MA in International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy

Short Track MA Program in International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy

The Degree is offered by Furtwangen University (HFU), Germany in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy

©Academy for Cultural Diplomacy - Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies

The degree provides a comprehensive foundation of studies through a unique blend of academic education in international relations, political science and multiple academic fields, related to the unique relationships that exist between various nations and cultures & the interaction of nation-states and non-governmental organizations in fields such as politics, economics, security and culture. A particular emphasis is put on successful strategies, policies and practices of cultural diplomacy for the achievement of international and transnational cooperation & soft power objectives, whether in the public sector, private sector or civil society.

The curriculum provides students with expertise in two distinct academic fields, combining both academic and practical advantages in the global arena. It prepares them for careers in diverse fields such as international relations, politics, international business, the humanities and culture.

The program addresses contemporary international issues, with classroom seminars and lectures, as well as educational & cultural events, conferences, professional training, tours, visits and meetings with foreign officials, which are further incorporated into the curriculum. Students meet with leading experts working in international organizations, embassies, and academic institutions, and engage with specialists in international relations & economics, business, communication, politics, human rights, culture, peacebuilding, multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution and development.

The program also provides students with practical experience and prepares students for careers in the above-mentioned diverse fields. On a practical level, the international environment of the Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies offers students a unique opportunity to interact with leading experts and academics at a wide variety of international organizations and research centers. Students are empowered as critical partners, working with peers and university staff to define, develop and transform the learning environment and their own learning experience. They act as collaborators and co-creators in the production of knowledge, engaging in research and investigation throughout their program of study.

This exceptional learning environment leads to original research and independent study opportunities. It allows students to create a solid professional network and form a concrete base for future academic and professional career choices, preparing students for engagement in the international arena, in the private sector, civil society, politics, governmental organizations and international economic organizations

©Academy for Cultural Diplomacy - Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies

Accreditation

The Master’s Degree is awarded by the Furtwangen University (HFU), which is recognized as a fully accredited institution of higher education with the right to award university degrees.

The HFU is a state university of Baden-Württemberg / Germany. It is accredited by AQUIN with all its study programs and quality-ensuring processes via institutional accreditation (Systemakkreditierung).

The Master’s Degree program is accredited within the framework of this institutional accreditation according to federal law according to § 33 Landeshochschulgesetz Baden-Württemberg (LHG).

The Furtwangen University (HFU) is part of the Bologna Process set in place by the European Commission, and uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to award degrees. Credits obtained through the MA program are equivalent to those of courses at universities in all other 30+ signatory countries. Students will earn 30 credits per semester during the MA program, for a total of 90 ECTS credits upon completion.

this MA of 90 ECTS is sufficient for a Master’s program in terms of post-studies (Ph.D.) or work placement in Germany.

Program Structure

The program consists of 90 ECTS credits in total and has a duration of two Study semesters, a Professional Development Training Program, designed individually for each student and a thesis to be written during the 3rd semester and to be submitted towards the completion of the program.

The program follows the conventional university structure of 3 Semesters: a one-year academic program divided into two study semesters, where Students are offered facultative courses to accompany mandatory courses, a professional development experience and the final thesis to be submitted after the 3rd semester, which is dedicated to the thesis writing.

*The program is structured as a 3 semester program, however, Students who wish to finalize the program earlier, are able to submit their thesis prior to the final deadline (prior to the end of the third semester).

Semester 1 (30 Credits)

The main priority of the curriculum for the first semester is to provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of the history and contemporary practice of Cultural Diplomacy & International Relations, as well as future applications of the field.

• Mandatory Courses for Semester One are:
• The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy
• International Case Studies of applied Cultural Diplomacy
• Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy

* Facultative Courses for Semester One, (2 of which each student must undertake), include:

• Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
• International Organizations
• Soft Power, Hard Power and Smart Power
• Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones
• European Studies & Politics
• International Governance: Trade, Finance and Common Pool Resources

*Facultative Courses - The decision of the offered facultative courses in each semester is made by the CCDS faculty, in accordance with the timing period of the Semester, logistical issues as well the planned activities of the ICD during the prospective period.

Semester 2 (30 Credits)

Mandatory Courses for Semester Two are:

• Module International Relations
  • International Relations
• Module International Political Economy
  • International Political Economy
• Module International Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Module International Financial Markets and Institutions
• Module International Communication
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Managing Cultural Diversity
• Module International Strategic Management
  • International Business Strategy
  • Business Simulation
• Module Master Thesis
  • Academic Research and Writing

Professional Development Training Program (12 Credits)

The Professional Development Training Program provides students with the opportunity to apply in practice what they learn in theory in their studies and gain valuable professional experience. The program can be completed simultaneously to the student’s studies or before or after the second semester. The professional development program is designed individually with each of the students and is composed of part or all of the following main components:

• Research
• Development of own Initiative/project, supported by the Center.
• Participating in and contributing to ICD’s Projects, Activities and Conferences
• Involvement in independent Initiatives
• Internship in external Organizations and Institutes

Master Thesis (18 Credits along with the Academic Research and Writing module)

Following two semesters of academic study, students will be qualified to write an in-depth analysis on the topic of their choice related to the theme of the program. Students are required to complete a master’s Dissertation during their fourth semester of study, and will be provided with guidance on how to choose an appropriate topic, how to identify and locate the necessary sources. The topic, structure, and length of each Dissertation will be subject to individual review and Faculty mentor approval.