MA in International Economics, Business and Cultural Diplomacy (Short Track)

Introduction

The MA in International Economics, Business and Cultural Diplomacy is a one year program (3 semesters’ program) offered by the Furtwangen University in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.

Credits - 90 ECTS Credits

Length - 2 Study Semesters + Master Thesis writing semester

Location - 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 can be completed simultaneous to the students’ studies or before or after the second semester.

Tuition - €9,000

The degree provides a comprehensive base of studies in several academic disciplines related to International Economics, Business and Global Politics, with a particular emphasis on cultural diplomacy and its historical and contemporary application in the public sector, private sector and civil society. The degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields, such as the field of international relations, the humanities, business, the financial sector, politics and culture, with a special focus on Cultural Diplomacy institutions and the application of Cultural Diplomacy in the framework of foreign policy and international economics. The program guarantees to provide students with additional expertise in the field of cultural diplomacy, a new and attractive field of studies, which is currently offered as an academic field only through the Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. This particular emphasis on Cultural Diplomacy and its historical and contemporary application in the public sector, private sector and civil society, provides students with expertise in three distinct academic fields, thus with an academic and practical advantage in the European and Global Arena.    

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 will meet with leading experts working in international organizations, embassies, and academic institutions, and will 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 for both academic and professional development, preparing students for careers in diverse fields, such as international relations, the humanities, business, the financial sector, politics and culture, with a special focus on Cultural Diplomacy institutions and the application of Cultural Diplomacy in the framework of foreign policy and international economics. 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. 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, civil society, politics, governmental organizations and international economic organizations, as well as the private sector.

Dates of Next Program for 2020-21 »

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 2020-21, please click HERE.

Program Structure

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

The program follows the conventional university structure of 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 Semesters’ program, however Students who wish to finalize the program after 2 semesters, are able to register to their thesis towards the beginning of the second study semester.

Program Curriculum

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, 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 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 European Politics and Contemporary German Foreign Policy Models of Cultural Diplomacy Religion and Cultural Diplomacy Soft Power, Hard Power and Smart Power Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones *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 (33 Credits) The primary focuses of the curriculum for the second semester are the essential theories, practices, and institutions in the fields of Business and International Economics. Students will attend four modular classes. Mandatory Courses for Semester Two are: Module International Economics Economics International Economics Module Exam in International Economics Module International Financial Markets and Institutions International Financial Markets and Institutions Module International Marketing International Marketing Module International Management Managing in a globalizing world Business Simulation Module International Business Strategy International Business Strategy 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 simultaneous to the students’ 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 Cultural Diplomacy Initiative 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) Following the completion of the 2 study semesters, students will start preparing for their Thesis, which is due to be submitted towards the completion of the program