International Relations (IR) Online – (M.A.)

Contents

IR Online is a Master of Arts (M.A.) program comprising 120 credit points according to ECTS standards and can be studied full-time (24 months) or part-time (48 months). The degree will be certified by Freie Universität Berlin. The language of instruction is English.

The program is offered by the Center for Global Politics of Freie Universität Berlin.
IR Online is taught via a method known as blended-learning, i.e. a combination of online units and face-to-face instruction.

The master degree will be awarded after:

* successful completion of all 15 modules;
* participation in all in-house classes in Berlin;
* submission of a report on a two-month internship (which may be substituted)
* successful completion of the M.A. thesis.

The emphasis of IR Online is on distance learning, a method allowing students to work independently and self-determinedly. The web-based study modules integrate multimedia so as to provide for an exciting and challenging learning experience. During your studies, you will be supported by tutors ready to constantly review your achievements.

Furthermore, the program combines online self-study with full-time attendance periods or in-house classes in Berlin. During the in-house sessions, tutors will introduce each module and you will be familiarized with the respective study contents or deepen particular points of interest within a more conventional teaching framework.
The concept of blended-learning thus brings together online delivery (approximately 90 % of content) and face-to-face instruction (10 % of content).

IR Online invites you to study the following modules:

* 1. Introduction and International Relations (IR) Theory
* 2. Core Curriculum
* 3. Practical Training

1. Introduction and International Relations (IR) Theory

Introduction and Tools

This module introduces you to the study of IR as well as relevant working techniques and tools of the discipline. It also aims at achieving a common basis from which to proceed to the specific modules.

Theories of International Relations and Global Politics

The modules familiarize you with prevalent approaches and theories and their application. In addition, they review traditional theorizing in IR and critically assess new approaches.

2. Core Curriculum

Globalization

This module looks into the phenomenon of globalization. It focuses on enabling factors such as the rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as well as specific issues and their consequences discussed in the context of globalization.

European Politics

You will be introduced to the political system and institutional design of the European Union and familiarized with the development of European integration. You will learn how to analyze and assess EU related issues and processes by applying different theoretical tools.

International Law

This module discusses the principles and sources of International Law as well as theoretical concepts such as international regimes, international civil society and transnational norm diffusion.

International Trade and Finance

This module looks at the intersections of politics and economics in international affairs and critically reflects on world trade issues and international economic institutions such as the WTO and the World Bank.

International Security

International Security assesses traditional and new security concepts. Be ready to get an overview of ''new'' security threats and "global risks" such as new forms of violence, environmental degradation, and human development issues, as well as discuss strategies of coping with these phenomena.

Megacities - New Sites of Governance (optional)

This module focuses on megacities as new actors in world politics and new sites of governance. It furthermore deals with controversial debates such as new forms of geopolitics.

Migration, Citizenship and Identity

You will learn about different concepts of migration, citizenship, and identity as well as theoretical approaches to migration studies. In addition, you will be familiarized with various causes and consequences of migration and the identity issues arising in this context.

Media and IR (optional)

This module discusses the role of media as well as information and communication technologies in global politics. It also inquires into the role of media in governance processes.

Conflict Management

You will be introduced to the study of conflict analysis, including the concepts of and approaches towards conflict management/resolution. The module discusses the emergence, evolution and regulation of international and transnational social and cultural conflicts. In addition, it looks into specific case studies, thus applying theoretical approaches to the analysis of conflict.

3. Practical Training

Intercultural Studies (optional)

Intercultural Studies conveys basic terminology as well as more specific knowledge about concepts of culture and value systems, enables participants to assess and classify examples and imparts working methods and skills relevant to real life situations.

International Negotiation and Simulation

During the simulation module, you are briefed about a conflict situation in International Relations that needs to be managed within the international community. Become a delegate of a foreign country, show your communicative and intercultural competence and experience how international negotiation unfolds.

Practical Training / InternshipThe two-months practical training period allows you to gain insight into a different vocational field that you aspire to work in. The training will take the form of an internship. The professional training is optional - you may substitute it with the module Intercultural Studies.