Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)in partnership with
The International Telematic University Uninettuno (UTIU)

Online MA Program in International Relations & Cultural Diplomacy

The program consists of 120 ECTS credits in total and has duration of four semesters, which take place completely online. If students prefer, however, they are able to participate in semester one and two in the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin and then semester three and four online.

The degree focuses on several academic disciplines related to International Relations, International Economics, 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 degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields, such as the field of international relations, the humanities, politics, and culture, with a special focus on Cultural Diplomacy institutions and the application of Cultural Diplomacy in the framework of foreign policy and international economics.

The curriculum is designed to include a mixture of video-lessons, seminars, exercises, conferences, as well as tutoring and research activities. The Online MA is divided into sixteen modules comprising both mandatory and elected subjects.

For each module, a coordinator, a professor (communicating via video-lectures), and a tutorial professor (communicating interactively via the web-platform and other mediums) is provided to students in order to teach each subject in a thorough and comprehensive manner. The students play an active role in their studies and interact with the aforementioned individuals due to the flexible and interactive nature of studying online. During course of their studies, the students receive guidance via an online tutoring system, which equips them with the necessary tools for successful studies.

Accreditation

The Master's Degree is awarded by The International Telematic University UNINETTUNO, which is recognized as a fully accredited institution of higher education with the right to award university degrees.

The International Telematic University UNINETTUNO 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 our 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.

The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS)

The Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies (CCDS) is the world's leading center for the study of Cultural Diplomacy, offering educational and professional development opportunities for individuals, interested in pursuing further education and careers in academia, diplomacy, government, and/or the private sector, related either wholly or in part to the field of Cultural Diplomacy. The CCDS focuses in particular on exploring the balancing between hard and soft power, the process of globalization in an interdependent world, international economics & business multiculturalism, intercultural dialogue & exchange, human rights, religion, and the ability for culturally based initiatives to further mutual understanding and in turn to foster global peace and stability.

The CCDS programs offer high levels of leadership and provide students the skills to shape their future leadership roles, while addressing the critical issues challenging the world today. The programs provide advanced knowledge and analytical tools for the study and practice of cultural diplomacy and the potential that it has in shaping international policies and global strategies

The CCDS programs are divided into the following categories: Distance Learning Courses, Professional Development Certificate Programs, and Degree Programs in Cultural Diplomacy.

The CCDS Faculty is composed of professors, high profile politicians and experienced professionals from the public and private sectors.

The CCDS’s faculty and advisory members have worked intensively and collectively to design innovative degree programs that provide a unique approach to the study of the fields of international relations, global economics, intercultural relations, art & culture, globalization and global governance. The traditional academic components of a degree in these fields have been adapted to fit in the dynamic, rapidly changing world. To that end, our approach to contemporary global affairs focuses also on the increasingly important roles of soft power and cultural diplomacy in world affairs.

The programs are unique and innovative in their content and approach and offer professional development in cultural diplomacy and related fields. For students with an interest in foreign policy, international affairs, cultural diplomacy, political science, or international economics, the programs provide a platform from which students can gain hands-on experience and high-level knowledge; equipping students with the tools to launch their career even before the completion of their studies.

The CCDS Degree Programs operate under a joint partnership between the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy and leading European universities. The Degrees are all awarded by the Universities, which are recognized as fully accredited institutions of higher education with the right to award university degrees, are part of the Bologna Process set in place by the European Commission, and use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to award degrees. The programs provide the students with the advantage of learning in various major European cities and thus the opportunity to gain academic, professional and personal experience from living in different cultures.

The International Telematic University Uninettuno (UTIU)

The International Telematic University Uninettuno (UTIU) is a single institution with a wide-reaching audience. At Uninettuno , prestigious professors from the most important universities of the world teach courses in various languages in both real and virtual classrooms over the Internet.

The International Telematic University Uninettuno is a distance-learning institute allowing individuals to study from anywhere. Across the world you can have access to knowledge without any space, time or geographic limits. Distances are no longer an obstacle. Thanks to new technology, the production and dissemination of knowledge can take place through collaborations with the best Universities of the world. The International Telematic University Uninettuno was born precisely with this spirit in mind. Students can broaden the scope of their knowledge, study and learn about different cultures. In this way, they can expand on their learning experience in a productive and cooperative way.

Admissions requirements

Individuals studying for an MA in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy will represent a diverse range of cultural and academic backgrounds, and will have consistently demonstrated academic excellence and leadership. Candidates will include recent BA graduates as well as young professionals who combine academic backgrounds with work experience. Individuals are required to hold a BA degree (or equivalent Degree) of minimum of 3 years studies, as degrees from across the world and from any field are acceptable.

The admissions panel does not consider any one element of an application exclusively. Rather, the panel considers academic achievement as well as personal qualities such as strength of character, motivation and the ability and willingness to take on new academic challenges. Our aim is to attract students from a variety of backgrounds and countries that will foster a unique and diverse learning environment.

All courses will be taught in English, and proficiency in English is therefore a pre-requisite for application. For non- English native speakers, a Test (TOEFL or similar) or a proof attests that the applicant has studies at least one semester in English is sufficient for proving the level of English.

Minimum IELTS: 5.5

Required Documents:

• Official Undergraduate Degree certificate and Transcript*

• Copy of Passport

• Personal Statement- Applicants are asked to submit a personal statement of no more than 700 words explaining their motivation for undertaking the MA Program.

• Curriculum Vitae (Resumé) no longer than 2 A4 pages.

• Certificate for language competencies- required for applicants whose mother tongue is not English. If you have studied at least 1 semester in an English language, a certificate which attests this fact will be sufficient as well.

• Essay - An Essay relating to applicant’s personal interests and passions, pertaining to the fields of the MA program is required. The Essay should be of no less than 2 A4 pages long and of no more than 5 A4 pages long. Possible themes and reading materials will be sent to the applicant in the e-mail responding to the online application.

• Additional Documentation (not compulsory)- recommendation/reference letters