Master of International Relations
Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
MA
DURATION
15 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
CHF 35,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* This is the application deadline for EU and Swiss students who do not require a visa.
Key Summary
About: The Master of International Relations at The Geneva School of Diplomacy (GSD) is based in the heart of International Geneva. GSD is a boutique higher education institution offering small classes, expert faculty, and direct engagement with international organisations. The programme prepares students for careers in diplomacy, international policy, and global affairs, with emphasis on policy analysis, multilateral governance, international affairs, and practitioner networks.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, government policy, think tanks, and international consulting. Related roles include advocacy, human rights, negotiation, foreign service, programme management, and policy research, and communications and media roles.
The Master of International Relations offers an advanced and interdisciplinary education in international affairs, combining political analysis, international law, diplomacy, and global economic governance. The programme is designed to equip students with the analytical, strategic, and communication skills required to understand and address complex global challenges.
Located in Geneva, one of the world’s leading centres of diplomacy and international cooperation, students benefit from direct exposure to international organisations, diplomatic missions, and global policy institutions. Through academic coursework, professional workshops, internships, and independent research, the programme develops both theoretical expertise and practical diplomatic skills, preparing graduates for impactful careers in international affairs.
The Master of International Relations (MIR) curriculum combines advanced academic study with practical diplomatic training. The programme is structured across three semesters and comprises 90 ECTS credits, including coursework, workshops, an internship, and a final dissertation.
Core Courses
Students begin with foundational graduate courses that develop theoretical and analytical expertise in international relations and global governance.
Core courses include:
- World Politics: Trends and Transformations
- Diplomatic Negotiations: Policy, Practice, Procedures
- Core Concepts of International Law
- Research Design and Methodology
These courses provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation in political science, diplomacy, and international legal frameworks.
Specialised Courses
Students then deepen their knowledge through specialised courses addressing contemporary global challenges.
Examples include:
- Dispute Settlement and Conflict Resolution
- International Jurisprudence
- Sustainability and Development
These courses explore legal, political, and policy approaches to global governance and international cooperation.
Specialisation Tracks
Students can tailor their studies by selecting one of two academic tracks:
International Security Track
- International Security
- Geopolitical Analysis
International Trade Track
- International Trade Diplomacy
- International Managerial Economics
These tracks allow students to focus on either global security issues or economic diplomacy and international trade systems.
Professional Skills Workshops
Practical workshops develop essential diplomatic and leadership skills, including:
- Strategic Communications
- Fundraising for International Initiatives
- Crisis Management
These workshops focus on negotiation, communication, and policy leadership in international contexts.
Internship
Students complete a supervised internship (6 ECTS) with an international organization, diplomatic mission, NGO, or related institution, typically in Geneva or another international hub.
Master’s Dissertation
The programme concludes with a 20,000-word dissertation (30 ECTS) in which students conduct independent research on a topic related to international relations, diplomacy, or global governance.
Upon successful completion of the Master of International Relations, graduates will be able to:
Master advanced theoretical frameworks
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of major theories in international relations, global political economy, and international law, and critically evaluate their relevance in explaining complex international dynamics.
Analyse global challenges
Assess and interpret complex international issues such as geopolitical conflict, trade disputes, development inequalities, and humanitarian crises through interdisciplinary and analytical approaches.
Conduct independent research
Design and implement original research projects, apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies, critically evaluate sources, and present coherent academic arguments.
Communicate effectively in international environments
Articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and oral formats across diplomatic, academic, and multicultural contexts.
Apply professional diplomatic skills
Demonstrate practical competencies in negotiation, policy analysis, public speaking, and strategic decision-making through simulations, workshops, and real-world policy discussions.
Contribute to international policy and academic debates
Engage with contemporary discussions in international relations, critically evaluate competing perspectives, and produce original insights relevant to global governance and diplomacy.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy offers a number of financial support opportunities to help qualified students pursue their studies.
Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to applicants with outstanding academic performance and demonstrated leadership or extracurricular achievements.
Successful candidates may receive tuition fee reductions typically ranging from 10% to 25% depending on their academic profile.
Fellowship Programme
The GSD Fellowship Programme supports students who combine strong academic merit with demonstrated financial need.
A limited number of fellowships are awarded each year, providing tuition reductions of approximately 30% to 50%. Fellowship recipients may contribute several hours of administrative or academic assistance to the school each week.
Continuation Scholarship
Students who successfully complete a programme at GSD and continue into another programme may be eligible for a tuition reduction of approximately 20%, subject to maintaining strong academic standing.
Refugee Scholarship Programme
GSD also offers scholarships for applicants with recognized refugee status in Switzerland. These awards may include partial or full tuition support, depending on eligibility and available funding.
External Funding
Students may also explore external scholarships, sponsorships, and education financing options available through partner organizations or national scholarship programmes.
Important Information
- Financial aid requests should be submitted during the admissions process.
- Scholarships and fellowships are limited and awarded on a competitive basis.
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance to retain their financial support.