MA Program in International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy (One Year Program)

MA Program in International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy (One Year Program)
 (Next Start;  Fall Semester- October 1^st 2014 or November 17^th, 2014 ; Winter Semester- January 5^th, 2015 or February 16th, 2015; Spring Semester- March 30^th, 2015 or May 11^th, 2015 )

The Degree is offered by offered by Furtwangen University (HFU) in partnership with the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy

 Overview

The degree provides a comprehensive base of studies in several academic disciplines related to International Economics, Business and Global 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 trainings, 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.

Program Curriculum

The program consists of 60 ECTS credits in total and has duration of two semesters, which take place in both Berlin, and Furtwangen (Germany) a Professional Development Training Program, designed individually for each student and a Thesis to be submitted towards the completion of the program. The first semester of the program is hosted by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin and the second semester is hosted by the Furtwangen University (HFU) in Furtwangen.  

 The unique structure of the program provides the students with the advantage of learning in both the capital of Germany and well as the famous area of the Black Forest thus the opportunity to gain academic, professional and personal experience from living in different cultures. Furthermore, the program’s structure provides a unique opportunity to benefit from the study environment in both an international nongovernmental organization and a traditional University.

Further information about the Program’s structure and curriculum is found under:
http://www.ccds-berlin.de/index.php?en_ma_iebcd_fw_1   

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 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 60 credits upon completion.

Admissions

Individuals studying for the MA will represent a diverse range of cultural and academic backgrounds. Candidates will include recent BA graduates as well as young professionals who combine strong academic backgrounds with significant 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*. We do not consider any one element of an application exclusively. Rather, our admissions 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.

• Current undergraduate students are able to submit an application and participate in the pre-enrolment process, by submitting a confirmation of their current studies and their transcripts.

All courses are taught in English, thus an evidence of adequate competence in English is required for the applicants whose mother tongue is not English. If you have studied at least 1 semester in an English language and/or have extensive working experience in the English language, a certificate/Document which attests this fact will be sufficient as well.

The application form is found under: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.de/index.php?en_application-form_ccds_ma 

Once submitting the online application form, we will then refer to you with an e-mail, indicating your application reference code and will outlining all the next steps, including the supporting documents required for the application.

Applications are being processed on a regular base, as enrolment to the program is possible towards fall, winter and spring start, each year.

Dates of Next Programs for 2014-15

Enrolments to the Program are possible towards the fall, winter and spring semesters’ start each year. Program's Next Start;

Fall Semester- October 1st 2014 or November 17th, 2014

Winter Semester- January 5th, 2015 or February 16th, 2015

Spring Semester- March 30^th, 2015 or May 11^th, 2015

For additional information on the Admission Process and the supporting documents required, please visit: http://www.ccds-berlin.de/index.php?en_ba-ma_application-procedure

Financials

Tuition- The tuition fee stands on 9,000 Euros for the full program for all students. The fees cover only the tuition fees, and do not include housing or any other living costs and related expenses.  

Personal Costs - The ICD and the Furtwangen University (HFU) are happy to assist you with advice and support for finding your housing in Berlin and Furtwangen and offer you as well possible affordable accommodation solutions.

Scholarships- Scholarships, equaling up to 10% deduction of tuition costs are available for students based on educational excellence and financial need. Although each scholarship request will be evaluated on an individual basis, students are expected to have an above-average grade point of 4.5 (of 5.0) in order to qualify for a grant and then to prove financial need. The Financial Aid application is a two-step process; Students interested in applying for a scholarship are required to submit their initial aid application request as soon as they have formally applied to the program, completed the first step of the application, and have been accepted into the program. Scholarships are then determined for the second semester.