Diploma in International Relations
Course Overview
The Diploma in International Relations is a UK Level 4 practitioner-foundation qualification of 9 to 12 months. The syllabus is aligned with the applied competencies referenced by the British International Studies Association and the Political Studies Association and draws on the applied research programmes of Chatham House and IISS.
By graduation you will have written IR theory essays, produced a country brief in the format used by desk officers, run a simulated Security Council debate, and completed a Diploma project on a chosen international affairs question.
Key Features
- Aligned with BISA and Political Studies Association practitioner competencies.
- Structured study of realist, liberal, constructivist and critical IR theory.
- Country brief drafting in FCDO desk officer format.
- Simulated Security Council and G20 negotiations in the case-room.
- Practitioner briefings from Chatham House and IISS fellows.
- Three parallel study modes: on-campus, live online and distance.
- Clean articulation into Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes.
What You Will Learn
- Compare realist, liberal, constructivist and critical IR theories.
- Draft a country brief and diplomatic cable.
- Analyse the foreign policy machinery of the UK and its counterparts.
- Run a simulated Security Council or G20 negotiation.
- Evaluate the international law framework of a live dispute.
- Interpret cross-national datasets on conflict and cooperation.
- Prepare a foreign policy briefing for a ministerial audience.
- Present submissions in the case-room seminar tradition.
Who This Course Is For
- Certificate holders and Level 3 progressors targeting IR careers.
- Junior policy officers and NGO researchers.
- Journalists and campaigners covering foreign affairs.
- International applicants preparing for UK postgraduate IR study.
- Career changers moving into international programme work.
Career Pathways
- International Relations Analyst at a think tank or NGO.
- Political Analyst in a public affairs firm.
- Policy Adviser on international files.
- Public Affairs Officer at a multilateral body.
- International Development Officer in a bilateral agency.
- Parliamentary Researcher on international committees.
- Programme Officer for a global NGO.
- Foreign Policy Adviser Assistant in a research team.
The LSLPE careers service supports Diploma students with introductions to think tanks, NGOs and campaign teams.
Entry Requirements
- A Level 3 qualification (A-levels, BTEC, Access to HE) or equivalent, OR a relevant Certificate at LSLPE.
- GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
- IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers, or equivalent.
- A personal statement outlining your progression aims in IR.
- Applicants with policy, research or NGO experience are encouraged to reference it at application.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE reads the Diploma in International Relations as the natural bridge between politics and global governance. Chatham House, IISS, the FCDO and the diplomatic missions of Belgravia sit within a short tube ride of the classroom, so Diploma students draw on live UK foreign policy debate rather than textbook reconstructions.
Every intake shares the same weekly case-room seminar with a named tutor. The careers service refreshes curriculum alignment annually against BISA and PSA guidance so Diploma in International Relations graduates step into IR work with a credible, current base.
Apply for Diploma in International Relations
The Diploma in International Relations is a practitioner foundation for anyone building a career in UK or multilateral international affairs. Step up to a UK Level 4 Diploma at LSLPE, three intake windows a year, admissions responds within one working day. Enrol Now.
