The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies
MA Program in International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy (Regular Track)
MA in International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy
Introduction
The MA in International Economics, Business and Cultural Diplomacy is a two-year program offered by the Furtwangen University in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.Length - 4 Semesters
Location - Berlin/Potsdam, 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 - €12,000
The degree provides a comprehensive foundation of studies in several academic disciplines related to international economics and business, and the interconnected disciplines of politics & international relations. A particular emphasis is put on useful strategies, policies and practices of cultural diplomacy for the achievement of international cooperation & soft power objectives, whether in the public sector, private sector or civil society. The curriculum provides students with expertise in three distinct academic fields, combining both an academic and practical advantage in the European and the global markets, and preparing them for careers in diverse fields such as international economic relations, business, the financial sector, politics, the humanities and culture.
The program addresses contemporary international issues, with classroom seminars and lectures, as well as educational & cultural events, conferences, professional trainings, 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 the areas of international relations & economics, business, communication, politics, human rights, culture, peace building, multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution and development.
The program 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 Centre for Cultural Diplomacy Studies offers students a unique opportunity to interact with leading experts and academics at a wide variety of international organisations and research centres. 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. This 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, the civil society, politics, governmental organisations and international economic organisations.
Start Dates »
Enrolments to the Program are possible towards the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters’ start each year. To learn about the Start Dates » of the program, 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 Structure
The program consists of 120 ECTS credits in total and has duration of four semesters, which all take place in Berlin/Potsdam, Germany.
The program follows the conventional university structure of a two academic years’ program divided into four semesters. Students are offered elective courses to accompany mandatory courses, professional development experience and the final thesis.
The study semesters are conducted by the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) and the Hochschule Furtwangen University (HFU), at the Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS)- Griebnitzsee Campus. The study semesters will consist of mandatory modules and Facultative courses, and of the professional development program. On the 4th semester the students will produce a final thesis on a related topic of choice under the supervision of the HFU faculty. At the end of the fourth semester, the students will be then required to submit their thesis.
Program Curriculum
Semester 1 (30 ECTS 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 and its applications in various fields, and of International Business.Courses for Semester One are:
- Module Academic Skills & Transcultural Competences (6 ECTS)
- Academic Skills & Onboarding
- Transcultural Competences
- Module Business Strategy and Sustainability (6 ECTS)
- International Business Strategy
- Sustainable Development Management
- Module International Cultural Diplomacy (12 ECTS)
- The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy
- International Case Studies of Applied Cultural Diplomacy
- Module Electives Cultural Diplomacy- Part 1 (6 ECTS)
- International Organizations
- Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones
- European Studies & Politics
Semester 2 (30 ECTS Credits)
During the second semester, students will undertake a professional development and training program under the supervision of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and two 2 facultative courses.
- Module Professional Development Training Program (18 ECTS)
The Professional Development Training Program aims to advance students professionally, and equip them with the relevant skill sets, knowledge, professional experience and professional relationships, and to enhance employability upon completion of the degree. It provides students with the opportunity to apply in practice what they learn in theory in their studies and to gain valuable professional experience.
The professional development program is designed individually with each of the students, according to personal interests and priorities, and is composed of part or all of the following main components (not a closed list):
- Cultural Diplomacy related own Research project 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
- Courses and trainings which are taken by the students to advance their skills
- Module Electives Cultural Diplomacy- Part 2 (12 ECTS)
- Soft Power, Hard Power, and Smart Power
- Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
- International Governance: Trade, Finance and Common Pool Resources
Semester 3 (30 ECTS Credits)
Courses for Semester Three are:- Module Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy (9 ECTS)
- Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
- Case studies in Future trends
- Module International Economics and Financial Markets (9 ECTS Credits)
- International Financial Markets and Institutions
- International Economics
- Module International Marketing and Management (12 ECTS credits)
- Global Management Perspectives
- International Marketing
- Business Simulation
Semester 4 (30 ECTS Credits)
Following three 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 the HFU Faculty mentor approval.
- Module Master Thesis (30 ECTS)
- Academic Research and Writing
- Master Thesis
