M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy

The Masters in international relations and diplomacy program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and contacts that will allow them to pursue a career in international organizations, NGOs, government, diplomacy, international business, the media industry, journalism, academia, or other branches of international affairs.

• Students in this program are awarded an M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy degree accredited in the United States (Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through Arcadia University)

• M.A. students may earn a Certificate of Specialization in a field of their interest

• M.A. students may spend a semester in the U.S. at Arcadia University (Pennsylvania)

• M.A. students have the opportunity to learn French and receive a diploma of French language studies (DELF) recognized in Europe. See page on optional French language courses.

• M.A. students may also opt for one of the double-degree programs to obtain a European Master's degree in Strategic Negociation or International Law in addition to the American M.A.

Duration of the program

The M.A. of International Relations and Diplomacy program is a two-year program. Students typically take four courses every semester in their first year, and three courses every semester in their second year in order to have more time to conduct the research and writing of the final Master thesis.

However, it is possible to complete the M.A. program in 18 months, with the same curriculum and requirements on an accelerated, more intensive track.

The M.A. program may also be taken part-time. This is particularly suitable for professionals who wish to integrate the program into their work schedule. Scheduling may be arranged according to each student's particular constraints.

Curriculum

The M.A. program combines an academic with a professional approach.

Required courses cover the disciplines of political science, economics, international law, international organizations, and diplomacy. A broad range of electives is available to explore other areas of international affairs. See Curriculum.

Students are encouraged to take internships as part of their curriculum to acquire practical experience in international affairs while earning credits. See Internships.

Master's students may specialize in one of the following areas and obtain, in addition to their M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy, a certificate in their specialized field:

• European Studies

• African Studies

• Middle-Eastern Studies

A unique aspect of AGSIRD is the very close guidance provided to students in the research and writing of their Master's thesis. In addition to regular one-on-one meetings with an advisor, three courses are dedicated to the research, methodology and writing of the thesis to ensure its structured and timely completion.

Semester in the U.S.

During the course of their studies at AGSIRD, students have the opportunity to spend one semester in the U.S., at the school's partner institution Arcadia University (Pennsylvania), taking courses in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program.

See more information on the partnership here.

Requirements for the M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy

• Seven core required courses

• Five elective courses (of which two must be area courses)

• Two thesis courses

• Research, writing, and defense of a 25,000 to 35,000 word thesis

• Intermediate level of French by graduation (2 on the ALTE scale, A2 on the CEF scale French Language Proficiency Level Scale)

Full-time students complete all the requirements for the Master's degree within two years (four consecutive semesters) of their initial registration at AGSIRD. Students can also choose to complete the program in 18 months through the accelerated track, or take it part-time.

The normal number of courses per semester for typical two-year full-time students follows a 4/4/3/3 or a 4/4/4/2 pattern for a total of 14 courses over four semesters.

Requirements for the Certificate of Specialization

Students who wish to specialize in an area and obtain a Certificate of Specialization must meet the following requirements in addition to the requirements for the M.A. degree:

• All elective courses offered that relate to the specialization should be included in the elective courses required for the M.A. degree

• Students must read extensively from a booklist provided by AGSIRD

• Students must pass a comprehensive oral exam in the area of specialization

• Students must choose a thesis topic related to the area of specialization

An advisor who is a specialist in the area chosen supervises the student's progress in that area.