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Where Diplomacy Meets Global Strategy

Admission is Open for Fall 2026

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For more information about master’s degree programs and scholarships offered, the application procedure, or to receive brochures, please complete the form below:

Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Zayed University’s Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs is a rigorous, practice-oriented graduate program that develops advanced expertise in international relations theory, diplomatic practice, global political economy, and contemporary security studies. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes research methods, public diplomacy, and regionally focused studies of the Middle East and Africa, students gain a comprehensive understanding of global systems and state–non-state interactions.

The program equips graduates with strong analytical, research, and policy skills to critically assess global developments and apply diplomatic tools to complex international challenges. Aligned with emerging trends such as digital diplomacy and shifting geopolitical dynamics, it prepares future-ready professionals to lead and contribute effectively in international governance, negotiation, and global cooperation.

Apply Now

Get in Touch

For more information about master’s degree programs and scholarships offered, the application procedure, or to receive brochures, please complete the form below:

Cultivating Excellence, Enriching the Future

Key Facts

Program Duration

4 Semesters (On Average)

Location

Abu Dhabi

Language of Instruction

English

Credit Hours

30

Cost Per Credit Hour

AED 4,267

Application Deadline

10 August 2026

Key Facts

Program Duration

4 Semesters (On Average)

Location

Abu Dhabi

Language of Instruction

English

Credit Hours

30

Cost Per Credit Hour

AED 4,267

Application Deadline

10 August 2026

Program Structure and Content

Required Program Courses

30 Credit Hours Required

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

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Download the Study Plan

Please provide us with your details to download the study plan.

Meet the Program Conveners

Dr Frank Cibulka

Visiting Associate Professor

Chair, Department of International Studies

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr Jonathan Fulton

Associate Professor

Graduate Program Coordinator

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What Will You Learn?

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

Political and Economic Knowledge

Demonstrate command of advanced political, economic, and historical theoretical frameworks, a strong ability to connect these various disciplines together when explaining local and international events, and advanced skills when evaluating current international affairs and state relations. You would be able to demonstrate your command of new frontiers of research in the field of international relations.

Research and Communication Capacity

Show an advanced ability to investigate, assess and use data from multiple sources using information technology tools, a solid proficiency in qualitative research methods when executing high-quality projects whether independently or as part of a team, highly developed problem-solving skills when evaluating complex concepts and information, and a strong ability to present and explain findings to a wider audience.

Public Diplomacy

Apply state of the art knowledge and the latest tools of public diplomacy in the conduct of foreign relations and demonstrate responsibility and autonomy when initiating and undertaking diplomatic and professional exercises in the classroom and at the workplace.

Global Awareness

Assess and critique the various political, economic, historical, and social forces affecting events in various areas of the world, analyze the many socio-cultural norms shaping the international system, and appraise complex ethical issues happening in different contexts to form educated and informed opinions.

Global-Local Relations

Analyze the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in international affairs, evaluate the complex political, administrative, and legal structure of the state, and produce, in a responsible and autonomous way, further approaches, strategies and practices to the understanding of the UAE’s contributions to the international political and economic system.

What Will You Learn?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be able to:

Political and Economic Knowledge

Demonstrate their command of advanced political, economic, and historical theoretical frameworks, a strong ability to connect these various disciplines together when explaining local and international events, and advanced skills when evaluating current international affairs and state relations. Students would be able to demonstrate their command of new frontiers of research in the field of International. Relations.

Research and Communication Capacity

Show an advanced ability to investigate, assess and use data from multiple sources using information technology tools, a solid proficiency in qualitative research methods when executing high-quality projects whether independently or as part of a team, highly developed problem-solving skills when evaluating complex concepts and information, and a strong ability to present and explain findings to a wider audience.

Public Diplomacy

Apply state of the art knowledge and the latest tools of public diplomacy in the conduct of foreign relations and demonstrate responsibility and autonomy when initiating and undertaking diplomatic and professional exercises in the classroom and at the workplace.

Global Awareness

Assess and critique the various political, economic, historical, and social forces affecting events in various areas of the world, analyze the many socio-cultural norms shaping the international system, and appraise complex ethical issues happening in different contexts to form educated and informed opinions.

Global-Local Relations

Analyze the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in international affairs, evaluate the complex political, administrative, and legal structure of the state, and produce, in a responsible and autonomous way, further approaches, strategies and practices to the understanding of the UAE’s contributions to the international political and economic system.

Who Should Pursue a Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs?

Job seekers with bachelor's degrees who want to enter the workforce after graduation.

Mid-career professionals who want to make a career change, use the degree for career advancement, enhance their skills in their current positions or pursue a doctoral degree.

Admission

Admission is open to males and females of all nationalities.

An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 (or 2.5 for conditional admission) or higher on a 4.0 point scale or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

A TOEFL score of 213 CBT, 79 iBT (or 197 CBT, 71 iBT for conditional admission), or

An IELTS (Academic) overall band score of not less than 6.0 (or 5.5 for conditional admission), or

Evidence that the applicant is a native speaker of English who has completed his/her undergraduate education in an English medium institution in a country where English is the official language.

Career Paths

Graduates are prepared for careers in diplomacy, international relations, and global engagement across public and private sectors. The program aligns with the UAE’s focus on international cooperation, foreign policy, and global influence. Possible career paths include:

Foreign Service and diplomatic missions (Embassies and Consulates)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other UAE government entities

International civil service (e.g., United Nations and multilateral organizations)

International NGOs (humanitarian aid and development sectors)

Think tanks and policy research institutions

International business and corporate government relations roles

Global business and multinational corporations (government relations and international strategy)

Security, defense, and strategic policy institutions

Media and international communications

Academic teaching and research in international affairs

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Zayed University

Driving Social and Political Development

Global Diplomacy
Expertise

Gain advanced knowledge of global political structures, diplomatic history, international relations theories, global political economy, and security studies. This knowledge enables you to critically analyze geopolitical trends, interpret global developments, and engage effectively in diplomatic and international contexts.

Advanced Research, Policy, and Public Diplomacy Skills

Develop strong research, analytical, and communication capabilities to assess complex international issues and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. You will also learn how to craft strategic communications, ma

Career-Ready Global Leadership

Prepare for high-impact leadership roles in government, international organizations, and global institutions, with the capability to shape policy, influence decision-making, and operate across diverse political and cultural environments.

Graduate Blog

Graduate Blog

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Deanship of Graduate Studies

Zayed University Abu Dhabi & Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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