The LLM/MA Diplomacy and International Law is a flexible and engaging degree that provides an introduction to diplomacy, foreign policy and international law. Jointly delivered by the Law School and the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion (PPR), it enables students to deepen their understanding of the social, legal, economic and political issues playing out on the world’s stage.

Lancaster's Law School is home to the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice, the Centre for Law and Society, and the Centre for Child and Family Justice. These centres underpin our postgraduate teaching and students will have access to the expertise of academics working in the field of research into politics, international relations, legal and socio-legal issues.

The pathway for the LLM/MA ensures a duality in the nature of studies. Core and elective modules from the Law School and PPR and a 20,000 word dissertation enable students to pursue their own interests whilst becoming practiced at looking at issues from different perspectives.

The dissertation is an independent, in-depth inquiry into a research topic of each student's choosing that has been agreed together with their academic supervisor. The topic should link to a key legal or political question or issue and may also directly relate to the student's professional/career interests. This is the student's opportunity to make a contribution to the academic community with new, original research and writing. A dissertation supervisor can provide students with support and introduce them to relevant material and research; our aim is that their personal research interests will align with their chosen topic, wherever possible.

The supervising department for the dissertation, and the balance of modules studied, dictate which award the student will receive: LLM or MA.