Overview This English-taught master's prepares graduates to understand and manage the complex political, social and economic issues that arise in an interconnected world. Delivered as a Berlin-based programme, it combines international relations theory with a pronounced intercultural perspective to help students analyse global dynamics and their local impacts.
Cultural diplomacy sits at the core of the curriculum: students study how cultural exchange, communication and soft-power strategies can build bridges between different societies and improve cooperation. By integrating international politics, society and economics with practical intercultural skills, the programme equips graduates to design and facilitate collaborations across cultural divides.
Why this matters for international students Studying in Berlin gives access to diverse cultural institutions, NGOs and international organisations, offering networking and practical learning opportunities alongside academic study. The combined focus on International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy opens career paths in diplomacy, cultural institutions, international organisations, public policy, NGOs, consulting and related fields where intercultural competence and global perspective are essential.
Typical application requirements (confirm exact details on the programme website)
Please check the programme’s official admissions page for precise entry criteria, deadlines and any additional documentation.
This master’s degree is organized across four semesters (30 ECTS each) and combines core theory, applied case studies, elective specialisations, professional training, and a research-led final thesis. In the first semester you build foundational academic and disciplinary skills with mandatory modules such as Academic Skills & Onboarding, Transcultural Competences, International Relations, plus Case Studies in International Relations and a pair of courses on Cultural Diplomacy (The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy; International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy). You also choose two electives from options including Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy, International Organisations, and European Politics to start shaping your specialisation.
The second semester centers on an individually designed professional development programme delivered in partnership with the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, alongside two elective modules. The professional development strand is tailored to each student and may include supervised research, designing a Cultural Diplomacy initiative, and active participation in ICD projects, activities, and conferences—providing hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Available second-semester electives include Models of Cultural Diplomacy, Religion and Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Power/Hard Power/Smart Power, and Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones.
In the third semester you tackle forward-looking and interdisciplinary subjects: Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy (with Case Studies in Future Trends), Economics, International Financial Markets and Institutions, Managing Diversities, International Law and Human Rights, and a Business Simulation that applies theory to practical decision-making. The fourth semester is dedicated to an independent Master’s thesis: you will receive guidance on topic selection, structure and sourcing, attend a thesis preparation workshop, and submit and defend your thesis before a faculty panel. Faculty approval is required for the thesis topic, structure and length.
Key learning outcomes
Requirements and important details
A completed undergraduate degree is the core academic requirement for admission to this master's program. That means you must hold a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) from a recognized higher education institution before enrolling. Admissions teams will check that your prior studies meet the level expected for graduate work.
If your degree was earned outside Germany, the university will review international qualifications to determine their equivalence to a German Bachelor's. Prepare to show official documents and to follow any additional verification or translation steps the admissions office requests; if you are finishing your undergraduate studies when you apply, check the university’s policy on conditional offers and proof of graduation.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for roles that require expertise in international relations and intercultural engagement, such as positions in cultural institutions, diplomacy and consular services, international organisations, NGOs, and policy or programme units focused on cultural relations. The combination of theory, case study work and applied professional training equips students for careers in public affairs, international project management, cultural programming and consultancy.
The programme’s emphasis on project development and engagement with ICD projects also supports entry into roles that involve designing and implementing cultural diplomacy initiatives, as well as further academic research in the field if students choose to pursue additional postgraduate study.
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