Program Overview

Doctor of International Relations (DIR)

The Doctorate degree at the Geneva School of Diplomacy is a prestigious, well-rounded programme that offers a unique and exciting intellectual environment for the in-depth and interdisciplinary study of International Relations and Diplomacy.

About DIR

GSD, Doctor of International Relations and Diplomacy course brings together academic excellence through meticulous independent research and real-world applicability. We confer doctoral degrees on the basis of two distinct modalities:

• DOCTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (DIR) BY RESEARCH
  • Dissertation of 80,000 – 100.000 words
• DOCTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (DIR) BY DOSSIER

DIR by Research

The GSD-DIR research programme offers students the option to pursue their doctoral programme by distance. The duration of the programme is 3 years and results in 240 ECTS.

The GSD-DIR by research programme offers a unique and exciting intellectual environment for the in-depth and interdisciplinary study of International Relations and Diplomacy. The programme has already attracted high skilled and experienced students from across the world. Students have developed and are carrying out research in areas as diverse as traditional and new security issues, diplomacy, international affairs, political economy, human rights, geopolitics, post-colonial studies.

GSD post-graduate students work closely with their assigned supervisor and work intensively to develop at the highest level the potential of each candidate, both from methodological and theoretical points of view.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• A BA degree and a MA in a relevant subject (International relations, politics, law, economics, diplomacy). Equivalent overseas qualifications are acceptable.
• If a candidate has an interdisciplinary Master degree they may be asked to undertake a Pre-DIR course to qualify for the Doctor Programme. Please note qualifying for Doctor degree does not guarantee entry in the Doctor programme.
• A solid research proposal of 5,000 words in the GSD template.

DIR by Dossier

The DIR by Dossier is awarded by GSD to leading authorities in the field of study concerned. This prestigious doctorate recognizes scholarly work of high distinction, impact and originality.

Documents for Submission

• A statement of 1,000 words where the candidate explains and justifies why she/he meets all the requirements for the Award of the GSD DIR by Dossier.
• A collection of 8 scholarly papers published in top international journals or a solely authored book published by a prestigious publishing house or university press (published a maximum of 3 years in advance to the year of the application).
• Updated CV
• A copy of the applicant’s passport

Tuition fee

• TUITION AND EXPENSES – DIR BY RESEARCH
  • DIR by Research (three years) / CHF 15’000.- per year
• TUITION AND EXPENSES – DIR BY DOSSIER
  • DIR by Dossier / CHF 12’500.- per year
• Other Fees
  • Application Fee: CHF 500.-
  • Enrolment Fee: CHF 1,500.-
  • Application fee is non-refundable

These fees do NOT include travel, living accommodation, meals, medical or health insurance and the required study trip.

Financing your studies

If you are going to live and study in Switzerland, please keep in mind that Geneva is amongst the most expensive cities in the world. It is important to establish a realistic and sustainable financial plan for the entire period of studies. Of course obtaining a degree is also an investment in your personal development and in your own future. The financial aspect therefore should not be the only factor when deciding to begin or continue your studies in Geneva.