The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies

MA Program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy (Regular track)

MA Program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy

Introduction

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

Credits - 120 ECTS Credits

Length - 4 Semesters

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 is completed during the second semester of studies.

Tuition - €12,000
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, International Economics, International Communications, Management and Leadership, with a particular emphasis on Cultural Diplomacy and its historical and contemporary application in the public sector, private sector and civil society. 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, 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 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.

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, 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 first 2 semesters are conducted by the Center of Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS). The First semester will consist of three mandatory modules and two Facultative  courses. The second semester will consist of the professional development program and 2 Facultative  courses. The 3rd Semester and the 4th Semesters are conducted by the Furtwangen University (HFU), Berlin Campus.  The 3rd semester will consist of four mandatory modules. On the 4th semester the students will produce a final thesis on a related topic of choice and will undertake a Project Work course/Workshop related to the preparation of the Thesis.  At the end of the forth semesters, the students will be then required to defend their Thesis.

*Order of the semtsers might change, based on the starting point of the program (Fall, winter or Spring start)

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
  • Contemporary German Foreign Policy
  • International Organizations
  • European Politics

Semester 2 (30 Credits)

During the second semester, students will undertake a professional development and training program at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy as well as two 2 facultative 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
  • Involvement in independent Initiatives
  • Internship in external Organizations and Institutes
* Facultative 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
*Facultative Courses - The decision of the offered elective 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 3 (33 Credits)

Mandatory Courses for Semester Three 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

Semester 4 (27 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 Faculty mentor approval.