International Institute in Geneva
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) (European & US accreditations)
Geneva, Switzerland
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Nov 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
02 Feb 2026
TUITION FEES
CHF 36,400 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* late application: please contact mastermird@iig.ch
** application fee: 150 CHF
Key Summary
Study in 1 year in Geneva.
Designed for careers in International Organizations, Diplomatic Services, and the Private Sector (NGOs).
The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIR-D) responds to the growing demand to train young professionals in Geneva for decision-making careers in international organizations, diplomatic services, and the private sector. Situated in the same city as the United Nations headquarters in Europe, the program takes full advantage of Geneva’s unique situation as a world capital of multilateral diplomacy. The MIRD provides substantial resources for its international faculty and student body to network with international institutions (UNHCR, UNECE, UNCTAD, WTO, WHO, ILO, ITU, WIPO, WEF, ICRC) and diplomatic missions.
Key Benefits
- Learning in a dynamic environment in Switzerland with a multicultural student body and faculty working in academia and international institutions
- Providing knowledge and skills to analyze international issues, prepare policy reports, and participate in international decision-making via international conferences and meetings
- Exploring the United Nations system, international regimes, regional agreements, and technical cooperation between states
- Gaining insight into multilateral diplomacy being in the heart of “International Geneva”
Program Details
In addition to core international relations courses, with a focus on the United Nations system and the European Union, foreign policy and geoeconomics, global economy and economic diplomacy, the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy curriculum trains young professionals for decision-making positions with courses in international trade organizations and statistics, executive communication and negotiations, multimedia and internet.
The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy is comprised of 10 courses taken over one year.
Year 1
Trimester 1
- ECO 607 – Global Economics
- POL 610 – Geoeconomics
- POL 628 – International Security
- LAW 665 – Public International Law: between Peace and War
- RES 100 A – Introductions to Research
Trimester 2
- POL 621 – Global Environmental Politics
- POL 630 – Foreign Policy and Diplomacy : Theory and Practice
- POL 640 – Democracy and Globalization
- POL 665 – Human Rights: Law and Politics
- RES 100 B – Research planning and preparation
Trimester 3
- POL 698 – Future Issues in International Relations (Thesis) or option: Thesis for the University of Plymouth (UK)
MIRD graduates engage in decision-making careers in: international organizations and diplomatic services; corporate business and financial sector; media, NGOs and civil society.
You have access to a Career Counselor who provides one-on-one career advising, job search support, and coaching.
Ranked among the top ten universities in Switzerland, the International Institute in Geneva (IUG) is an accredited academic institution specializing in business education.
The Institute offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration, International Relations, Media and Communication, and International Trade. The curriculum features a unique combination of theoretical and practical instruction, with a particular focus on international business practices. The international exchange program offers an opportunity for students to study at renowned universities worldwide.
Located in Geneva, Switzerland, at the center of Europe and a hub for international politics and business, the campus is close to the airport and about 5 km from the city center. The IUG has students representing over 60 nationalities providing a truly multicultural setting.
Each year the International Institute in Geneva awards a limited number of scholarships to students who have a GPA of at least 80% (3.2 out of 4).
Please send a cover letter together with the registration form.
To receive additional information, please contact our Graduate Admissions Office.