Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations & Global Studies

Why read for a postgraduate diploma in International Relations & Global Studies?

The Institute of International Relations (IIR) is introducing a revised Diploma programme. Now, titled the Diploma in International Relations and Global Studies, the programme offers new students the opportunity to transition to the Masters programme once the requisite performance requirements are met. The programme has always been a highly recognized and reputable programme within the Caribbean region. With the changing global geo-political landscape, the Diploma explores the shifting dynamics of an increasingly interdependent world, and its complex multidimensional issues and explains the world in which we live and operate.

We seek students who are passionate about making a positive contribution to our societies and the world at large. Our Staff are eager to ensure greater dialogue and communication for its students through teaching and learning, diversity and inclusion, research and deeper community engagement. We also organize study tours and participate in Model UN competitions such as the annual Harvard Model UN competition and other Model UN competitions and debates.

What does the programme offer?

The programme will help students develop highly sought-after skills and expertise that can be applied to any career, including:

Research and Administrative skills
Critical thinking and analytical skills
Scientific methods competencies
Cross-cultural awareness
Cognitive and interpersonal skills

Which careers can International Relations lead to?

The teaching and training in International Relations will equip students for employment across a range of careers. A graduate Diploma in International Relations and Global Studies can lead to employment in the civil service or a career as an analyst or policy advisor for the numerous organisations that require IR expertise. Graduates seeking jobs with NGOs and other Institutions realize that the Diploma places them at an advantage over the competition for heavily subscribed positions. Graduates may also want to use their expertise to build a career in business, journalism, politics or activism. In any profession, an employer will value an IR graduate's research and analytical skills.

Among other areas, our graduates can obtain positions as:

Consulate Representative
Foreign Affairs Analyst
Humanitarian Relief Worker
International Lawyer
Foreign Service Officer
International Relations Professor
Interpreter/Translator
Language Instructor
Trade Specialist
Researcher

Course Offerings:

The courses that are currently offered as part of the Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations & Global Studies are as follows:

Core:

INRL 5000: Specialized Seminar

INRL 5002: International Law

INRL 6001: Advanced Theory of International Relations: Globalisation and Development

INRL 6020: Research Methods: Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for International Relations(Year Long)

Elective:

Two (2) Elective (any elective offered at the IIR)

Foreign Language Component

A departmental credit requirement for all IIR PG Diploma or MSc students without previous foreign language certification at CAPE or undergraduate degree:

INRL 5010: Any foreign language offered by the Centre for Language Learning (CLL)

Foreign Language courses are non-credit compulsory courses.

Students are required to have an adequate knowledge of a second language. Where a student fails to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in a foreign language, he/she is required to read for Levels 1A&B of any language offered at the CLL.

Possession of a suitable qualification in one of the recognized foreign languages (as demonstrated for example by a degree or major) or satisfactory performance in the oral language proficiency assessment administered at the CLL will be sufficient grounds for exemption from the language component

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the prescribed course of study for the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Global Studies is normally open to university graduates holding a good second-class honours degree or a GPA no lower than 2.5 or to persons holding equivalent qualifications from approved professional bodies.

However, possession of a degree does not automatically entitle a candidate to admission. The Admissions Committee may request an interview with applicants. Applications for admission should be made online at https://sta.uwi.edu/admissions/postgrad/.

For further information on the programme, the courses, and more, interested persons are advised to consult the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Global Studies available here.