Academic Master's Degree
Master's Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy
The Master's Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the College of International Justice is an advanced academic and applied programme, specifically designed to qualify contemporary diplomatic leaders, strategic analysts, and experts in global affa...
Duration2 years
Credit hours60
DegreeMaster's Degree
Language of studyArabic
Terms4
About the program
The Master's Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the College of International Justice is an advanced academic and applied programme, specifically designed to qualify contemporary diplomatic leaders, strategic analysts, and experts in global affairs. The programme focuses on complex geopolitical challenges; it delves into analyzing the dynamics of the international system, theories of power and balance of power, and state foreign policy, while deepening the understanding of modern diplomatic tools (such as economic, public, and digital diplomacy) and mechanisms for international conflict resolution and strategic negotiation.The programme spans four academic semesters (two academic years), where the student studies 8 advanced courses (5 compulsory and 3 elective), distributed over the first and second semesters, followed by practical application and the completion of a Master's Thesis in the third and fourth semesters. The programme covers complex strategic issues, from advanced theories in international relations and the foreign policy of major powers, through international security and strategic studies, public and digital diplomacy, and culminating in international negotiation and conflict resolution. The programme is distinguished by a teaching methodology relying on Research Seminars and diplomatic simulation, enhancing critical thinking skills, geopolitical analysis, and the formulation of Policy Papers.
Vision
To be the globally preeminent academic and professional destination in preparing diplomatic leaders, strategic analysts, and international affairs experts capable of foreseeing geopolitical shifts, managing complex crises, and enriching strategic thought with original research that contributes to enhancing international peace and cooperation and defending national interests.
Mission
To deliver an advanced postgraduate programme that integrates theoretical rigor in international relations and strategic studies with practical applications of diplomatic arts and negotiation skills, through an interactive educational environment based on simulation and crisis analysis, to qualify cadres possessing high competence to represent their states and institutions, and provide strategic consultancy amidst a rapidly changing global order.
Objectives
- Theoretical and Strategic Depth: Equip scholars with an advanced critical understanding of the theories explaining international relations, the evolution of the global system, and the dynamics of power and influence.
- Developing Rigorous Analytical Faculty: Qualify researchers to produce original scientific theses and Policy Papers addressing contemporary strategic and diplomatic issues and contributing to supporting decision-making.
- Mastery of Modern Diplomatic Arts: Build high competence in deploying public, digital, and economic diplomacy tools in managing international relations.
- Command of Negotiation and Crisis Management: Develop advanced skills in international strategic negotiation, mediation, managing geopolitical crises, and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Understanding Contemporary Security Challenges: Study and evaluate international security issues, from nuclear proliferation and counter-terrorism, to cyber threats and climate change as multipliers of threats to national and global security.
Educational philosophy
The College of International Justice adopts the philosophy of "Applied Diplomacy Based on Geopolitical Analysis and Policy Formulation." This philosophy transcends rote memorization of theories to reach a deep analysis of international events, deconstructing foreign policy decisions, and evaluating the efficiency of diplomatic strategies in achieving national and international goals.This philosophy is embodied in the reliance on Research Seminars which require the student to analytically read peer-reviewed papers and international strategic reports. The programme also strongly focuses on diplomatic simulation (like Model UN and crisis clinics) to exchange best practices in policymaking, while providing a flexible (distance) educational environment catering to the needs of diplomats and government sector professionals and supporting directed self-learning.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge and Understanding: Comprehending the philosophical and theoretical frameworks of international relations, comprehensive awareness of the international system's operational mechanisms, foreign policies of major powers, and understanding the nature of geopolitical crises and international security challenges.
- Cognitive Skills: The ability to critically analyze global shifts, properly characterize strategic decisions, and foresee future trends in international relations based on data analysis.
- Practical Skills: Mastery of professionally drafting diplomatic reports and policy papers, preparing and designing rigorous publishable strategic research, and managing negotiations and crisis simulations (in practical application courses).
Career prospects
Career Outcomes: The programme qualifies graduates to hold prestigious leadership and advisory positions in Ministries of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic corps, International Organizations (UN, Arab League, EU), strategic research centers (Think Tanks), strategic departments in major government institutions, and international media as political analysts.
Curriculum
In-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Geopolitical Analysis 4 credit hours · MIRD501Advanced International Relations Theories and Evolution of Global Order 4 credit hours · MIRD502Foreign Policy Analysis of Major Powers 4 credit hours · MIRD503International Security and Strategic Studies 4 credit hours · MIRD504
International Negotiation and Diplomatic Conflict Resolution 4 credit hours · MIRD505Public Diplomacy and Digital Diplomacy 4 credit hours · MIRD506Economic Diplomacy and International Sanctions 4 credit hours · MIRD507International Organizations and Global Governance Reform 4 credit hours · MIRD508Geopolitics and Regional Geostrategy (The Middle East as a Model) 4 credit hours · MIRD509Human Rights, Humanitarian Intervention, and Transitional Justice 4 credit hours · MIRD510
Frequently asked questions
Detailed Curriculum Structure and Academic Syllabus
The program is based on the sequential intensive courses system, where the student studies 8 courses (5 compulsory and 3 elective courses), distributed over the first and second semesters, followed by the Practical Application phase and the preparation of the Master's Thesis in the third and fourth semesters.Study System: Courses are studied sequentially, with each course taking a minimum of 4 weeks (for 4 credit hours), conducted via research seminars. A student does not move to a new course until passing the competency and knowledge test for the previous one.Study Extension: The student has the right to extend the study of first-year courses for a period not exceeding a maximum of a second year.Specialization Tracks: If a specific specialization track is chosen within the general program, the student must study the elective courses from among the courses designated for the chosen specialization.
How does the mechanism for studying the eight courses work? What is the role of Seminars?
Master's studies at our college rely on directed research methodology and deep analysis of policies and strategies, not rote learning. The student studies 8 courses. Each course is conducted through "research seminars" relying on multiple references and recent international working papers according to scientific research standards. Studying a single course takes a minimum of 4 weeks, and may take longer depending on the student's ability and pace in completing the required analyses. After completion, a competency test is held for the course, and upon passing it, the student begins the next course in the same manner.
Is there flexibility in finishing the first-year courses if I cannot complete them on time?
Yes, the system fully considers the circumstances and professional commitments of the learners, especially diplomats and government employees. The student has the right to extend the study period for first-year courses for an additional period not exceeding a maximum of a second year, giving them sufficient flexibility to deeply absorb complex theories and analyze geopolitical events without undue academic pressure.
What is the nature of the "Practical Application" (Virtual Course) training? Does it require on-site attendance?
The practical training in the courses (Practical Application 1 & 2) is a "virtual" course that does not require on-site attendance but aims to refine your leadership and academic skills in knowledge transfer and simplifying complex strategic issues. You will be asked to restructure an undergraduate course into 12-14 lectures (distributed over the 3rd and 4th semesters), providing a written summary (Word) and recording a voice-over presentation (PowerPoint) for each lecture (lasting 10-20 minutes). This training places you in the role of a trained strategic expert.
When can I start the Master's thesis? What are the requirements for the Jury and approval to defend it?
Thesis preparation (Master's Thesis 1 & 2) effectively begins concurrently with the start of practical training in the third semester, and takes from 9 months (minimum) up to two years (extendable exceptionally for a third year, provided total enrollment does not exceed 4 years). The supervisor submits a semi-annual progress report.To defend: The supervisor must submit a report on the thesis's validity for defense (evaluating your performance out of 140 marks) and propose names for the Jury committee, whose validity period is 6 months. At least 15 days must pass after the committee's approval before the defense. Most importantly: You must obtain at least 70% from both the supervisor's evaluation (out of 140) and the Jury members (in their individual reports out of 100) before being allowed to defend. Post-defense, the committee submits a final collective grade report.
What services support me as a distance learning Master's student at the college throughout my studies?
As a student at the College of International Justice, you will enjoy continuous support including:An Academic Tutor for each module: Evaluates your assignments and practical training (TMAs), provides guidance in using analytical methodologies, and directs you to accredited data sources and archives.e-Library: Comprehensive access to high-quality strategic and research databases and resources, and other university libraries.Student Support Teams and Help Centre: To answer general questions and support your study skills.IT Support: Providing technical support and free access to Microsoft Office 365.Flexible Learning Environment: Includes discussion forums for collaborative work, a weekly study planner to schedule tasks, a tutoring booking system, and interactive Webinars.
Admission requirements
- Holding a Bachelor's degree (Licence) in Political Science, International Relations, Diplomacy, Law, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized university.
- Appropriate language proficiency (in Arabic or English) to comprehend in-depth references, analyze strategic reports, and prepare scientific research and policy papers.
- The ability to commit to the intensive study system based on research seminars, directed self-learning, and completing geopolitical tasks and analyses on time.
- Applicants from non-related backgrounds may be required to pass foundational prerequisite courses as a condition for admission.
Tuition & fees
Application fee$145.00
Start your academic journey today
Submit your application now and our admissions team will contact you to complete the process.
Apply to this programIn-depth Scientific Research Methodology & Geopolitical Analysis
MIRD501 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: Serving as the cornerstone for building master-level research and analytical capabilities in international relations, this is the first course students take. It covers the foundational philosophical and logical methodologies in political and international research, transitioning the student to rigorous practical application using geopolitical and strategic analysis tools. The student trains intensively in using advanced analytical models to evaluate foreign policies, and analyze the structure of the international system and power balances. Focus is placed on how to construct political arguments, analyze foreign policy discourses, and techniques for future foresight and scenario building. The course also emphasizes the practical and academic skills for drafting rigorous research papers and Policy Papers, starting from selecting an original research topic, precisely formulating the problem and hypotheses, and gathering data from primary and secondary sources (such as treaties, international organization reports, and diplomatic archives), culminating in intensive practical training on preparing and drafting Thesis Proposals according to global academic standards. Students learn how to formulate strategic recommendations based on objective analysis. The course is studied through research seminars utilizing multiple references and recent working papers according to scientific research methodology.
Advanced International Relations Theories and Evolution of Global Order
MIRD502 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents an advanced foundational and critical study of the theoretical thought explaining international relations. The course transcends basic concepts to deeply analyze the major explanatory models: Neorealism (focusing on system structure and anarchy), Institutional Liberalism (emphasizing interdependence and the role of organizations), and Social Constructivism (focusing on ideas, identities, and norms). It also extensively discusses critical approaches (such as Neo-Marxism and Critical Theory) and their applications in understanding the dynamics of hegemony and resistance. The course dedicates a wide space to studying the evolution of the global order from the Congress of Vienna and Westphalia, through the bipolar system during the Cold War, to the complexities of the contemporary global order heading towards multipolarity and competition among major powers (USA, China, Russia). The course discusses global governance challenges amidst rising nationalism and protectionism, and structural changes imposed by emerging powers (BRICS) and non-state actors. The course is studied through research seminars relying on advanced references and writings of primary theorists.
Foreign Policy Analysis of Major Powers
MIRD503 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course dives into the theoretical and practical complexities of foreign policy making in major powers with pivotal global influence. The course studies the intellectual evolution of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) models, starting from the rational actor model to bureaucratic, organizational, cognitive models, and crisis decision-making models. It deeply analyzes the foreign policy-making process in the United States of America, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the European Union. The course analytically addresses the internal determinants (like institutions, interest groups, and public opinion) and external determinants (like the international system structure and security threats) that shape the decisions of these powers. It also focuses on reviewing the national security strategies and grand geopolitical orientations of these states (such as China's Belt and Road Initiative, US containment strategies, and the Russian national security doctrine). The course discusses contemporary challenges facing these powers in managing their influence and vital interest zones. The course is studied through research seminars relying on multiple references and analysis of original foreign policy documents.
International Security and Strategic Studies
MIRD504 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The course provides a precise institutional analysis of the concept of security and its evolution in international relations, from the traditional focus on state military and defense security to broader concepts like human, environmental, and economic security. It deeply studies advanced strategic theories, such as deterrence theories (especially nuclear deterrence and the balance of terror), coercion and use of force strategies, arms control, disarmament, and nuclear non-proliferation challenges. The course critically analyzes the nature of contemporary armed conflicts, from conventional wars to asymmetric and proxy wars in zones of geopolitical turbulence. The course also dedicates a large section to discussing non-traditional security threats that transcend national borders, such as international terrorism and transnational networks, cybersecurity and information warfare, and the impact of climate change and environmental degradation as Threat Multipliers on regional and global stability. The course discusses the role of military alliances (like NATO) and the UN collective security system in managing these threats. The course is studied through research seminars relying on multiple references and strategic security reports.
International Negotiation and Diplomatic Conflict Resolution
MIRD505 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: An applied and theoretical course focusing on the art and science behind strategic negotiation and settling complex disputes in the international environment. The student studies advanced theories in negotiation, transcending distributive (bargaining) models to integrative (problem-solving) models and interest-based approaches. The course delves into analyzing the dynamics of multilateral negotiation, and the impact of culture on negotiation styles and trust-building. It also dedicates a wide and advanced space to studying mechanisms of peaceful conflict resolution (preventive diplomacy, good offices, mediation, conciliation), with case study analysis of successful and failed international peace processes. It studies mechanisms for managing diplomatic crises, humanitarian intervention, and Peacebuilding in post-conflict societies. The course aims to equip the international negotiator and mediator with the ability to design effective negotiation strategies, deconstruct the complexities of intractable conflicts, and find common grounds for sustainable solutions. The course is studied through research seminars relying on multiple references and Simulations.
Public Diplomacy and Digital Diplomacy
MIRD506 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides an in-depth applied study of the transformation of diplomatic practices in the era of the information and communication revolution. The course focuses on analyzing the concept of "Public Diplomacy" as a Soft Power tool used by states to influence foreign public opinion, Nation Branding, and manage cultural, educational, and media relations. Great attention is given to the rapid evolution of "Digital Diplomacy/Twiplomacy," tracing how foreign ministries, international organizations, and state leaders employ social media and digital technologies to achieve foreign policy goals, deliver strategic messages, manage crises and public image, and engage directly with broad audiences bypassing traditional diplomatic channels. The course analyzes strategies of international media campaigns, and challenges related to cybersecurity, Disinformation campaigns, and propaganda. The course is delivered via research seminars based on multiple references and practical analysis of international communication strategies.
Economic Diplomacy and International Sanctions
MIRD507 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course addresses the pivotal role of economic tools in achieving the political and strategic goals of states in the international system. It extensively studies the concept of "Economic Diplomacy" in its two aspects: using economic influence to serve foreign policy goals, and using diplomatic channels to promote national economic interests (such as attracting investment, opening markets, and supporting exports). The course deeply analyzes the political economy of international and unilateral "Economic and Financial Sanctions," tracing their evolution from comprehensive sanctions to Smart Sanctions. The course deeply discusses the mechanisms of imposing sanctions, evaluating their actual effectiveness in changing targeted states' behavior, their humanitarian and economic repercussions on global markets and financial institutions, as well as hedging and circumvention strategies adopted by targeted states to navigate an economically weaponized international environment (Weaponization of Interdependence). The course also touches upon the diplomacy of international aid and conditionality. The course is studied through research seminars.
International Organizations and Global Governance Reform
MIRD508 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course studies institutional trends in international relations and the importance of intergovernmental organizations in managing global cooperation and conflict. It analyzes liberal institutionalism theories and the role of organizations in reducing transaction costs, providing information, and building trust among states. The course intensely focuses on the institutional and legal analysis of the UN system's operations, especially the Security Council and General Assembly, evaluating their performance in maintaining peace and security and managing humanitarian operations and peacekeeping forces. The student studies in-depth experiences and comparisons of major regional organizations and their role in managing their regions, such as the European Union, the Arab League, and the African Union. It also analytically touches upon contemporary challenges facing global governance institutions, the crisis of their legitimacy and effectiveness, and ongoing debates regarding the urgent need to reform their structures (especially Security Council reform) to reflect changes in global power balances and represent the Global South. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references.
Geopolitics and Regional Geostrategy (The Middle East as a Model)
MIRD509 4 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course provides a specialized study of the impact of geographical factors (location, resources, topography) on the political and strategic behavior of states. The course focuses on analyzing classical geopolitical theories (like Mackinder's and Spykman's theories) and their contemporary applications in analyzing major power struggles to control vital regions, navigation routes, and energy sources. It deeply analyzes the geostrategic dynamics of the Middle East region as an applied model, addressing chronic regional conflicts, international power interventions, and the impact of the geopolitics of energy and water resources on regional security and stability. The course discusses geopolitical challenges posed by transcontinental infrastructure projects (like China's Belt and Road Initiative) and their impact on redrawing maps of influence and regional alliances. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references and strategic maps.
Human Rights, Humanitarian Intervention, and Transitional Justice
MIRD510 4 credit hours Beginner
•Academic Description: This course addresses one of the most critical portfolios in international relations and foreign policy. It deeply studies the historical and philosophical evolution of the international human rights system, and its transformation into a primary determinant in international relations, the foreign policies of democratic states, and financing institutions. The course focuses on the complex legal, political, and ethical debate surrounding the concept of "Humanitarian Intervention" and the principle of the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) and their applications (or non-application) in armed conflicts and grave human rights violations, contrasting with the principle of national sovereignty and non-intervention. The course critically and precisely analyzes models and concepts of Transitional Justice in post-conflict and democratizing societies, reviewing the mechanisms of truth and reconciliation commissions, criminal trials, reparations programs, and institutional reform to ensure non-repetition and achieve civil peace. The course is studied through research seminars based on multiple references.
Practical Application 1
MIRD601 5 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The student is assigned an undergraduate virtual course (e.g., Introduction to International Relations or Diplomatic History) as applied practical training. This course aims to enhance the student's abilities in knowledge transfer and advanced presentation skills for complex strategic and political concepts in a simplified and rigorous academic manner. The student must design a teaching structure for the first half of this course, dividing it methodically into six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, detailing the objectives and scientific content based on rigorous academic analyses and references. This summary is accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The presentation must be scientifically accurate, focused, and objective, lasting between 10 and 20 minutes per lecture. This practical training evaluates the student's competence in strategic information summarization, academic and executive presence, and presentation skills essential for diplomats, leaders, and strategic analysts.
Master's Thesis 1
MIRD602 9 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents the actual start of work on the master's thesis, commencing concurrently with the practical training. In this section, the student begins the research and preparation phase under direct academic supervision from a specialized professor. The student first focuses on precisely crystallizing an original research problem in the field of international relations, foreign policy, international security, or diplomacy. The student gathers references, sources, academic literature, and primary sources (such as diplomatic documents, treaties, organization reports, and political speeches). Subsequently, the student formulates the theoretical and conceptual framework, and determines the scientific and analytical methodology (such as case study methodology, comparative analysis, or discourse analysis) to be adopted to reach conclusions and test hypotheses. The student submits the research Proposal for approval by the college board. They begin drafting the preliminary chapters, theoretical framework, and literature review of the thesis, laying a solid and coherent foundation for the empirical and in-depth analytical research to be completed in the fourth semester.
Practical Application 2
MIRD603 5 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: The student completes the applied practical training on the virtual course started in the third semester. The student divides the remaining part of the course into another six or seven concise lectures. For each lecture, the student prepares a comprehensive written summary in Word format, accompanied by a video recording where the student presents the lecture using a presentation program (PowerPoint). The recording for a single lecture must not be less than 10 minutes and not more than 20 minutes. This course contributes to consolidating the student's executive presentation skills, successfully completing the requirements for academic knowledge transfer, and confirming their ability to analyze and present complex geopolitical and diplomatic issues with extreme clarity and professionalism.
Master's Thesis 2
MIRD604 9 credit hours Intermediate
•Academic Description: This course represents the second and final half of the work on the master's thesis, continuing concurrently with Practical Application 2. In this section, the research and analytical work started in the third semester is completed. The student writes the analytical and applied chapters, applies analytical methodologies, tests hypotheses validity, and discusses results with precision and objectivity. Crucially in this phase is the student's ability to extract profound strategic insights and conclusions, and provide practical recommendations and Policy Recommendations derived and grounded exclusively on the results of their study to support diplomatic and strategic decision-makers, followed by drafting the comprehensive conclusion. The final draft of the thesis is prepared for methodological and scientific review and auditing by the supervisor, in preparation for submission to the discussion and arbitration committee to obtain final approval for awarding the Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.