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Master of Arts

International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy

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Understand and communicate

Are you interested in the exciting world of cultural diplomacy? "Cultural Diplomacy" qualifies you to improve relations and cooperation between different countries and cultures. We'll teach you to understand the connection between international business and cultural diplomacy, which will enable you to enter the sensitive field of international relations!

  • ECTS: 90 ECTS or 120 ECTS
  • Programme duration: 3 or 4 semesters
  • Campus: External
  • Faculty: -
  • Programme begins: summer semester (March), winter semester (September)
  • Application deadline: 15 July (winter semester), 15 January (summer semester)
  • Entry requirements: bachelor's degree
  • Teaching language: English
  • Accreditation: yes
  • Formats: Continuing education programmes
  • Flexible expertise In this master's programme, you will build up your expertise in international relations and global business. Flexibility and a strong intercultural focus are particularly important to us!
  • In the heart of the capital Our university locations are in southern Germany, but we offer IRCD at the campus of our cooperation partner ICD, where you can study "Cultural Diplomacy" in the heart of the German capital, a European metropolis, and build your international network.
  • Two tracks You should plan four semesters for your path to a master's. Depending on your previous qualifications (studies and practical experience), the programme can also be shortened to three semesters.
  • Strong partner In Berlin, you will be taught by competent HFU professors with experience in international organisations. The study programme is organised jointly with the "Institute for Cultural Diplomacy".

Details of the programme

Programme content and structure

In addition to lectures and seminars, the focus of this course is on exchange and communication. We discuss current international topics with specialists from the fields of international relations, economics, communication, politics, human rights, culture, peacebuilding, multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution and development.

First electives

The first semester of ICRD focuses on topics such as the history and development of the field of cultural diplomacy and future trends. We work on international case studies, and you can choose between electives such as Nation Branding, International Organizations, Foreign Policy or European Politics.

Your area of specialisation

In the second semester, students take two electives and a further development programme at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. You will be involved in subject areas such as research or the development of campaigns or projects. Electives allow you to specialise further in various areas of cultural diplomacy.

More in-depth knowledge

In the third semester, we deepen your knowledge in the following subjects: International Relations, Political Economy, Financial Markets and Institutions, Intercultural Communication, Managing Cultural Diversity, International Business Strategy, Business Simulation and Academic Research and Writing.

Your master's thesis

After three semesters of academic study, your master's thesis is due in the fourth semester! We will advise you on the choice of topic for this in-depth analysis, offer workshops to help you prepare and guide you in your search for sources. You will have to defend your thesis in front of a faculty committee before you receive your final grade.

Entry requirements

For admission to the programme, applicants must demonstrate a level of English that allows them to study in this language (B2 level of CEFR and IELTS 6.0 or equivalent level in other tests) 

Participation in a detailed introductory interview may be requested.

Download file:There is no enrollment for IRCD. Students are registered in the programme at Furtwangen University as external, non-enrolled students in accordance with Download file:Section 33 of the Higher Education Act (LHG) (External Examinations).

Tuition fees

There are different tuition fees for the two options Regular or Fast Track: 

Regular (four semesters):
The costs total €12,000: €6,000 before the first semester and €6,000 before the third semester

Fast Track (three semesters):
Costs total €9,000:  €4,500 before the start of the first semester and €4,500 before the second semester

Section 5 Reimbursement of the fee schedule and regulations
If studies are discontinued during a semester, the fee will be reimbursed provided the lecture period has not yet started at the time of discontinuation.

Information on reimbursement can be found in the Download file:Fee schedule and regulations, under Section 5 Reimbursement.

What's covered
Special features

Our cooperation partner

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy ICD
The ICD was founded in 1999 with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the world by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. The ICD is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in the international and intercultural capital of Germany, Berlin. The ICD believes that intercultural and intracultural relationships can be strengthened, maintained and promoted through dialogue and therefore aims to bring people from all walks of life together to start this dialogue. This type of dialogue leads to better understanding and greater trust between cultures, prevents misunderstandings, improves communication and cooperation and helps to reduce the likelihood of socio-cultural conflicts.

Your career prospects

Start your international career

This degree programme prepares you for careers in diverse fields, for example as experts in international relations, politics and culture, cultural studies, business and the financial sector. Your expertise is particularly in demand at governmental and non-governmental institutions with international responsibilities and in international business. Look forward to exciting opportunities worldwide!

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