06/04/2022
Today’s international market is constantly shifting and requires dynamic leaders who are quick to move with change. Discover how the new Master in International Relations allows you to personalize and specialize the program to best suit your interests.
Change is good—which is exactly why IE University has redesigned the Master in International Relations. A master’s degree in international relations allows you to step foot into a wide range of career paths across various sectors. To that end, the new Master in International Relations is designed with personalization in mind.
Daniel Kselman, one of the vice deans at IE University, explained that “the new Master in International Relations is designed to be an ‘IR plus’ program. The idea is that this is a neat next step for students who have previously studied international relations.” So, what makes this new program so unique?
The candidates
IE University is known for their diverse environment, and the Master in International Relations is no different. With candidates from various personal and academic backgrounds, this program gives you the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded people from across the globe.
The updated program is designed for professionals who are passionate about creating a social impact, driven by intellectual stimulation and focused on career success.
Curiosity plays a strong role in this master’s, and the program is the perfect fit for both those looking to continue on to studying a PhD or to immerse themselves immediately into the fast-paced market.
The unique structure
Focused on student success, the new Master in International Relations caters to each individual participant. Using both academic and experimental approaches, the layout allows you to earn a holistic skill set, specialize your path, network with international colleagues and professionals, and immerse yourself in an active environment during a fieldwork exchange week.
The program kicks off with a term focused on management and analytical skills, further building your professional tool set. Honing in on topics like project management, public policy, statistics and data analytics, you will explore the basics necessary to build a future in international relations.
The program then focuses on three core areas: Geopolitics and Diplomacy; International Economics and Business; and Global Governance and International Cooperation.
After building your foundation in these areas, you’ll choose one to specialize in during the next step of your master’s.
The customization options
Different from other master’s programs, the Master in International Relations puts you in the driver’s seat of your education. Once you’ve completed the groundwork in each of the three core areas, you will use this knowledge to select your specialization from the options listed above. This specialization is recognized by IE University and will appear on your diploma.
Taking a deep dive into your selected core area is just the first customization option. You will also have the chance to specialize in a global region, in which you’ll take a two-course sequence first exploring society, culture and history, and then comparative politics. Based on your professional interests, you will choose between: China and East Asia; Europe and North America; Sub-Saharan Africa; Middle East and North Africa; and Latin America.
The memberships, partners & final project options
IE University stands out as a leading institution, and this is further proven by its elite memberships and partners. The university is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Both of these memberships give extended value to the Master in International Relations and, in turn, to your professional profile.
Moreover, for a final project, you can select either to write a thesis or complete a capstone project. If you write a thesis, you will work closely with well-versed faculty members in a powerful mentorship relationship. If you complete a capstone, you’ll have the opportunity to work with one of our prestigious partners, depending on your performance in the program. Some partners from previous years include the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Organization of American States (OAS), and NATO.
The future opportunities
According to Daniel, “The Master in International Relations has produced amazing career outcomes in the last five years, with nearly 100% placement and an increasing percentage of alumni in multilaterals (nearly 40% in 2021), as well as a strong private sector (50%) and non-profit (10%) presence.” Program alumni are making waves in the industry, and now it’s your turn. Built on already promising numbers, the new Master in International Relations specialization options open the door for your success in a more concrete career path. If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. You can also hear about the program’s benefits straight from Vice Dean Kselman in this video.
