Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership Programme

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership (MAGAD) program at AGDA is a one-year, full-time program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of global and regional issues, along with advanced diplomatic skills. The program offers a balance of core courses, electives, and a Master's thesis, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy and related fields. Accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), the program boasts a team of experienced academic and research faculty.

Program Outline

Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership Programme

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Diplomatic Leadership Programme (MAGAD), formerly known as the MA in Diplomacy and International Relations, was launched in October 2017. It is an accredited program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of global and regional issues, along with advanced diplomatic skills. The program aims to:

• Provide students with a critical understanding of important political and economic trends.
• Offer first-hand training in advanced negotiations and mediation, public diplomacy, leadership, and crisis management in the field of diplomacy.
The MAGAD program was initially accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in August 2017. It was re-accredited in June 2021 and will renew its accreditation in June 2026.

Outline:

The MAGAD program is a full-time commitment, requiring 30 credits and designed to be completed within one year. Students attend evening classes throughout the week (Monday - Thursday), from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on the AGDA campus.

Program Structure:

• Core Requirements: 4 courses totaling 12 credits
• Elective Requirements: 4 courses totaling 12 credits
• Thesis: 1 course totaling 6 credits

Course Schedule:

• Students are required to complete 4 core courses, 4 elective courses, and a Master's Thesis.
• Work on the MA thesis commences throughout the academic year with a defense date scheduled in September of the following academic year.

Individual Modules:

Core Courses:

• Contemporary Global Affairs (3 credits): This course provides an in-depth analysis of current global affairs, focusing on key political and economic trends shaping the international landscape.
• International Economics (3 credits): This course explores the complexities of the global economy, examining international trade, finance, and development.
• Public Diplomacy, Leadership and Crisis Management (3 credits): This course equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage public diplomacy, leadership, and crisis situations in a diplomatic context.
• International Negotiation and Mediation: Strategy and Methods (3 credits): This course provides practical training in negotiation and mediation techniques, focusing on strategies and methods for resolving international disputes.

Elective Courses:

Students can choose 4 courses from the following options:

• Special Topics in Regional Studies:
• African Political Systems
• Trends in Gulf-Asia-Africa Foreign Relations
• China and the Middle East
• Trends in European – Middle Eastern Foreign and Security Policies
• Special Topics in Thematic Issues:
• Science Diplomacy
• Comparative Politics
• The Geopolitics of Food Security
• Countering Global Terrorism and Extremism
• Humanitarian Crises and Refugees

MA Thesis:

• The MA Thesis starts in the Fall semester with a defense date set for either June or September of the following academic year.

Teaching:

• The MAGAD program coordinator is Dr. Muhamad Olimat.
• The list of academic faculty who teach in the MAGAD program can be found here.
• The list of research faculty who teach in the MAGAD program can be found here.

Other:

• AGDA alumni who successfully completed the Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) programme in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations can enroll in MAGAD.
They are required to complete 12 credits worth of course work, which include 6 credits of course work and 6 credits for the MA thesis.
• Alumni can expect to complete the program in one academic year by taking one course per semester and defending their thesis in either June or September.
• The MAGAD program balances between core courses, electives, and the MA thesis.
Core courses are required courses for all MAGAD students, whereas students can choose the elective courses they wish to enroll in. The MA Thesis is also required of all MA students.