Short Track MA in International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy

The short track MA Degree in International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy is a 3 semesters´ program offered by Furtwangen University (HFU) in partnership with the ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy.

©Academy for Cultural Diplomacy - Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies

The degree provides a comprehensive base of studies in several academic disciplines related to International Economics, Business, combining it with Global Affairs & Politics, with a particular emphasis on cultural diplomacy and its historical and contemporary application in the public sector, and the private sector and civil society. The degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields, such as the field of international relations, the humanities, business, the financial sector, 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 program addresses contemporary international issues, with classroom seminars and lectures, as well as educational & cultural events, conferences, professional training, 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, business, the financial sector, 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. 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.

©Academy for Cultural Diplomacy - Center for Cultural Diplomacy Studies

Accreditation

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 HFU is a state university of Baden-Württemberg / Germany. It is accredited by AQUIN with all its study programs and quality-ensuring processes via institutional accreditation (Systemakkreditierung).

The Master’s Degree program is accredited within the framework of this institutional accreditation according to federal law according to § 33 Landeshochschulgesetz Baden-Württemberg (LHG).

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 90 ECTS credits upon completion.

This MA of 90 ECTS is sufficient for a Master’s program in terms of post-studies (PhD) or work placement in Germany.

Program Structure

The program consists of 90 ECTS credits in total and has a duration of two study semesters, a Professional Development Training Program, designed individually for each student and a Thesis to be written during the 3rd semester (no attendance in this semester is required) and to be submitted towards the completion of the program. The Study program is conducted fully in Berlin

The program follows the conventional university structure of a one-year academic program divided into two study semesters, where students are offered elective courses to accompany mandatory courses, a professional development experience and the final thesis to be submitted after the 3rd semester, which is dedicated to the Thesis writing.

*The program is structured as a 3 semester program, however, Students who wish to finalize the program prior to the official duration of the program, are able to submit their thesis and graduate earlier.

Semester 1 (30 Credits)

The main priority of the curriculum for the first semester is to provide students with a solid foundation and understanding of the history and contemporary practice of Cultural Diplomacy, as well as future applications of the field.

Mandatory Courses for Semester One are:

• The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy
• International Case Studies of applied Cultural Diplomacy
• Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy

* Facultative Courses for Semester One, (2 of which each student must undertake), include:

• Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
• International Organizations
• European Studies & Politic
• Soft Power, Hard Power and Smart Power
• Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones
• International Governance: Trade, Finance and Common Pool Resources

*Facultative Courses - The decision of the offered facultative courses in each semester is made by the CCDS faculty, in accordance with the timing period of the Semester, logistical issues as well the planned activities of the ICD during the prospective period.

Semester 2 (30 Credits)

The primary focuses of the curriculum for the second semester are the essential theories, practices, and institutions in the fields of Business and International Economics.

Mandatory Courses for Semester Two are:

• Module International Economics
  • Economics
  • International Economics
  • Module Exam in International Economics
• Module International Financial Markets and Institutions
  • International Financial Markets and Institutions
• Module International Marketing
  • International Marketing
• Module International Management
  • Managing in a globalizing world
  • Business Simulation
• Module International Business Strategy
  • International Business Strategy
• Module Master Thesis
  • Academic Research and Writing

Professional Development Training Program (12 Credits)

The Professional Development Training Program provides students with the opportunity to apply in practice what they learn in theory in their studies and gain valuable professional experience. The program can be completed throughout the program: simultaneous to the students’ studies or before or after the second semester. The professional development program is designed individually with each of the students and is composed of part or all of the following main components:

• Research
• Development of own Initiative / project, supported by the Center
• Participating in and Contributing to ICD’s Projects, Activities and Conferences
• Involvement in independent Initiatives
• Internship in external Organizations and Institutes

Master Thesis (18 Credits along with the Academic Research and Writing module)

Following two semesters of academic study, students will be qualified to write an in-depth analysis on the topic of their choice related to the theme of the program. Students are required to complete a Master's Dissertation during their fourth semester of study, and will be provided with guidance on how to choose an appropriate topic, how to identify and locate the necessary sources. The topic, structure, and length of each Dissertation will be subject to individual review and Faculty mentor approval.