This program provides students with a foundation in international relations, as well as exposure to questions relating to the study of international security and the global economy. The program offers an innovative, dynamic learning environment with relatively small class sizes and an interdisciplinary curriculum. It is accredited in both the US and Austria. 

The 1-year MA program has three different specializations: Global Order and Politics (GOP), International Political Economy (IPE), and Conflict and Security (CONSEC). Students are encouraged to take courses from all three specializations. In addition to exposure to the main areas of teaching in the program, students will also receive thorough preparation in academic writing, and research design and methods.

The program consists of 30 US (60 ECTS) credits, including the thesis of 6 US (12 ECTS) credits. 

This is a full-time MA program, therefore, students are expected to reside at all times in Vienna, during the program. They are expected to continuously remain in contact with campus academic life and respond promptly to any communication from the department.

Entry Requirements for the Master’s Program
In addition to meeting the General CEU Admissions Requirements, applicants must submit a 500-word essay and a statement of purpose. Drawing on academic literature, the essay should elaborate on a research question, which applicants would wish to pursue during their studies in the department. The statement of purpose helps you and the department to get a preliminary idea of how your optimal study-plan may look like, to see how your individual interests may fit with the courses we offer, and how together we may come up with the best possible overall ‘IR experience’ at CEU.

Accepted applicants come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, although preference is given to students with a degree in the social sciences (including history, political science, law and philosophy). However, others with a demonstrated interest in international affairs and public policy may also be strong candidates for admission.

In exceptional cases, applicants with a three-year bachelor’s degree may be allowed admission into one-year master’s programs. The applicants should be aware that they may not be able to pursue a doctoral degree in the European Higher Education Area if they have accumulated less than 300 ECTS credits in their prior university studies. Applicants wishing to pursue an academic career should choose their master’s program accordingly (two-year master’s in case they completed a three-year bachelor’s degree, and one-year master’s in case they completed a four-year bachelor’s degree). For the list of conditions under which exemptions may be granted, please refer to the program’s website.

For more details on the program's entry requirements, see the website of the Department of International Relations.