Leadership and Statecraft

The specialisation in the field of study International Relations (single degree)

In a world where global challenges demand visionary decision-makers, leadership is no longer a choice – it’s a responsibility!

The MA in Leadership and Statecraft empowers you to step into the role of a political leader who shapes international policies, inspires change, and navigates the complexities of diplomacy. 

Apply now
Type of studies: Master's degree
Language of instruction:
English
Duration: 2 years
Studies mode:
  • full-time studies
    (admissions closed)

Programme description

The current political and international environment is marked by growing complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change. Decisions taken by leaders increasingly extend beyond national borders, shaping security, stability, and development at regional and global levels. In this context, leadership cannot be understood merely as the exercise of formal authority; it requires the ability to understand political processes, engage in dialogue, make responsible decisions, and act effectively under pressure.

Leadership and Statecraft examines how power is exercised, how political strategies are formulated, and how key decision-making institutions operate in practice. By integrating perspectives from politics, diplomacy, and public policy, the field provides deeper insight into the mechanisms shaping contemporary international affairs and the role of leadership in national and global decision-making.

The MA in Leadership and Statecraft is designed for individuals who aspire to operate in leadership roles on the global stage. Combining rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical application, the programme develops leaders capable of addressing complex political and social challenges.

Through an innovative curriculum that includes debates, policy simulations, and collaborative projects, students not only study leadership but actively practise it. The flexible programme structure enables students to balance professional responsibilities with academic development.

Key learning areas include:

  • Political leadership and communication – negotiation, persuasion, and team dynamics;
  • Global policy-making – decision-making in international and governmental institutions;
  • Crisis management – responding effectively to international conflicts and high-pressure situations.

Are these studies for you?

This programme is ideal for individuals who: 

  • aspire to lead roles in diplomacy, government, or international organizations,
  • are passionate about solving global challenges like security, economic inequality, and migration,
  • aim to combine strategic thinking with leadership in political or business sectors,
  • seek to build decision-making expertise in high-stakes international environments. 

Study programme

The curriculum combines practical experience with critical analysis of international relations, offering courses such as:

  • political leadership and strategic communication
    enhance your ability to lead and inspire in dynamic global environments,
  • global policy-making and governance
    analyse policy mechanisms and understand global decision-making processes,
  • crisis management and conflict resolution
    develop skills for managing high-pressure political situations,
  • international security and risk analysis
    gain expertise in identifying and mitigating global security threats

Additionally, students can engage in extracurricular activities like: Debate Club, Negotiation Club, Student Foreign Affairs Club. 

Choose studies with free Coursera e-learning!
Get unlimited access to over 600 interesting courses.

Programme benefits

By choosing the Leadership and Statecraft specialisation, you will: 

  • develop leadership skills: gain expertise in team management, negotiation, and public speaking,
  • explore policy-making mechanisms: understand the intricacies of global diplomacy and international governance,
  • gain practical experience: intern in embassies, government agencies, international organizations, and top think tanks,
  • learn from experts: study under renowned lecturers with international academic and professional experience,
  • join exclusive student clubs: engage in debate clubs, negotiation clubs, and expert-led events to hone employability skills,
  • small group learning: benefit from personalized mentorship and collaboration in small class sizes. 

The teaching programme is tailored to the real requirements of the labour market!
Classes are taught in small groups by lecturers who are also practitioners!
Lazarski University offers an exceptional campus experience in a prime location!
Lazarski University is in a prime location in Warsaw's Mokotów district, providing students easy access to the metro station and various tram and bus routes. 

Academic staff

Prof. Krzysztof (Christopher) Lazarski

Professor of Politics and History at Lazarski, where he has been teaching since 1996; Deputy Dean in charge of validated programmes in International Relations and Economics; Programme Director of IR.

Christopher Lash Ph.D.

Assistant Professor in International Relations at Lazarski University, where he has been teaching since 2011. Director of the Center for Government Studies

Michał Kuź Ph.D.

Holds PhD at political science, an expert in international relations, scholarship recipient of the Fulbright Foundation, and member of the Philadelphia Society.

Joshua Phillip Walcott Ph.D.

Doctor of Politics at Lazarski University, where he has been teaching since 2022; Fellow at Caribbean Progress Studies Institute (CPSI), where he specializes in Afro-Caribbean political thought. Education: Ph.D in Political Science

Jakub Wódka, Ph.D.  

Professor at the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, career diplomat.  Graduate of International Relations, Turkology, and International Business and Management

Job prospects

Graduates will be prepared for prestigious roles such as:

  • Diplomat
  • Political Advisor
  • Government Strategist
  • National Security Specialist
  • Think Tank Analyst
  • International Affairs Consultant

Tuition fees
for the academic year 2025-2026

full-time studies
Tuition Fee - 1 year
(2 semesters)

2 x 2400 EUR

Tuition Fee - 2 year
(2 semesters)

2 x 2520 EUR

Application process

  1. Register online
    You can enrol at our University in a few simple steps:

  2. Pay the admission fee and submit your documents 
    Admission fee is EUR 17* (bank account details will be available in the Candidate’s Account after online registration)
    *Lazarski University graduates are exempt from the admission fee. Please, note that admission fee is non-refundable.

  3. Deliver documents to the Admissions Office 
  4. Check the ranking list
    You will receive your acceptance letter by email or in the Admissions Office.

  5. Congratulations - you are a student!
    Are you already among our students? We encourage you to download all useful information we have prepared for those who are beginning their studies at Łazarski University! Student Welcome Pack.

Apply now

See also

Specialisation

Geopolitics

Faculty: Faculty of Economics and Management

Type of studies: Master's degree

Language of instruction: English

Duration: 2 years

Studies mode:

  • full-time studies
    (admissions closed)

Choosing Geopolitics specialisation equips you with the analytical skills to understand and navigate complex global dynamics!