Name of programme                           DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Qualification awarded                         Master of Political Science

Field of study                                      Political Sciences and diplomacy

Study area                                          Social sciences

Length of the programme                   2 years (4 semesters)

Scope of programme (ECTS)             120 ECTS

Language of instruction                      English 

Location                                               Kaunas, Lithuania

Starting date                                       1st of September

Tuition fee for Non-EU students         TBC

Overview

Challenging and innovative degree programme Diplomacy and International Relations was launched in September 2001. It was prepared and organized with the support of the Seton Hall University (USA), School of International Relations and Diplomacy, as well as the presence of the support of Stasys Lozoraitis (prominent Lithuanian diplomat) Foundation. Currently this programme is one of the most popular Master study programmes.

This Master degree programme challenges students to develop an in–depth understanding of international affairs and diplomacy.

Feedback of lecturers and students

“I couldn't expect my experience to be any better: the learning environment is welcoming and challenging; professors are prepared, willing to help and always available for students; the staff is really helpful for any issue (as a foreign student, I'd like to mention in particular the International Office, they are always there for any need).

I would definitely suggest anyone who is considering to start or to further his/her studies to go on with VMU“.

DavideCalzoni, 2nd year student from Italy

“Being a master student of “Diplomacy and International Relations”, I was given comprehensively competitive education. I can state that programme methodology and outcomes are directly proportional. The programme gives opportunity to gain theoretical and practical experience, as well as analytical skills to quantify the main challenges in international relations. What is more, precisely, I have enjoyed all courses through the whole curriculum”.

Daviti Mtchedlishvili, alumni from Georgia, PhD researcher in New Zealand

“I have studied Diplomacy and International Relations programme at Vytautas Magnus University in the year 2013-2015 and can attest to the fact that it helped to broaden my mind in various ways. First of all, a good quality of studies was noticeable. Lectures were interesting, intensive and professors together with administrative staff motivated us to seek great academic achievements. A fact that we had a chance to learn French (a working language of diplomats) as part of our programme is worth mentioning. I especially appreciate the opportunities provided by the university for student mobility - both for studies abroad and for gaining practical skills. I spent one semester in the University of Glasgow for Erasmus+ exchange and last semester did internship in the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Holy See and Maltese Order. The faculty was flexible and allowed me to write Master's thesis while being abroad. It definitely has been a great and enriching experience for me. So for all those, who are willing to develop themselves particularly in the field of international relations, I highly recommend this study programme, faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy and Vytautas Magnus University”.

Gediminas Laskauskas, alumni from Lithuania

Competencies acquired

Graduates of the programme obtain the following skills:

To be prepared to perform practical work in the field of international relations and diplomacy using gained theoretical background.
The ability to independently identify and analyse the main challenges in the practical sphere of international relations and diplomacy.
To be prepared to conduct theoretical analyses of significant problems in the field of international relations and diplomacy.
To be able to evaluate fast-changing social practices and to flexibly apply it in the national and international labour market.
The ability to learn independently, and apply this ability in following and evaluating relevant international events.
To obtain familiarity with the high culture of professional thinking.

Career opportunities

Graduates can move on to carriers in government, business, and more. Furthermore, they will be prepared to work in as analysts, political advisors, or project managers in:

Various state, non-governmental and private institutions.
Diplomatic missions (embassies, business, tourism).
EU institutions and educational institutions, (e.g. Institutions of higher education, Institutes of Scientific Research).