Overview
Study the only Gender and Diplomatic Practice Masters in the world taught with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It will equip you to challenge inequality shaped by gender and other social factors, influence policy and lead change on a global scale.
The United Nations has long recognised the importance of gender parity, embedding it within its legislative and institutional frameworks since its establishment in 1945 (source: United Nations Development Programme 2025). This unique MSc combines gender theory and diplomatic training to prepare you for a meaningful career in international relations, human rights and policy making.
On this course you’ll:
- Study global gender identities and their role in diplomacy.
- Learn how to create gender-inclusive environments in international conflicts and understand their importance.
- Explore key concepts such intersectionality.
- Engage in key debates in gender studies.
- Gain in-demand skills for a career in diplomacy and international organisations.
- Have the opportunity to go on field trips to explore real-world situations. Past visits have included the Glasgow Women’s Library and the Scottish Queer International Film Festival.
UN and UN affiliated on-the-job training placement opportunities
As part of the MSc Gender and Diplomatic Practice, you’ll have the opportunity to put your learning into a real-world context through a United Nations on-the-job training placement. These may be at one of the leading UN and UN affiliated bodies such as:
- United Nations Women;
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP);
- Universal Rights Group (URG);
- International Organisation for Migration (IOM);
- International Anti-Corruption Agency (IACA);
- UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF);
- Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
Alternatively, you can opt to complete a digital project such as an online campaign, video or documentary to enhance your employability in the field of gender and diplomacy. Your other option is to develop your research skills by undertaking a more traditional dissertation.
Learn from UNITAR experts
In sessions held by UNITAR experts you'll be taught key approaches to diplomatic practice. You’ll get exposure to real-world applications of diplomacy.
The UNITAR sessions give an overview of diplomatic bodies, practice, and the significance of global gender identities within this field.
Enhance your diplomatic skills with a focus on gender perspectives
On our Masters in Gender and Diplomatic Practice you’ll gain skills in:
- Cosmopolitan Communication;
- Leadership that values all gender identities;
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills;
- Negotiation Skills and Techniques;
- Digital Diplomacy;
- Workplace Ethics.
These practical and transferrable skills are indispensable for a successful career in posts in diplomatic bodies and the international sphere.
Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. In the Faculty of Arts and Humanities we have a dedicated Employability and Skills Officer. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Modules
Teaching
The Gender and Diplomatic Practice course at the University of Stirling invites experts from UNITAR to teach alongside their staff. You’ll explore diplomacy through seminars, discussions, and practical activities. You may also be able to visit the United Nations in Geneva for hands-on learning. The course emphasises independent study and offers personalised feedback sessions with lecturers.
Fieldwork
Some examples of field trips include (indicative list subject to regular review):
- United Nations headquarters in Geneva
- Research placement at the United Nations
Assessment
Assessments vary and may include learning logs, critical reviews, presentations (individual and group), reflective essays, literature reviews, research projects, and academic essays. The assessments are designed to enable students to develop a range of academic and transferable skills and to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and development. Feedback and Guidance sessions with teaching staff are available in all modules. You will also have the opportunity to submit a Dissertation, a Digital Project, or a Policy Paper at the end of the course.
Course director
Key staff
Dr Jacky Collins’ research engages with genders and sexualities in Spanish written and visual cultures and she has a particular interest in detective fiction.
Dr Darren Elliott-Smith specialises in film and television, gender studies/queer theory and has significant research interests in the Gothic and Horror.
Dr Eamon McCarthy’s research explores genders and sexualities across the Spanish-speaking world, with a particular focus on Argentina.
Dr Fiona Noble is an interdisciplinary researcher of contemporary Spanish cinema and audiovisual cultures interested in questions of identity and representation.
Dr Nikolaos Papadogiannis’ research focuses on Europe in the 1960s and 1970s from a transnational perspective, including protest cultures, travel, youth lifestyles, gender, sexuality, migration, emotions and European identities.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Graduating with a Masters degree in Gender and Diplomatic Practice gives you many career routes including:
- International Affairs: roles in governmental and non-governmental organisations focusing on global issues.
- Diplomacy: positions in embassies, consulates, and international diplomatic missions.
- Public Policy: policy-making roles in government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups.
- International Organisations: opportunities within the United Nations, UNESCO, UNICEF, and similar bodies.
Your gender and diplomacy skills add value to your employability. Graduates can also pursue careers in various sectors that offer opportunities to promote gender equality and inclusivity, such as:
- Education and Academia
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Communications and Media
- Healthcare and Social Work
- Legal and Advocacy Work
- Research and Analysis
Salary expectations
Annual salaries for gender and diplomacy roles include:
- Diplomatic Service Officer - £37,000 to £50,000 (National Careers Service)
- Political Consultant - £43,148
- Policy Analyst - £36,917
- Research Consultant - £35,323
(Indeed.com March 2025)
