Learning Outcomes

Master of Arts in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies – Programme-Specific Learning Outcomes | College of Europe

Master of Arts in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies

Programme-Specific Learning Outcomes

Approved by the Academic Council on 23 October 2025

Introduction

Graduates of the Master of Arts in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies acquire advanced knowledge and skills that prepare them for professional responsibilities in the field of European and international affairs. They develop a broad understanding of the European Union’s role in global governance and diplomacy, as well as analytical, research and professional competences applicable in both the public and private sectors.

Upon completion of the programme, students should have attained the below Learning Outcomes.

Knowledge

  • 1.1
    The graduate masters the most important theoretical approaches and concepts of International Relations, EU Studies and Diplomacy Studies relevant for the analysis of the role of the European Union in international affairs.
  • 1.2
    The graduate can describe, explain and illustrate the current state of scientific research in the field of EU external relations in a broad sense and is able to critically assess the results of this research.
  • 1.3
    The graduate has good knowledge of the institutional architecture and the decision-making processes in the European Union and in particular in EU external relations.
  • 1.4
    The graduate has acquired insights into the political, legal and economic aspects of EU external action and can use these insights to contextualise and interpret new developments.
  • 1.5
    The graduate is able to incorporate knowledge and understanding of various fields of EU external action and of different related disciplines (such as Political Science, International Relations, Law, Economics) at the interface between EU affairs and world politics.

Cluster-specific learning outcomes for optional courses

  • 3.1
    The graduate has gained a deeper understanding of security challenges as well as the role of justice and values in specific fields of EU external action.
  • 3.2
    The graduate has acquired profound insights into specific fields of EU foreign economic policies and related challenges of sustainable development.
  • 3.3
    The graduate has acquired multi-faceted knowledge of bilateral and/or multilateral relationships between the EU and important third countries or international organisations and can contextualise them in the EU’s broader external relations.

Skills

  • 2.1
    The graduate can approach the field of national, European and international diplomacy analytically by assessing the challenges in this domain with an open mind for diversity and for complex situations.
  • 2.2
    The graduate has the ability to critically reflect upon problems in international and European affairs, to adopt well-informed points of view and to communicate them effectively orally and in writing, whether working independently or in a team.
  • 2.3
    The graduate can independently formulate a research question within the field of European affairs, find, select and critically assess relevant sources, answer the question using typical concepts and methods and present the research results in line with the ethical rules of the discipline.
  • 2.4
    The graduate is capable of processing a large amount of information within a short period of time and to work efficiently and effectively through planning, organising, setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • 2.5
    The graduate has the intellectual maturity and skills to function responsibly and autonomously in a professional context at national, European or international level and the capacity of suggesting possible action that contributes to problem-solving in a creative way.
  • 2.6
    The graduate can apply the acquired skills in the analysis and conduct of multifaceted (international) negotiations, both independently and in diverse and multicultural teams.
  • 2.7
    The graduate is able to communicate in the foreign language followed as part of the curriculum according to the target level specified for that language course.

Cluster-specific learning outcome for optional courses

  • 3.4
    The graduate has acquired specific professional skills relevant to the practice of EU external action but also transferable to many other fields in the public and private sector.
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