MA in Diplomacy and International Law

Two years $3,000 per academic year

Overview

The mission of our University is to be the leading higher educational institution in the region. We seek to contribute to the social, intellectual, economic, cultural, governmental and industrial development of Kurdistan, and Iraq as a whole. University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) teaches exclusively in English and applies academic and teaching standards and practices that are comparable with those of western universities. Indeed, the Department of Politics and International Relations boasts an international faculty of highly qualified and committed academics and experts in their subject areas to guide you throughout your studies with us. This programme was launched in fall 2020. The key aim of this degree scheme is to produce high quality graduates who are able to think critically and creatively, and to be able to apply their acquired knowledge to the developmental challenges of the region and beyond. Our Diplomacy and International Law programme meanwhile investigates such themes as the nature of the interaction between states at a diplomatic level; the protocols and skills required of diplomats; human rights architecture and its role; the practice of international law and its theoretical underpinnings, and so on.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate DegreeCompletion of a recognised university undergraduate degree, at least to Bachelor level with Honours (or equivalent), in a relevant discipline.
• Undergraduate Degree: Minimum undergraduate average of 60% (equalized transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions).
• English Language Proficiency: Minimum English Language requirement is 50 in PTE – 6.0 in IELTS -74 in TOEFL iBT or 105 in Duolingo.
• Reference: Two references which indicate capacity to undertake postgraduate studies, at least one of which will be from an academic who has taught the applicant.
• Equalised transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions.
• Note! Applicants dismissed for any reason from any university, school or college will not be considered.

• Application Form: Online application is required
• Official transcripts: Provide a copy of your official transcript (for applicants who graduated from international institutions, an equalized transcript is required).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters are required to be submitted with your application, preferably one of which will be from a university academic.
• A copy of your Passport and national ID
• One passport size photo

Curriculum

Our Master’s Degrees comprise of four semesters. The taught component of each programme consists of two semesters comprising four modules, making a total of eight. In Semester One, we provide four modules forming a common foundation for our two MA pathways. In Semester Two, all modules are subject specific to the particular MA pathway. The taught modular component of the programmes represents two-thirds of the final credits. The final one-third of the credits is taken up by the thesis which occupies the two remaining semesters. Here, students undertake independent research specific to the subject area chosen, under the supervision of a member of our academic faculty. Note: research topics must be selected on the basis of the availability of sufficient supervisory expertise, and be closely aligned to the subject area of the specific pathway curriculum. Throughout both programmes, graduate students will become familiarised with a number of sub-fields of study within their subject areas. The modules have been selected on the basis of those recommended as mandatory to the respective fields by the British Quality Assurance Agency inspectorate (QAA).

Skills Development

Demonstrate highly developed levels of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Show familiarity with the major theoretical and methodological issues associated with the study of politics and/or International Relations and Diplomacy. Undertake high quality research. Demonstrate good communication and presentational skills. Analyse complex political problems and issues. Dissect, analyse and disseminate complex academic literature. Show a high level of understanding of the nature of the international relations and diplomacy arenas. Show a sophisticated understanding of the theory, institutions and application of international law. Demonstrate a keen appreciation of the nature of state behaviour and state-interest pursuit at the international level. Demonstrate a high level understanding of the nature and function of international institutions. Demonstrate a solid comprehension of international human rights in theory and practice. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the nature and tasks associated with the art of diplomacy.