The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies

BA Program in International Business & Cultural Diplomacy (3.5 Year Program)

BA Program in International Business & Cultural Diplomacy 

Introduction

The BA Program in Political Science is a 3.5 Year Program offered by the Furtwangen University in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.

Credits - 210 ECTS Credits

Length - 7 Semesters

Locations - Berlin, Germany 

Professional Development - 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 is completed during the second semester of studies.

Tuition - €25,000

This undergraduate degree provides students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary education and, in particular, prepares students for careers in the field of international business and international relations. This BA degree qualifies students for all careers which a BA in international business would qualify them for and, in addition, students obtain the unique skillset of cultural diplomacy, which greatly strengthens the student's educational experience as well as their professional portfolio.

In the framework of the interdisciplinary studies, a special emphasis is given to cultural diplomacy and its contemporary application in the public sector, private sector and civil society. Parallel to the studies, students participate in the professional development program of the ICD in order to gain professional experience, relationships and contacts, and to develop their careers simultaneously to the BA.

Dates of Next Program for 2018 »

Enrolments to the Program are possible towards the fall, winter and spring semesters’ start each year. To learn about the possible Start Dates of the program for the academic year 2018, please click HERE.

Professional Development Program »

The Professional Development Program was created and developed in order to equip students with the relevant skill sets, knowledge, professional experience and professional relationships, so that they will be able to acquire a job immediately upon completion of the degree. One of the main goals of the Professional Development program is to enable students to acquire job opportunities and develop their careers in institutions such as the UN, EU, African Union, national governments, national parliaments, international corporations and international NGOs. (More)

Program Curriculum

The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary background in International Business, Economics International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy, using a historical and case study approach. It combines traditional business studies with an international focus and intensive language training and it offers a solid foundation in business studies with specialization in cultural diplomacy.  The program addresses contemporary political science and international issues, with classroom seminars supplemented by lectures at the university as well as: briefings and visits to at international and non-governmental organizations, educational events, conferences, tours, and meetings with foreign officials, which are further incorporated into the curriculum.

Students will meet with leading experts working in international organizations, governments, embassies, and academic institutions, and will engage with specialists in the areas of International Business, Economics Philosophy, Politics, International Relations, Human Rights, Culture, Peace Building, Multilateral Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution, Development, and Economics.

The program provides students with a theoretical and practical experience for both academic and professional development. It allows students to create a solid professional network and form a concrete foundation for future academic and professional career choices. On a practical level, the program prepares students for engagement in the international arena, civil society, politics, governmental organizations and international economic organizations.

The general structure of the program is available below:

Semester 1-7 (210 Credits)

The program includes 7 semesters of studies courses, a personalized professional development program and a final thesis to be submitted at the end of the studies. To see the list of courses and semester structure click here

Mandatory Courses for Semester One are:

During the first semester and parallel to the semesters of studies, students will undertake a professional development and training program at the Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies, through which each student will be able to apply in practice what they learned in theory in the first semester. The professional development will provide students with valuable professional experience and contacts in the fields that they plan to work in after the MA and can greatly improve students' chances of acquiring their preferred career.
 

Key Benefits of the Program:

  • Increase cultural sensitivity and awareness.
  • Provide exposure to international business practices.
  • Provide an understanding of the Cultural and Creative Industries and the role they are now playing in GDP, business and economic development.
  • Improve interpersonal and intercultural communication skills
  • Provide frameworks for regional and country political, economic and social contexts.
  • Provide an understanding of competitiveness in international markets.

Academic Requirements
 

    University entrance qualification (Abitur, high school leaving certificate or equivalent)

    Good English language proficiency (approx. 7 years school English / 530 TOEFL points)

    Language proficiency in regional focus language:

    Focus on Francophone or Hispanic regions: 4–5 years of school instruction or equivalent knowledge

    Focus on Cultural Diplomacy: no previous knowledge necessary