Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Licence d'Histoire – Spécialisation : Relations Internationales is a degree program offered by Sorbonne Université and taught in French at the Université Sorbonne Abu Dhabi. This program provides a specialization in International Relations with two possible tracks: political science and diplomacy, or geopolitics and international security.

Program Details

• Duration: 3 years
• Language of Instruction: French
• Application Deadline: January 16, 2026, for the January 2026 intake, and from December 1, 2025, to August 21, 2026, for the September 2026 intake.
• Tuition Fees: 215,100 AED (including administrative fees for 3 years)
• Accreditation: The program follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the degree is awarded by Sorbonne Université. It is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the United Arab Emirates.

Program Structure

The program adopts a multidisciplinary, global, and connected approach, covering a period from Antiquity to the present day. Each course is justified by its relevance to current political, economic, social, religious, cultural, and diplomatic issues, through workshops dedicated to analyzing contemporary events. These workshops are designed to decipher and address current events using innovative pedagogical approaches. Optional courses allow students to personalize their academic path by acquiring skills in areas such as digital humanities, digital diplomacy, research methodology, and foreign languages.

Professional Development

Professional development is an important element of the program, with the introduction of a mandatory two-month internship during the last semester, either in the United Arab Emirates or abroad, as part of the SUAD's Erasmus+ partnerships. Study projects encourage students to interact with professionals during seminars and work on themes that help them reflect on their professional career path, depending on the chosen track.

Teaching Staff

The courses are taught by internationally renowned professors, recognized experts in their field, who meet the standards of excellence and rigor characteristic of the French educational system.

Study Abroad Opportunities

From the second year of the History License, students have the opportunity to participate in an international exchange program for a semester or a full academic year. Thanks to the ECTS credit system, courses taken abroad are fully recognized within the framework of the Sorbonne Université Abu Dhabi degree, without additional tuition fees. Exchanges are open through a selection process to ensure personalized support and maintain academic excellence.

Partnerships

Among the partner institutions are prestigious universities such as Sciences Po Paris (France), Tsinghua University (China), Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Bergamo (Italy), University of Malta (Malta), and the Federal University of Pará (Brazil). From the 2026 academic year, some exchange programs will also offer scholarships to support selected students.

Objectives and Outcomes

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary world, enabling them to pursue master's studies and a career in the broad field of international relations. Graduates are equipped to analyze and understand global issues, making them valuable assets in various professional contexts related to international relations, diplomacy, and global governance.

Conclusion

The Licence d'Histoire – Spécialisation : Relations Internationales at Sorbonne Université Abu Dhabi offers a unique and comprehensive education in international relations, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills and international experience. It prepares students for a wide range of careers in diplomacy, international organizations, government, and private sector companies operating globally.