International Programmes 2026/2027

International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy

Furtwangen University • Berlin

Degree
Master of Arts
Course location
Berlin
In cooperation with

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English (100%).

Programme duration
3 semesters, 4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application periods

Applications for the MA programmes are accepted throughout the year. However, it is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible as class sizes are limited. We recommend applying by 15 July at latest for a start in the winter semester and by 15 January for a start in the summer semester.

Provided that there are still places available, applications can be considered up to two weeks before the start of the semester.
Extended admission & registration (the very latest) until: 15 May

More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

International Economics enables students to deal with complex systems in a globalised economy. Profound knowledge of the global economy and business, flexibility, and a strong focus on intercultural matters are core features of the Berlin-based programme "International Economics, Business & Cultural Diplomacy".

Cultural Diplomacy aims to facilitate and improve relations and collaboration between disparate cultures. International Economics combined with Cultural Diplomacy opens new horizons in a globalised economy that is based on intercultural understanding.

Course organisation

Semester one (30 CREDITS)

Mandatory courses for semester one

  • Academic Skills & Onboarding
  • Transcultural Competences
  • International Business Strategy
  • Sustainable Development and Management
  • The History and Evolution of the Field of Cultural Diplomacy
  • International Case Studies of Cultural Diplomacy

Elective courses for semester one (students must select two)

  • Nation Branding and Unilateral Cultural Diplomacy
  • International Organisations
  • European Politics

Semester two (30 CREDITS)

During the second semester, students will take two elective courses and a professional development training programme at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. The professional development training programme is designed individually with each student and comprises some or all of the following main components:

  • Academic Research and Writing
  • Development of Cultural Diplomacy Initiative
  • Participating in and contributing to ICD’s projects, activities and conferences

Elective courses for semester two (students must select two)

  • Models of Cultural Diplomacy
  • Religion and Cultural Diplomacy
  • Soft Power, Hard Power, and Smart Power
  • Cultural Diplomacy in Conflict Zones

Semester three (30 CREDITS)

Mandatory courses for semester three

  • Future Trends in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
  • International Economics
  • International Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Global Management Perspectives
  • International Marketing
  • Business Simulation

Semester four (30 CREDITS)

After three semesters of academic study, you are required to complete a Master's thesis in the fourth semester, which will be an in-depth analysis on a topic of your choice related to the theme of the programme. You will be provided with guidance on how to choose an appropriate topic, and how to identify and locate the necessary sources. The topic, structure, and length of each thesis will be subject to individual review and faculty mentor approval. In addition, you will take a course/workshop related to the preparation of the thesis. You will be required to defend your thesis before a panel of faculty members prior to receiving a final grade.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • Content-related regional focus
Integrated internships

Professional Development Training Programme

The professional development training programme is designed individually with each student. More information on the programme is provided in the section "Course organisation".

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: all countries
3,000 EUR
Tuition fees may vary
Tuition fees may vary depending on several factors. For an exact breakdown of costs, please check the programme website.
More information on tuition fees
Please find more details on this website.
Semester contribution

None

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

Bachelor's degree

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • TOEIC: 785
  • Reading: 385
  • Listening: 400
  • Speaking: 160
  • Writing: 150
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72
  • Reading: 18
  • Listening: 17
  • Writing: 17
  • IELTS Academic: 6
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods

Applications for the MA programmes are accepted throughout the year. However, it is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible as class sizes are limited. We recommend applying by 15 July at latest for a start in the winter semester and by 15 January for a start in the summer semester.

Provided that there are still places available, applications can be considered up to two weeks before the start of the semester.
Extended admission & registration (the very latest) until: 15 May

More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please apply via e-mail.
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Visa matters
  • Support with registration procedures

Furtwangen University

University location

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