Master in International and Diplomatic Studies
The two-year International and Diplomatic Studies (IDS) master’s degree program taught in English is offered by the Faculty of International Relations of the University of Economics, Prague.
The objective of the IDS program is to educate specialists in the fields of international politics and security, equipped with advanced theoretical knowledge of international relations, international and diplomatic law, and strategic decision-making skills in foreign service or public diplomacy. The application deadline for the 2016/2017 academic year is April 30, 2016.
To complete the program, students must pass a study load of 120 European Credits (ECTS). The IDS program offers courses focused on economics (international economic relations), international relations (great powers, Europe/EU, or Asia in international relations), international and diplomatic law, international and political theory (comparative politics, IR theory, and globalization), diplomatic practice (foreign policy making and analysis, contemporary diplomatic practice), etc.
As part of the program, students may choose from two elective tracks:
1. General Track
Minor Field: Analysis of International Relations
Form: Semester abroad – 3rd semester at a partner university
2. Green Track
Minor Field: Environmental Policy in International Relations
Form: Specialized courses – 3rd semester at the University of Economics, Prague
Master Thesis on Environmental Issues
Students in the General Track are sent for a mandatory semester abroad to be hosted by a partner university (France, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, USA, etc.), in their 3rd semester. Students do not pay extra on top of their regular tuition fee for this semester. Students also receive partial financial assistance for living expenses while at a partner university.
IDS students have been involved in numerous extra-curricular activities. They can become members of student associations such as the Junior Diplomat Initiative or the Model United Nations Prague. In September 2014, they launched the IDS Magazine aimed at grassroots analyses providing original thought on international relations.
With regard to the IDS admission procedure, the program is designed for students from all over the world who have completed their bachelor’s education. Previous education in social sciences is an advantage. Applicants complete a long-distance admission exam held on May 6, 2016 – they are required to email an essay in English on a given international relations issue. The tuition fee is 1 800 EUR per semester.
For more details on the IDS program and contacts, visit http://ids.vse.cz/.