MA/MS in International Relations and Diplomacy

Objective(s) of a study programme: Program aims to develop foreign policy experts and specialists by providing students with deep and comprehensive knowledge for understanding, analysing and assessing processes of foreign policy and international political affairs. Learning outcomes: Upon graduating from the study programme, a student will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of international relations, will be able to analyse and explain various research data, to explain different stages of foreign policy formation, to identify main actors of foreign policy processes, and to apply the main principles, theories and methods of foreign policy analysis and analysis of international relations. Furthermore, he will be able to conduct an independent research in the field of international politics. Activities of teaching and learning: Aiming to ensure the lecturers ability to choose the most appropriate methods for the course there is no mandatory requirement regarding the form of holding a lecture (lecture or seminar). In general, the MA programme is learner-orientated, students are expected to be learning during the lecture by analyzing practical problems and contemplating the solutions, working in groups, doing practical exercises, simulation games, analyzing audio-visual material and discussing. In addition, students are working individually outside of the classroom by analyzing prescribed literature, preparing research papers and working on their MA theses. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: Written examination, case studies, essay, presentations, projects, active and quality participation during the seminars, research papers and their presentation (oral or written form), preparing and presenting a simulation, preparation of a research project. Study subjects (modules), practical training: The duration of International Relations and Diplomacy master programme is 2 years, volume – 120 ECTS. Theoretical studies comprise 85 credits, scientific research work - 35 credits. During the first semester of studies students get a deep knowledge of international relations and security issues. They study: „Theories of International Relations“, „History and Theory of Diplomacy“, „Problems of International Law“. During the second semester students concentrate on their elective course and final thesis. The progress of their research is evaluated during master‘s seminars each semester. Optional courses: Endeavoring the possibility to provide an ability to choose specific courses, which better represents personal career interest, students from the International Relations and Diplomacy Studies programme will be able to choose from these electives: Conflict Analysis and Peace Studies; Political Psychology; Programme and Project Management in the Public Sector Organizations; Russia and the EU: Changes in the Global Politics; Problems of the State and Society in the European Intellectual Tradition; Nordic and Baltic States Studies; Energy Security; Islam in Europe; Game Theories; Body Politics. Distinctive features of a study programme: This master's program differs from others in several important respects. First, this program combines theoretical and practical aspects of international relations and foreign policy analysis. Second, it focuses on various scientific research methods and prepares qualified researchers of a wider profile providing them with knowledge and skills necessary for accessing to the third cycle studies. Thirdly, this study program enables students to specialize in two different study tracks – Security or Diplomacy studies. Access to professional activity: A graduate of International Relations and Political Science studies program may pursue a career as an expert, analyst and consultant in scientific and academic institutions, diplomatic service, other (non)governmental or private institutions. Access to further study: Upon the completion of the study programme students may continue with their doctoral studies in the field of social sciences and humanities in Lithuania or abroad.