The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies
MA Program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy (Regular Track)
MA Program in International Relations & 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.Length - 4 Semesters
Location - Berlin/Postdam, 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 through a unique blend of academic education in international relations, political science and multiple academic fields, related to the unique relationships that exist between various nations and cultures & the interaction of nation-states and non-governmental organisations in fields such as politics, economics, security and culture. A particular emphasis is put on succesful strategies, policies and practices of cultural diplomacy for the achievement of international and transnational co-operation & soft power objectives, whether in the public sector, private sector or civil society. The curriculum provides students with expertise in two distinct academic fields, combining both an academic and practical advantage in the global arena, and preparing them for careers in diverse fields such as international relations, politics, international business, 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 also 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 Center 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 centers. 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. 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, 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 possible 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 & International Relations, as well as their applications in various field.Courses for Semester One are:
- Module Academic Skills & Transcultural Competences (6 ECTS)
- Academic Skills & Onboarding
- Transcultural Competences
- Module International Relations (6 ECTS)
- International Relations
- Case Studies in International Relations
- Module examination International Relations
- 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 at 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)
* Facultative Courses for Semester Two, (2 of which each student must undertake), include:
- 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 Economics and International Financial Markets (9 ECTS Credits)
- International Financial Markets and Institutions
- Economics
- Module Managerial and Legal Contexts (12 ECTS credits)
- Managing Diversities
- International Law and Human Rights
- 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
