Location:

Berlin, Germany

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Graduate

Term:

Winter Semester, Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

The MA Degree in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy is a Two--year program offered by Furtwangen University (HFU) 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.

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 Furtwangen University (HFU) in Furtwangen, Germany. The unique structure of the program provides the students with the advantage of learning in both the capital of Germany and well as the famous area of the Black Forest 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 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 Furtwangen University (HFU) 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 Furtwangen University (HFU).

The Master’s Degree is awarded by the Furtwangen University (HFU), which is recognized as a fully accredited institution of higher education with the right to award university degrees. The Furtwangen University (HFU) is part of the Bologna Process set in place by the European Commission, and uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to award degrees. Credits obtained through the MA program are equivalent to those of courses at universities in all other 30+ signatory countries. Students will earn 30 credits per semester during the MA program, for a total of 120 credits upon completion.

Setting Description:

The program is composed of 4 Semesters (2 Academic Years). Next start dates Fall Semester 2015: October 1st, 2015; Winter Semester 2016: February 8th, 2016; Fall Semester 2016: October 3rd, 2016. Application deadline Fall Semester: August 31st, 2015 Winter Semester 2016: September 1st, 2015 Fall Semester 2016: June 30th, 2016 Program Structure Semester 1 (30 Credits) (Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies; Berlin, Germany) 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

Cost:

The tuition cost is 12,000 Euros for the full program (6,000 Euros/Academic Year). The fees cover only the tuition fees, and do not include housing or any other living costs and related expenses. Personal Costs - The ICD and the Furtwangen University (HFU) are happy to assist you with advice and support for finding your housing in Berlin and Furtwangen and offer you as well possible affordable accommodation solutions. Scholarships- Scholarships, equaling up to 10% deduction of tuition costs a