School of Graduate Studies · Social sciences
University of Hargeisa
Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
Advance your understanding of international affairs, foreign policy and diplomatic practice.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study structure
- 4 semesters
- Credits
- 33 credit hours
- Study mode
- Full-time
Programme profile
The MA in International Relations and Diplomacy develops analytical and research skills for understanding global and regional political issues. Students examine international relations theory, diplomatic practice, international law and organisations, foreign policy, human rights, statistics, and the political economy and geopolitics of Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. Core modules are followed by an independently researched master’s thesis.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A BA degree in social sciences; applicants from closely related disciplines such as law and human rights may be considered.
- Fulfilment of SGS and University Registrar admission requirements.
- Successful completion of the departmental graduate entrance examination.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Hargeisa postgraduate admission system. Applicants must complete the application form and upload the required academic and supporting documents before the published deadline. Application dates, tuition fees and document requirements should be confirmed in the current SGS admission announcement.
What you will learn
- Critically assess major theories of international relations.
- Analyse diplomatic practices, negotiations and international institutions.
- Evaluate foreign policy and regional geopolitical developments.
- Examine relationships between human rights, law and diplomacy.
- Design and carry out independent social science research.
Programme content
Explore the course outline below.
Year 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IRD 611 | Theories of International Relations | 3 |
| IRD 621 | Theory and Practice of Diplomacy | 3 |
| IRD 631 | Advanced Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 |
| IRD 641 | International Law and Organizations | 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IRD 612 | Africa in the Global Political Economy | 3 |
| IRD 622 | Geopolitics in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| IRD 632 | The Politics of Human Rights and Diplomacy | 3 |
| IRD 642 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 3 |
| IRD 643 | Statistics | 3 |
Year 2 Semesters 1–2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IRD 652 | MA Thesis | 6 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines student-centred lectures, discussions, presentations and independent study. Assessment includes attendance, student presentations, individual and group assignments, research reports, final examinations and an MA thesis.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Foreign affairs or diplomatic service roles
- International cooperation or policy analyst
- Programme officer in international or civil society organisations
- Political science researcher or lecturer
Questions about the programme
Speak with the School of Graduate Studies about entry requirements, fees and application dates.
School of Graduate Studies · Social sciences
University of Hargeisa
Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
Advance your understanding of international affairs, foreign policy and diplomatic practice.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study structure
- 4 semesters
- Credits
- 33 credit hours
- Study mode
- Full-time
Programme profile
The MA in International Relations and Diplomacy develops analytical and research skills for understanding global and regional political issues. Students examine international relations theory, diplomatic practice, international law and organisations, foreign policy, human rights, statistics, and the political economy and geopolitics of Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. Core modules are followed by an independently researched master’s thesis.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A BA degree in social sciences; applicants from closely related disciplines such as law and human rights may be considered.
- Fulfilment of SGS and University Registrar admission requirements.
- Successful completion of the departmental graduate entrance examination.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Hargeisa postgraduate admission system. Applicants must complete the application form and upload the required academic and supporting documents before the published deadline. Application dates, tuition fees and document requirements should be confirmed in the current SGS admission announcement.
What you will learn
- Critically assess major theories of international relations.
- Analyse diplomatic practices, negotiations and international institutions.
- Evaluate foreign policy and regional geopolitical developments.
- Examine relationships between human rights, law and diplomacy.
- Design and carry out independent social science research.
Programme content
Explore the course outline below.
Year 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IRD 611 | Theories of International Relations | 3 |
| IRD 621 | Theory and Practice of Diplomacy | 3 |
| IRD 631 | Advanced Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 |
| IRD 641 | International Law and Organizations | 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IRD 612 | Africa in the Global Political Economy | 3 |
| IRD 622 | Geopolitics in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| IRD 632 | The Politics of Human Rights and Diplomacy | 3 |
| IRD 642 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 3 |
| IRD 643 | Statistics | 3 |
Year 2 Semesters 1–2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IRD 652 | MA Thesis | 6 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines student-centred lectures, discussions, presentations and independent study. Assessment includes attendance, student presentations, individual and group assignments, research reports, final examinations and an MA thesis.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Foreign affairs or diplomatic service roles
- International cooperation or policy analyst
- Programme officer in international or civil society organisations
- Political science researcher or lecturer
Questions about the programme
Speak with the School of Graduate Studies about entry requirements, fees and application dates.