Is the Diploma in International Studies an international relations or politics qualification?

Both. The Diploma in International Studies combines international relations theory with comparative politics and policy analysis. It is designed as a foundation for further degree study and for entry-level analytical work, not as a specialist single-field qualification.

Do I need a politics background to enrol in the Diploma in International Studies?

No. The Diploma in International Studies is open to A-Level leavers and career-changers without prior politics study. What you do need is an interest in current affairs and a willingness to read widely from week one.

Can I take the Diploma in International Studies online?

Yes. The online route runs live cohort sessions and tutor-marked work on the same syllabus as on-campus. Distance learners follow a structured deadline schedule with weekly tutor contact and an asynchronous discussion forum.

What kind of research project will I do on the Diploma in International Studies?

A 5,000–7,000 word research piece on a regional or thematic question agreed with your supervisor. Recent students have worked on the EU's relationship with the Western Balkans, climate finance flows, and the political economy of Indo-Pacific trade.

Is the Diploma in International Studies recognised by UK employers?

Yes. The Diploma in International Studies is a UK qualification at Level 5 aligned to Political Studies Association and BISA introductory standards. UK think tanks, NGOs, civil-service entry programmes and international journalism outlets recognise the credential.

Diploma in International Studies | LSJHML London | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in International Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification for students who want a working command of international relations, comparative politics and policy analysis before committing to a full degree or moving into a junior analytical role. You will study the major schools of international relations theory, examine current international questions through structured case studies, and produce a research piece on a regional or thematic question.

This Diploma is for people who read international news and want to understand it more deeply than the news itself can. The Diploma in International Studies is built around the analytical tools think tanks, government departments and international journalists actually use.

Key Features

UK Diploma credential in international affairs, aligned to Political Studies Association and BISA introductory standards.
International relations theory module — realism, liberalism, constructivism and contemporary critical approaches.
Comparative politics strand — case studies across democratic and authoritarian systems, the UK, EU, US, China, India, and selected regional cases.
Policy analysis workshop — issue framing, options analysis, the briefing format.
Three study modes — on-campus, online with live cohort sessions, or distance learning with structured deadlines.
Final research project on a regional or thematic question supervised by an experienced analyst.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in International Studies is structured around the analytical tasks an entry-level international analyst is asked to do — reading a current event in theoretical context, comparing political systems with discipline, writing a briefing that decision-makers can use, and contributing to a research team.

Foundations of international relations — major schools, key concepts, current debates.
Comparative politics — democratic and authoritarian systems, state-formation, regime transition.
International institutions — UN, EU, NATO, regional bodies, the international economic system.
Regional studies — selected regions in depth, with current debates and country-level case material.
Policy analysis — issue framing, options analysis, briefing-writing.
Research methods — primary sources, secondary literature, basic quantitative tools.
International political economy — trade, finance, development, climate.
Ethics and accountability in international affairs.

Who This Diploma Is For

A-Level leavers committed to careers in policy, think tanks, civil service or international journalism.
Career-changers from teaching, journalism or NGO work moving into structured analytical roles.
Civil society and advocacy workers wanting a credentialled analytical foundation.
International students preparing for a BA in international relations or political science at LSJHML or a partner university.

Career Pathways

The Diploma in International Studies is a foundation credential for entry-level analytical and research work. Typical first roles include:

Political Analyst Assistant (think tank, consultancy, government department)
Policy Researcher (think tank, NGO, charity)
International Relations Officer (NGO, public body)
Think Tank Researcher (research assistant level)
Junior Diplomat or Foreign Office Assistant (entry routes)
Journalism Researcher (specialist international outlet)

Graduates progress to a BA in international relations, politics or related discipline at a partner university, or to the Higher Diploma in Social Development Studies at LSJHML.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (A-Levels, BTEC, or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement; an interest in current affairs and a willingness to read widely are essential.
Mature applicants (21+) may apply with two years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.