International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy Furtwangen University

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)

Courses are held in English (100%).

"International Relations" will enable graduates to deal with complex situations that result from globalised societies and economies. The Berlin-based "International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy" programme provides a deep understanding of international politics, society and economics with a strong intercultural focus.

"Cultural Diplomacy" facilitates and improves relationships and collaboration between disparate cultures. Together, "International Relations" and "Cultural Diplomacy" open new horizons based on intercultural understanding in a globalised society.

Regular track: three semesters
Long track: four semesters

Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, we recommend applying by 15 July to start in the winter semester and by 15 January to start in the summer semester.

Regular track (four semesters):
First payment instalment: 6,000 EUR
Second payment instalment: 6,000 EUR

Fast track (three semesters):
First payment instalment: 4,500 EUR
Second payment instalment: 4,500 EUR

Semester one (30 CREDITS)

Mandatory courses for semester one

• Academic Skills & Onboarding
• Transcultural Competences
• International Relations
• Case Studies in International Relations
• The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy
• International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy

Elective courses for semester one (students must select two)

• Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
• International Organisations
• European Politics

Semester two (30 CREDITS)

During the second semester, students will take a professional development training programme at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy as well as two elective courses. The professional development training programme is designed individually with each student and comprises some or all of the following main components:

• Research
• Development of Cultural Diplomacy Initiative
• Participating in and contributing to ICD’s projects, activities, and conferences

Elective courses for semester two (students must select two)

• Models of Cultural Diplomacy
• Religion and Cultural Diplomacy
• Soft Power, Hard Power, and Smart Power
• Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones

Semester three (30 CREDITS)

Mandatory courses for semester three

• Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
• Case Studies in Future Trends
• Economics
• International Financial Markets and Institutions
• Managing Diversities
• International Law and Human Rights
• Business Simulation

Semester four (30 CREDITS)

After three semesters of academic study, you are required to complete a Master's thesis in the fourth semester, which will be an in-depth analysis on a topic of your choice related to the theme of the programme. You will be provided with guidance on how to choose an appropriate topic and how to identify and locate the necessary sources. The topic, structure, and length of each thesis will be subject to individual review and faculty mentor approval. In addition, you will take a course/workshop related to the preparation of the thesis. You will be required to defend your thesis before a panel of faculty members prior to receiving a final grade.

Professional Development Training Programme

The professional development training programme is designed individually with each student. More information on the programme is provided in the section "Course organisation".

3,000 EUR

Regular track (four semesters):
First payment instalment: 6,000 EUR
Second payment instalment: 6,000 EUR

Fast track (three semesters):
First payment instalment: 4,500 EUR
Second payment instalment: 4,500 EUR

None

Bachelor's degree

Proficiency in written and spoken English at minimum level B2 Common European Framework of Reference is required. Examples of proof of such proficiency include proof of having studied for a minimum of one semester in an English-taught study programme, a minimum of one year of work experience in an English-speaking foreign country, or a relevant internationally recognised language test. A minimum of 72 points must be gained on the Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT) or the equivalent on other similar language tests.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. However, we recommend applying by 15 July to start in the winter semester and by 15 January to start in the summer semester.

No