MA in Diplomacy and International Law

As populations flee repressive regimes and political issues have ramifications beyond any one state’s borders, the need for real-world solutions and the leaders who can implement them is paramount. The highly competitive one-year MA in Diplomacy and International Law offers you an interdisciplinary degree including a summer certificate program in human rights run at AUP. Through the program, you will acquire both the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in international law, diplomacy and international advocacy.

Real-world solutions

The program enables you to think critically about complex diplomatic and international legal issues in real-world contexts. By applying theory to practice, you will address some of the key questions facing public and non-governmental institutions around the world, such as “Why do states participate in international institutions that promote global cooperation?” or “How do states and institutions interact when cooperation breaks down and conflict ensues?”

A European Campus

With increasing global interdependence, hard distinctions between foreign and domestic policy no longer exist. The program capitalizes on its location in the heart of Europe to prepare you to tackle pressing contemporary issues in public, comparative, humanitarian and human rights law from a uniquely international perspective.

Innovative solutions, Transferable skills

Your coursework in diplomacy and international law includes elements of international relations, economics, law and political science to examine the problems of our day – and search for the best way to administer and manage innovative solutions. Through the program you will be prepared with the analytical and practical skills to prepare you to serve across cultures and national boundaries, and to analyze geopolitical and diplomatic challenges. You will develop expertise in negotiation, strategic diplomatic thinking and legal analysis to support your next career step.

A Commitment to excellence and social justice

As a student of the program you will be an active proponent of social justice. You will be educated to work in an international environment and to contribute to the resolution of complex global issues that affect the public, non-profit, and private sectors. Arriving at AUP you will have demonstrated academic excellence and a wide range of personal, professional and academic experience, with a strong commitment to an international career in law or public policy.

Program Requirements

As a student of the MA in Diplomacy and International Law you will engage with discipline-specific theoretical constructs through modules designed to enhance critical thinking, as well as graduate-level research and writing capacities. You will have the opportunity to supplement rigorous coursework and professional modules with internships, fieldwork for thesis research, and case study methods for thesis production.

The program features core and elective courses, allowing you to focus on various fields of practice. We cover a rich scope of content from law to international relations and diplomacy, from conflict resolution to human rights, including:

Core Courses

International Affairs Course:

Select two of the following:

Law Course:

Select one of the following:

Ensure your professional impact

Whether in the public or private sector, professionals need to be international and transnational in their outlook and vision. The program prepares you for exciting career paths to effect real change using foundational knowledge of international law across several fields.

As a graduate of the MA in Diplomacy and International Law you will:

• Build an in-depth understanding of a cosmopolitan canon of academic and expert publications in international affairs, international law, public policy, transnational affairs, conflict resolution and civil society development

• Develop clear analytical thinking as demonstrated by contributions to in-class discussions and argumentation as developed in written work including in the exploration of causality in your Masters thesis

• Demonstrate initiative in selecting a range of rigorous academic sources for oral and written work and in the pursuit of original research for your Masters thesis

Internships

During the course of your study, you are encouraged to build on your education at AUP by applying gained knowledge and skills. An internship provides you with the crucial connection between theoretical knowledge and the real world experience that can ultimately kick start your professional career.

In the past our students have undertaken placements with companies that include:

Alumni and Students say...

Experience the Program

Learning methods focus on conventional techniques as well as critical management studies and approaches from other academic disciplines. Courses combine lectures, seminar discussion, case-method and student-directed projects. Within this context, a special emphasis is put on professional skills development and career development. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with each other and program faculty for research projects and specialized directed study courses.

Program Highlight

In 2018, Nicole Santiago (MA International Diplomacy and International Law) and Gabriel Green (Senior, Major International Comparative Politics/Minor International Law), had the opportunity to present to the United Nations. Thanks to the support of the Civic Media Lab.

Find out more about applying to AUP