Equip the students with the necessary skills and competence to accelerate their career in International Relations in the Capital of Peace.

The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) responds to the growing demand to train young professionals in Geneva for decision-making careers in international organizations, diplomatic services and private sector. Situated in the same city as the United Nations headquarters in Europe, the program takes full advantage of Geneva’s unique situation as a world capital of multilateral diplomacy. The MIRD provides substantial resources for its international faculty and student body to network with international institutions (UNHCR, UNECE, UNCTAD, WTO, WHO, ILO, ITU, WIPO, WEF, ICRC) and diplomatic missions.

IIG the first and only institution in Switzerland to offer an opportunity for professional training and internship placement at the World Federation of United Nations Associations located inside the United Nations premises in Geneva. 

Students also have the option to pursue a double degree with the University of Plymouth upon completing the program.

Key Benefits:

• Learning in a dynamic environment in Switzerland with a multicultural student body and faculty working in academia and international institutions.
• Providing knowledge and skills to analyze international issues, prepare policy reports and participate in international decision making via international conferences and meetings.
• Exploring the United Nations system, international regimes, regional agreements and technical cooperation between states.
• Gaining insight into multilateral diplomacy being in the heart of “International Geneva”.
• Optional study tour to Silicon Valley.
• Participation to Harvard Model United Nations (MUN).
• Teaching on campus.
• Optional double degree with the University of Plymouth.

Program Details:

In addition to core international relations courses, with a focus on the United Nations system and the European Union, foreign policy and geoeconomics, global economy and economic diplomacy, the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy curriculum trains young professionals for decision making positions with courses in international trade organizations and statistics, executive communication and negotiations, multimedia and internet.

The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy is taken over one year.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of current international political issues applying the relevant specialized language, develop and advocate for informed and appropriate action to solve complex problems in world affairs.
• Students will be able to conduct research in an academically sound way and provide a critical analysis of contemporary international issues, drawing on diverse theoretical insights from International Relations.
• Students will be able to understand decision-making mechanisms in various settings, demonstrate diplomatic and negotiation skills and apply ethical principles to political decisions.
• Students will be able to work with others giving constructive feedback to peers and doing effective self-criticism.