GSD

Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

ZU

ZU

ZU

ZU

Program Duration

Location

Credit Hours              

Cost Per Credit Hour

3 Semesters (On Average)

Abu Dhabi

30

AED 4,267

Zayed University's Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs aligns with the United Arab Emirates' key national initiatives, including UAE Vision 2030, UAE Soft Power Strategy, and the UAE Foreign Policy Vision. These initiatives highlight the country's commitment to fostering strong global partnerships, promoting peace, and enhancing international cooperation, all of which are critical elements of the Master of Diplomacy and International Affairs. 

The interdisciplinary nature of the program prepares graduates to navigate complex global challenges, contribute to international relations, and advance research that supports the UAE's strategic goals. By aligining master's degree studies with these priorities, students will be well-prepared for careers in diplomacy, global governance, and international policy. 

Eight reasons why you should enrol in Zayed University's Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs:

1. Comprehensive Understanding of Global Politics and Law: Knowledge of local and international contemporary history, characteristics and major elements of an interconnected global economy, law of the nations, and modern theories in international politics will enable you to effectively engage in cross-border negotiations and international diplomacy. 

2. Ethical Considerations and Practical Applications: Learn how to handle ethical dilemmas in diplomacy through practical exercises, case studies, and guest lectures, offering insights into both local and global practices.

3. Cultural Competence: With a focus on intercultural communication, you will be equipped to work effectively in diverse international environments, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. 

4. Expertise in Diverse Channels of Diplomacy: Understand and learn how to utilize diverse channels of diplomacy, including new-age and digital diplomacy to engage with global audiences, address urgent challenges, and enhance a country's global influence in real-time.

5. Research-Driven Diplomacy: Contribute to the UAE's international objectives, fostering innovation and enhancing the effectiveness of its diplomatic efforts.

6. Blending Theory with Diplomatic Practice: Engage in practical projects and simulations, fostering a deeper understanding of diplomatic strategies and international policymaking.

7. Engagement with International Entities: Interact with international organizations and embassies, gaining firsthand experience and insights into the workings of global diplomacy.

8. Career Flexibility and Advancement: With a transferable skill set in diplomacy, policy analysis, humanitarian aid, and intercultural relations, graduates are prepared for high-level careers in government, international organizations, think tanks, NGOs, multinational corporations, security agencies, and academia. 

 Dr Bashir AbulQaraya

As the UAE continues to expand its global influence, there is a increasing demand for professionals skilled in diplomacy, international affairs, and global cooperation. The Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs not only prepares graduates to meet that demand but also empowers them to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the UAE's global standing. Meet with Dr Bashir AbulQaraya, Graduate Program Coordinator, Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs to discuss how this program can support your career aspirations in key sectors and contribute to the UAE's growth and global influence.

Graduate Student Reflection

ZU

Holding a graduate degree from a highly reputable university such as Zayed University was a great opportunity for me. The University’s name itself reflects great pride as it holds the name of the founder of this great nation – The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. I was very keen in rejoining Zayed University after graduating from the Executive Masters in Health Care Administration for many reasons. As a healthcare administrator, I found the unique Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program as the ideal graduate program to further develop my communication and negotiation skills that are also excellent for career advancement. The University also offered a high quality academic curriculum in their masters in diplomatic studies and provided me a chance to polish my leadership skills and improve my managerial capabilities.


Highly qualified and experienced professors provided personal and direct guidance to students. The faculty have both excellent academic backgrounds as well as years of real life experience in the field of diplomacy. Students in the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program were also supported by a range of academic support services designed to assist us to achieve the best outcomes. This has made my studies so much more fruitful.

The Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program has equipped me with the in-depth knowledge and tools that improved my professional and personal skills and more so my decision-making abilities. I was privileged to interact with students from different backgrounds other than health care thus providing me with an opportunity to further develop my professional network.

My overall experience at Zayed University was truly outstanding and the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program learning outcomes have positively impacted my career advancement and promotion.

                                       

Ali Obaid Saeed Khalaf AlShamsi
Executive Masters in Health Care Administration Graduate with Higher Distinction
Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs Graduate with Higher Distinction

Professional Outcomes

Zayed University educates future generations of diplomats for dynamic and exciting careers in diplomacy and international affairs in private and public sector organizations. However, today’s diplomats work on a broad range of topics such as climate change, conflict resolution, preservation of cultural property, environmental and humanitarian issues, global health, and science and technology, to name a few. Possible career choices include:

Government Organizations (i.e. Foreign Service, Ministry of Interior, Department of Defense)

International Civil Service

International NGOs (Development and Humanitarian Assistance)

International Business

Think Tanks

News Media

University Teaching and Research

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Political and Economic Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program, the student will demonstrate a detailed understanding of advanced political, economic, and historical concepts, a strong ability to connect these various disciplines together when explaining local and international events, and advanced skills when evaluating current international affairs and state relations.

  • Research and Communication Capacity

Upon successful completion of the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program, the student will show an advanced ability to investigate, assess and use data from multiple sources using information technology tools, a solid proficiency in qualitative research methods when executing high-quality projects whether independently or as part of a team, highly-developed problem-solving skills when evaluating complex concepts and information, and a strong ability to present and explain findings to a wider audience.

  • Global Awareness

Upon successful completion of the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program, the student will assess and critique the various political, economic, historical and social forces affecting events in various areas of the world, analyze the many socio-cultural norms shaping the international system, and appraise complex ethical issues happening in different contexts to form educated and informed opinions.

  • Public Diplomacy

Upon successful completion of the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program, the student will apply complex tools of public diplomacy in the conduct of foreign relations and demonstrate responsibility and autonomy when initiating and undertaking diplomatic and professional exercises in the classroom and at the workplace.

  • Global-Local Relations

Upon successful completion of the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program, the student will analyze the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in international affairs, evaluate the complex political, administrative, and legal structure of the state, and produce, in a responsible and autonomous way, further approaches, strategies and practices to the understanding of the UAE’s contributions to the international political and economic system.

Curriculum

To earn a Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of study. Twenty-four (24) credit hours must be taken from Core Courses and six (6) credit hours from Area Studies Courses.

Program Required Courses (24 Credit Hours Required)


POL623 International Relations
POL633 Diplomatic History: The Shaping of Contemporary International Affairs
POL643 International Political Economy
POL653 Public Diplomacy
LAW663 The United Arab Emirates: Political and Administrative Structure
POL673 International Relations of the U.A.E.
POL683 Politics of Oil
POL693 Security Studies

Area Studies Courses (6 Credit Hours Required)


Students will have to enroll in two courses with an Area Studies focus which will be based on the needs of each individual class.


POL614 The Middle East
POL615 Africa
POL616 East Asia
POL617 Latin America
POL618 Modern Turkey

Program Study Plan

View the program study plan here.

Program Delivery

Program Duration

The Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program is delivered in English over 3 semesters at Zayed University located in Abu Dhabi.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are delivered in 8-week terms.  Classes are generally scheduled on weeknights – Mondays to Thursdays – starting at 5:00 PM.  Each course meets twice each week: Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.

For more information on the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs application deadline, start date and location for program delivery, please visit the Key Dates section of the website.

Faculty

Courses in the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program are taught by select professors from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences who are experts in their fields and possess diverse international research experience.

Knowledge gained during classes is further enhanced by sharing real-world experience with other students, guest lecturers, top professionals and leaders in the field of diplomacy and international affairs.

ZU

Zayed University's highly successful Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program is designed to equip future senior managers with the specialized knowledge and cutting edge leadership skills needed to manage and lead organizations in constantly changing global marketplaces. The flexible program schedule meet the needs of working professionals who wish to undertake a master's degree program without taking a break from their current job or responsibilities. As students can immediately apply their insights and newly acquired knowledge and skills in the workplace, they will provide significant value to their employers during their studies.

                                       

Dr. Hamdy A. Hassan
Professor
Department of International Affaris and Social Sciences
College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Program Cost

A total of 30 credit hours at AED 4,267 per credit hour.

Tuition Fee Payment Plans

View the tuition fee payment plan here.

For more information on the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program cost, payment procedure and financial support, please visit the Admissions and Fees section of the website.

Graduation

Students must complete all required courses in the approved program curriculum and achieve a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0.

Contact

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Zayed University

Abu Dhabi & Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971-2-599-3605

Email: dgs.recruitment@zu.ac.ae

 
Program Recognition
 

  • Ministry of Education

 
Program Admission Requirements
 

  • Minimum Requirements
  • Additional Requirements

    • A writing sample in English. Limit the writing sample to five print pages in 12 pt. font

    • An interview may be requested

 
 
Ouick Links
 

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