Program Overview

Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

The Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs program is designed to prepare diplomats, researchers, managers, and leaders with high competencies. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and administrative and leadership capabilities necessary to succeed in a changing world.

Program Overview

• The program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• The language of instruction is English.
• The program is located in Abu Dhabi.
• The duration of the program is approximately 4 semesters.
• The deadline for application submission is August 3, 2026.
• The cost per credit hour is AED 4,267.
• The total number of credit hours required is 30.

Program Curriculum

The program requires 30 credit hours, including the following courses:

• POL613 Research Methods
• POL623 International Relations
• POL633 Diplomatic History: The Shaping of Contemporary International Affairs
• POL643 International Political Economy
• POL653 Public Diplomacy
• POL673 International Relations of the UAE
• POL693 Security Studies
• POL614 The Middle East
• POL615 Africa
• POL699 Master's Thesis in Diplomacy and International Affairs

Program Objectives

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

• Enable global and local relations by understanding the political, administrative, and legal structures of the UAE and enhancing various strategies and approaches.
• Enhance global awareness by evaluating and criticizing different political, economic, historical, and social forces that affect global events.
• Enhance public diplomacy by applying the latest knowledge and methods in public diplomacy when managing foreign relations.
• Acquire advanced research and communication skills by using modern information technology tools and exhibiting high efficiency in employing qualitative research methods.
• Acquire political and economic knowledge by demonstrating a deep understanding of advanced theoretical frameworks in political, economic, and historical fields.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• Government organizations (e.g., Foreign Service, Ministry of Interior, Department of Defense)
• International civil service
• International NGOs (development and humanitarian assistance)
• International business
• Think tanks
• News media
• University teaching and research

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) from an accredited university.
• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Why Choose the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Zayed University?

• Interdisciplinary academic program that develops transferable skills for a wide range of careers.
• Participation in targeted discussions and debates to benefit from the experiences and expertise of ambassadors and diplomats.
• Local and international academic accreditation, ensuring a recognized university degree worldwide.

Financial Support Options

Zayed University offers various financial support options for graduate students.