Program Overview

Master of Social Science (Strategy and Diplomacy)

The Master of Social Science (Strategy and Diplomacy) is a one-year program that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core issues related to the theory and practice of strategy and diplomacy. It prepares and equips students from diverse academic backgrounds with the ability to explore the nexus between strategy and diplomacy within the context of the changing global environment.

Introduction

This program focuses on the understanding of strategic and security issues, diplomacy, interstate relations, foreign policy, international political economics, international law, defense policy, and regional issues. Learning will be through lectures, discussion, presentations, group work, seminars, assignments, and a dissertation exercise.

Intakes

• Mac/September

Duration

• 1 Year/4-6 Semester

Study Mode

• Coursework

Campus

• UKM Bangi

Who Should Attend?

This program is suitable for:

• Working professionals apart from government
• Foreign and local students who have an interest in diplomacy and international relations studies and have completed a bachelor's degree
• Any person who has an interest in strategy, diplomacy, and international relations or related organizations

Programme Learning Outcome (PLO)

The following are the expected learning outcomes of the program:

1. Be able to master the disciplinary knowledge of the Strategic and Diplomatic Studies systemically via key theories and concepts.
2. Be able to comprehend and analyse while providing solutions for the strategic and diplomatic issues from the practical approach.
3. Be able to evaluate and decide in any situations with limited resources by taking into account the relevant social and ethical responsibilities associated with the strategic and diplomatic aspects of emerging issues.
4. Be able to interact effectively with stakeholders by integrating knowledge into presenting strategic and diplomatic issues.
5. Be able to apply interpersonal and interactive communication skills in all teaching and learning activities.
6. Be able to apply digital and technological skills with soft and hardwares that are associated with the strategic and diplomatic studies.
7. Be able to apply numerical skills and systemic understanding in fulfilling the research needs that are carried out in the field of strategic and diplomatic studies.
8. Be able to show leadership quality in group settings with the systemic understanding of completing all required assignments with responsibilities.
9. Be able to integrate the scientific knowledge in managing strategic and diplomatic issues at the workplace with the right values, attitude, and high-level of professionalism.
10. Be able to cultivate entrepreneurship in managing and policymaking of strategy and diplomacy.
11. Be able to exude professional ethics and personalities as expected in the field of strategy and diplomacy.

Entry Requirement

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) or its equivalent.
• Preference will be given to applicants with CGPA 3.00 and above or its equivalent.
• Mid-career professionals with nine or more years of relevant work experience will also be considered.
• English Language Requirements:
  • MUET: Band 4
  • TOEFL: 550 score minimum
  • IELTS: Band 6
• Documents to be submitted:
  • Transcript and copy of first degree in relevant field
  • Proof of competency in English language (TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants)
  • Certified copy of high school diploma (SPM or STPM for Malaysians)
  • 2 letters of recommendation from your employer/institution of higher education
  • Passport size photo
  • Processing fee
  • Checklist
• Supporting documents:
  • Copies of Identification Cards (for locals) or passports (for internationals)
  • Certified copies of masters, undergraduate and/or diploma qualifications
  • Certified copies of transcripts
  • Copies of IELTS/TOFL results (for international applicants)
  • Copies of sponsorship/scholarship letters (for applicants with sponsorship/scholarship only)

Course Structure

The program consists of the following courses:

1. Research Methodology in Strategy and Diplomacy
2. Strategy and International Security: Concepts and Theories
3. Diplomacy: Theory and Practice
4. International Political Economy
5. Comparative Defense and Foreign Policy
6. Globalization and Regionalisation
7. ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Order
8. Malaysia and Small State Strategy
9. International Law and Organisations
10. Seminar on Strategy and Diplomacy
11. Master Thesis

Prerequisite/Eligibility

Interested candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Completed Bachelor's Degree
• Proficient in the English language
• For Malaysian Civil Servants: Serving officers from the Malaysian Public Sector must submit their application through their respective departments and must have approval for study leave or a Government scholarship.
• For International Student: All documents must be certified by the respective country Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Malaysia (for applicants residing outside Malaysia) or by the respective country embassy (for applicants residing in Malaysia).

Learning Fees

• Local Student: [Not specified]
• International Student: [Not specified]