MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia

Program Overview

The MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia online program provides a comprehensive understanding of international affairs and diplomacy, with a focus on the East Asia region. It equips students with critical thinking skills, in-depth knowledge of East Asia's political economy and international relations, and the ability to analyze and engage with theoretical and empirical content. Graduates are prepared for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, research, and other fields related to global affairs.

Program Outline

MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia (Online)

Degree Overview:

The MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia online program offers a comprehensive understanding of international affairs and contemporary diplomatic practice with a particular focus on the East Asia region. Utilizing a combination of interdisciplinary approaches, cutting-edge research, and public discussion on diplomacy and international affairs, this program delves into the complexities of international affairs and diplomacy specific to East Asia. This program equips students with the ability to critically analyze and engage with theoretical and empirical (historical and/or contemporary) content related to international studies, diplomacy, and the political economy in the East Asia region.

#Objectives:

• Enhance students' understanding of contemporary diplomatic practice and international affairs
• Develop critical thinking skills in the context of diplomacy and international studies
• Provide in-depth knowledge of the East Asia region's political economy, diplomacy, and international relations
• Equip students with skills for analyzing and engaging with theoretical and empirical content relevant to East Asia and the wider international sphere.

Outline:

Structure:

The MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia online program is comprised of core modules, elective modules, research mini-modules, and a dissertation on a East Asia-related topic. Students have the flexibility to complete this program within two calendar years, studying two modules and one research mini-module per six-month study session.

Modules:

The program offers various modules, encompassing core subjects and electives spanning different areas, including:

• Core Modules:
• The Art of Negotiation
• Economy, Politics and Society in East Asia
• Elective Modules (East Asia):
• Afghanistan: Strategic and Geopolitical Perspectives
• China's Global Governance Role
• Economy, Politics and Society in Southeast Asia
• East Asia Security
• Japan in the World
• Korean Unification and Security
• Taiwan’s International Relations
• The US and East Asia
• Elective Modules (Diplomacy):
• Diplomacy and Power: International Actors in the Middle East
• Global Challenges: Science Diplomacy
• America and the World: US Foreign Policy
• Cultural Diplomacy
• Digital Diplomacy
• Global Media
• Global Public Policy

Research Mini-Modules:

In addition to the taught modules, students engage in four research mini-modules which contribute to the development of their dissertation research skills.

Dissertation:

Students complete a dissertation (60 credits) on a topic related to East Asia, encompassing their research findings and analysis.

Assessment:

Assessment in this program utilizes a multifaceted approach, combining written online assessments ('e-tivities') for each module constituting 30% of the final grade. The remaining 70% for each module comes from a 5,000-word essay. The dissertation is assessed by submission of a written dissertation of no more than 15,000 words (excluding bibliography and appendices), accounting for 85% of the dissertation module mark. The remaining 15% of the mark is based on a 1,500-word research proposal submitted within another research module.

Teaching:

The program fully utilizes online delivery via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing access to learning materials and course resources at any time. This enables students to tailor their studies around existing commitments. Interactive forums facilitate peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing among students.

#Teaching Methods:

• Online learning through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• Asynchronous learning, allowing students to study at their own pace
• Comprehensive study timetable to guide students through the program
• #Faculty:
The program boasts experienced and renowned faculty, including:
• Dr Yanan Song: Lecturer in Global Politics, specializing in Diplomacy and Public Policy

Careers:

Graduates of the MA Global Diplomacy: East Asia online program are prepared for careers in diverse fields, including:

• Diplomatic services
• International organizations
• Research and consultancy
• NGOs and civil society organizations
• Government agencies
• Academia

Other:

• The program welcomes applications from individuals from various academic backgrounds and work experiences.
• The program is offered on a part-time basis, allowing students to balance their studies with existing commitments.
• The program provides access to a wide range of online resources and learning materials.