The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS)

MA Program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy (Two Year Program)

MA Program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy

The MA Program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy is a two year program offered by the Babes-Bolyai University in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.

The program provides a foundation in International Relations, and Cultural Diplomacy, using a historical and case study approach in the framework of international relations theory and political science. The degree focuses on several academic disciplines related to International Relations, 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 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, politics, and culture, 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 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 consists of 120 ECTS Credits in total and has duration of four semesters, which take place in the Center of Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) in Berlin, Germany and in the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj, Romania. This unique structure of the program provides the students with the advantage of learning in 2 different major European cities and thus the opportunity to gain academic, professional and personal experience from living in different cultures. Furthermore, the program’s structure provides a unique opportunity to benefit from the study environment in both an international nongovernmental organization and a traditional public University.

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 first 2 semesters will take place in the Center of Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) in Berlin. The first semester will consist of three mandatory modules and two elective courses. The second semester will consist of the professional development program and 2 elective courses. In the second academic year students will continue to the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj- Romania for the 3rd Semester and the 4th Semester*.  The 3rd semester will consist of three mandatory modules and two elective courses. The 4th semester will consist of Mandatory Developmental Workshop Courses and the writing of the Thesis, as the students will produce a final thesis on a related topic of choice.  At the end of the forth semesters, the students will be then required to defend their Thesis at the Babes-Bolyai University.

* Part of the 4th Semester can also be completed from distance.

Program Structure

Semester 1 (30 Credits)

(Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies; Berlin, Germany)

The first semester in Berlin begins with a Preliminary Studies & Orientation component to prepare students for their academic graduate program. This component offers vital preparatory instruction for the students in familiarizing them with Berlin, Germany, the other students, and what they can expect to encounter during their graduate studies. The Preliminary Studies & Orientation component includes: German language instruction, cultural and historical excursions throughout Berlin, Cultural Diplomacy events, and student orientation.

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
* Elective Courses for Semester One, (2 of which each student must undertake), include:
  • Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
  • Contemporary German Foreign Policy
  • International Organizations
  • European Politics

Semester 2 (30 Credits)

(Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies; Berlin, Germany)

During the second semester, students will undertake a professional development and training program at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy as well as two 2 elective courses. 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
* Elective Courses for Semester Two, (2 of which each student must undertake), include:
  • Models of Cultural Diplomacy
  • Religion and Cultural Diplomacy
  • Soft Power, Hard Power, and Smart Power
  • Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones
  • The Private Sector and Cultural Diplomacy
*Elective Courses - The decision of the offered elective courses 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. Based on this decision, it is possible that only two courses will be offered in the given semester and students will need to take these courses.

Semester 3 (30 Credits)

(30 Credits) (Babes-Bolyai University; Cluj, Romania)

Mandatory Courses for Semester Three are:
  • Negotiations and Intercultural Relations
  • Theories of International Relations
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Power, Influence, and Reputation
Elective Courses for Semester Three, (2 of which each student must undertake), include:
  • Idiosyncrasy and Foreign Policy Decision-Making
  • Global Economic Governance
  • Cultural Diplomacy and Crisis Management
  • Globalization and Cultural Diplomatic Strategy
  • Geo-culture: National and Regional Brands

Semester 4 (30 Credits)

(Babes-Bolyai University; Cluj, Romania)

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. The students will be asked to defend their Dissertation before a panel of Faculty members prior to receiving a final grade.

Students will be required to take four developmental workshop courses, which will guide them in the completion of their thesis.

Mandatory Developmental Workshop Courses for Semester Four are:
  • Methods of Research & Analysis in International Relations
  • Modeling the New Europe
  • Guidelines in Research of the Topic of Dissertation
  • Methods of Writing the Dissertation
* Part of the 4th Semester can also be completed from distance.