Working Internationally

This module will provide you with an overview of the challenges in working internationally and asks: “What are the global governance issues we face today?”

Building on theory, interviews with practitioners, and case studies from around the world, this module addresses the growing concerns in international coordination through supra-national organizations and cultural issues in cross-border work. It explores the relationship between companies, NGOs, and governments in fighting health, poverty, clean energy, and economic growth.

Week 1: New challenges to working internationally and the role of international institutions

During the first week of this module, we will discuss the key challenges to working internationally for civil servants. Firstly, we will learn about multilateralism to understand the nature of the multilateral norms and instruments that can help implement these norms. Secondly, we will discuss different international institutions and their roles. Finally, we will understand the difference between treaties, conventions, agreements, and policies as a part of international relations.

Week 2: Unilateralism, bilateralism, multilateralism, and navigating cultural differences

The second week of the module is focused on the comparison between unilateralism, bilateralism, and multilateralism. During this week we will discuss globalisation including its drivers and barriers; understand the role of culture and cultural differences, and explore how negotiation and dispute resolution work in practice. Students will be provided with real-life case studies to understand the key issues of this week.

Week 3: Working with the EU and non-state actors

The third week of the module will centre on working with the European Union (EU) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). In the first part of the week, students will learn about the structure of the EU, including its institutions and the relationship of the Union with the non-members. The second part of this week will introduce students to relationships with the non-state actors including thinktanks and multinational corporations. Lobbying and city collaboration will be discussed in detail.

Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

• To critically explain the importance of multilateral norms and appraise the roles that international institutions play.
• To critically discuss opportunities and challenges in globalization.
• To analyse tensions between national interests and international collaborations.
• To assess, select and critically apply cultural models when working internationally. 
• To critically evaluate cases in international coordination and negotiation.
• To critically analyse the role of government, NGOs, and corporations toward the UN’s sustainable development goals.

This short course is for mid-career professionals. Standard entry requirements are a 2:1 degree plus 3 years of relevant work experience. Applicants without a 2:1 or higher degree are welcome to apply and typically require 5+ years of relevant work experience.

One written assignment, plus participation in webinars and discussion forums.

Our modules offer high levels of interaction with regular points of assessment and feedback. Each four week module is worth five Master's level academic credits and includes three webinars with a King's lecturer and peer group of global professionals.

Format: Fully online, plus 3 x 1-hour weekly webinars, plus one optional induction webinar in the week before the start of teaching and an optional assessment webinar in Week 4.

This module has been designed specifically for an online audience. It uses a range of interactive activities to support learning including discussion forums, online readings, interactive lectures videos and online tutorials.

Tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Module Creator

Dr Fatima Wang, Lecturer in Marketing. Fatima joined King’s in 2008. She currently teaches Marketing and Sustainability on the MSc International Marketing and Principles of Marketing on the BSc Business Management and MSc International Management programmes. Previous courses taught include Services Marketing and Retailing, International Marketing, International Business and Trade, and Business Contracts.

Please note that this is only indicative information. Lecturers and course content are subject to change. Please contact us directly for the most recent information.