 Diploma, Foundation Year, or two years of international, policy or research experience. Portfolio evidence strengthens an application.

What does the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies cost and is funding available?

The Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies is quoted on the LSLPE fees page with staged payment plans and employer sponsorship documentation. Admissions issues a personalised funding letter on request.

Adv Diploma in Global Affairs Studies | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies at LSLPE is a UK Level 5 senior-track qualification running 12 to 15 months across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes. The programme is aligned with British International Studies Association research practice, Chatham House convening standards on global affairs, International Institute for Strategic Studies analytical guidance and Political Studies Association benchmarks on international politics. It carries credit transfer into UK Bachelor's top-up programmes.

By graduation you will have produced a country risk note, delivered a Chatham House-Rule discussion paper, drafted an intelligence-style situation report and completed a portfolio submission on a regional crisis.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with BISA research practice, Chatham House Rule discussion standards and IISS analytical guidance.
Case-room seminars using Chatham House briefings, IISS Military Balance chapters and academic IR working papers.
Situation-report drafting workshops on live global crises.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Guest sessions with practising diplomats and think-tank fellows.
Credit transfer into UK Bachelor's top-up programmes confirmed in writing at enrolment.

What You Will Learn

The main theoretical traditions of international relations including realism, liberalism and constructivism.
Global security including nuclear deterrence, hybrid warfare and cyber operations.
Trade and international political economy including sanctions and export controls.
Development, humanitarian action and complex emergencies.
Diplomacy, negotiation and the diplomatic service.
Regional studies of MENA, Indo-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Global governance and institutions including the UN, G7, G20 and NATO.
Analytical tradecraft including structured analytic techniques.

Who This Course Is For

Policy officers and analysts in diplomatic missions.
Working practitioners in NGOs, humanitarian agencies and international bodies.
Journalists and communicators covering international affairs.
Aspiring diplomats and Diplomatic Academy candidates.
International applicants studying global affairs from a UK vantage point.

Career Pathways

International Relations Analyst
Foreign Policy Adviser
Diplomat
International Affairs Officer
Strategic Intelligence Analyst
Defence Policy Analyst
Global Affairs Analyst
Political Consultant

The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year connecting Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies students with employers across Chatham House-adjacent think tanks, diplomatic missions, defence organisations and international NGOs.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Foundation Year, or at least two years of relevant professional experience in international, policy or research roles.
GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
One academic or professional reference.
Applicants with policy-brief or research portfolios are encouraged to include them.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE is the specialist law, politics and economics division of Harold International College of London, teaching in small tutor-visible cohorts within a short tube ride of Chatham House, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the diplomatic missions of central London. The Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies reads its subject through the working briefings and situation reports that shape live UK international practice.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Advanced Diploma without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service refreshes curriculum annually against BISA, Political Studies Association and Chatham House convening standards.

Apply for Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies

Applications for the Advanced Diploma in Global Affairs Studies open with rolling intakes and admissions responds within one working day. Enrol on a UK Level 5 Advanced Diploma at LSLPE with credit transfer into Bachelor top-ups confirmed in writing at enrolment, and take a credentialed UK step into senior global affairs analysis. Enrol Now