How long is the MSc in International Governance Studies?

The MSc in International Governance Studies runs for one year full-time or two years part-time at LSLPE, and includes a dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project.

How is the MSc in International Governance Studies delivered?

The MSc in International Governance Studies is available on-campus in central London, online, and by distance learning, all with the same seminar timetable and dissertation supervision.

Is the MSc in International Governance Studies recognised in the UK?

Yes, the MSc in International Governance Studies is a UK Level 7 postgraduate degree aligned with Chatham House and BISA analytical practice.

What are the entry requirements for the MSc in International Governance Studies?

You need a UK Bachelor's at 2:2 or above, IELTS 6.5 if a non-native speaker, and a 500-word research proposal; senior practitioners are considered on portfolio for the MSc in International Governance Studies.

What are the fees and funding options for the MSc in International Governance Studies?

Fees are confirmed at application, with instalment plans and employer-sponsorship guidance for diplomats and analysts on the MSc in International Governance Studies.

MSc in International Governance Studies | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MSc in International Governance Studies is a UK Level 7 postgraduate degree running one year full-time or two years part-time. It reads global governance as a coordinated set of regimes and institutions: the UN system, the WTO, international financial institutions, sectoral regimes for climate, health and security, and the transnational regulatory networks that link national administrations. The syllabus is aligned with Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) analytical practice and Institute for Government-adjacent research on international coordination.

By graduation you will have produced a full regime-mapping study, a comparative institutional analysis, a policy brief on a live cross-border governance question, and a dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project supervised by a working international-governance practitioner.

Key Features

One year full-time or two years part-time, on-campus, online or by distance learning.
Syllabus aligned with Chatham House, British International Studies Association and IfG-adjacent standards.
Guest input from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office alumni, multilateral secretariat staff and international-regulator practitioners.
Dissertation, capstone or sponsor consulting project supervised by a working international-governance practitioner.
Case material drawn from published UN resolutions, WTO Appellate Body reports and multilateral institution operational manuals.
Named programme tutor and full academic-writing support for the dissertation.

What You Will Learn

International-relations theory applied to governance: liberal institutionalism, constructivism, English School.
The UN system: General Assembly, Security Council, ECOSOC and specialised agencies.
International trade governance: WTO architecture, dispute settlement and plurilateral agreements.
International financial governance: IMF, World Bank, BIS and Financial Stability Board.
Climate and environmental governance: UNFCCC, Paris Agreement and biodiversity regimes.
Security governance: NATO, OSCE and UN peacekeeping.
Transnational regulatory networks in finance, competition and data protection.
Independent research methods for a Master's dissertation.

Who This Course Is For

Working diplomats, foreign-service officers and multilateral secretariat staff.
Policy officers in Whitehall departments with international responsibilities.
International lawyers and regulators moving into governance-focused roles.
Working professionals in international NGOs and think tanks.

Career Pathways

Foreign Policy Adviser
Diplomat with a governance specialism
International Relations Analyst
Strategic Intelligence Analyst
Global Affairs Analyst
Public Affairs Consultant on international mandates
Development Diplomat

The LSLPE careers service holds year-round links with the FCDO, multilateral secretariats, Chatham House and BISA-adjacent research bodies, and supports MSc candidates from CV clinic through to dissertation and interview.

Entry Requirements

A UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant discipline.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Applicants without a Bachelor's degree but with 5+ years of senior professional experience in diplomacy, international relations or international regulation are considered on portfolio.
One academic and one professional reference.
A 500-word research proposal or professional practice statement.

Why Study at LSLPE

The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches international governance where UK international policy is made, within walking distance of the FCDO, Chatham House, the multilateral missions of central London and the international-affairs think-tank cluster. Guest sessions come from working diplomats and multilateral secretariat staff.

Three parallel study modes let qualified practitioners, in-post diplomats and international applicants complete the MSc without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service maintains active links with the FCDO, multilateral bodies and international think tanks.

Apply for MSc in International Governance Studies

Applications for the MSc in International Governance Studies are open, with named admissions support for international applicants. Enrol on an LSLPE Master's programme, dissertation, capstone or sponsor project supervised by practising barristers, policy advisers and City economists. Enrol Now