EMIR - Executive Master of International Relations
The Executive Master of International Relations (EMIR) Programme offers a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to understanding contemporary challenges affecting international relations and diplomatic issues.
The Geneva School of Diplomacy & International Relations understands that many people who are working in the various institutions, organisations and government departments in Geneva are not able to commit to even a part time programme of study. Work schedules are often heavy and inflexible. Demands for travel are frequent. A two-year MA programme might therefore simply not be possible. Yet, professionals also demand, perhaps more than any others, fresh ideas, insights and the ability to step back from daily problems to conceptualise solutions in a more serene environment - one populated by experts whose research is at the cutting edge of those very problems. The School also benefits from the insights that these individuals can bring to the classroom discussions.
It is for these reasons that the School has developed the Executive Master Programme designed for busy professionals from both the public and private sector who seek to earn a graduate degree in International Relations while working full-time. The programme is challenging but stimulating and practical. As the students possess significant professional experience, the course schedules are geared to run in harmony with the student’s professional obligations as much as possible. Taking classes only on Saturdays, an EMIR student can complete the necessary classes in as little as eighteen months.
Students come to GSD from the United Nations, multinational companies, the diplomatic corps, non-governmental organizations, small business and International Organizations, to name but a few. From Ambassadors to journalists, from CEOs to international civil servants, the Executive Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy is an exciting and much sought-after opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
Entry requirements
Candidates must have a minimum of five years experience in full time employment in a mid or upper-level position related to the field of International Relations or have at least a Master degree and at least three years relevant work experience.
As the language of instruction is English, you need to submit a proof of your language proficiency.
Graduation Requirements
Students are required to study units amounting to 60 credits (ECTS) and to complete a dissertation worth 30 credits. After successful completion of the five trimesters consisting of four, 1.5 hr courses each, the candidate undertakes a research period resulting in a 80 page academic dissertation. Upon successful defense of the dissertation before a panel, the candidate achieved 90 ECTS and is awarded the EMIR degree.
Thematic Area One: International Relations Theory
Provides an advanced investigation into theoretical approaches in the discipline of International Relations, as well as an overview of contemporary debates. It aims to establish a clear understanding of the role and purpose of theory, and its relation to substantive issues in international relations.
Thematic Area Two: International Law
This programme enables students both to understand and evaluate public international law and its role and potential (and limitations) in international affairs, and it considers the theoretical bases of international law. The purpose of the programme is to provide an advanced training by way of coursework, in the general methods, scope, and theories of international law with an emphasis upon international humanitarian law and international relations. Consequently, students will be able either to develop their undergraduate specialisation or to receive a programme of training that will allow them to transfer their knowledge of other fields to that of international law, international relations and conflict analysis.
Thematic Area Three: Economics and Development
One of the key dynamics in world politics, namely the gap between rich and poor, has come into sharper focus. This module examines both the theory and practice of the international politics of development. The first half of the module looks at key theoretical debates and how these have related to practice. Various contemporary issues in development are then explored to illustrate the theoretical debates. These will include the Third World Debt Crisis, fair trade, development assistance, sustainable development and the resource curse thesis.
Thematic Area Four: Disarmament and Security
Examines contemporary security issues through a critical investigation of news media coverage of the ‘international security environment’ and through various academic texts that are engaged in exploring changes in the nature of war, military culture, and security itself as a practice and academic discipline. The aim is to provide students of different academic backgrounds with a rich introduction to some of the major debates in the field and the ability to apply key concepts and academic forms of analyses to critically engage with and evaluate current events.
Thematic Area Five: Social and Cultural Studies
Investigates the institutions of global governance and the dynamics of civil society, understood as the space for interaction between institutions and non-state actors. It looks at the existing architecture of global governance and the competing theories and approaches to analysing these phenomena. It also asks questions about the accountability and legitimacy of the institutions and processes of global governance and evaluates the potential for improving global governance. Linked to this, the module will critically evaluate the role of civil society as a democratising force in global governance.
Thematic Area Six: Selected Regional Case Studies
Examples for courses on selected regional case studies at GSD include:
Afghanistan, Pakistan: The Struggle for World Peace
The Great Game 2020
The Rise of China
The Middle East
Thematic Area Seven: Specialised Fields
The following courses were offered at GSD in this thematic area:
From Globalisation to Confrontation?
Buffer States in International Relations
The Democratic Challenge
Scenario Planning
Testimonial
Ambassador Matern Lumbanga
Tanzania
My time at GSD
I had the opportunity to pursue an Executive Master in...