Master of International Relations + Master of Business Administration
This graduate double-degree pathway combines the Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy with a Master of Business Administration through Anglia Ruskin University. Students combine immersive postgraduate study in International Geneva with flexible online business education, developing expertise across diplomacy, global affairs, management, strategy, and leadership.
Programme Overview
The Master of International Relations + Master of Business Administration is an interdisciplinary double-degree pathway combining advanced study in diplomacy and global affairs with postgraduate education in business, management, strategy, and leadership.
Students complete the Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy in International Geneva and undertake the additional MBA component online through Anglia Ruskin University.
The pathway is designed for globally minded graduates and professionals seeking to understand both the international political environment and the strategic management of organisations operating within it.
Study at GSD provides advanced academic and applied engagement with international relations, diplomacy, global governance, negotiation, international institutions, policy, and research. The ARU MBA component broadens this profile through postgraduate business and management education.
Upon successful completion of both components and all applicable institutional requirements, students receive a Master of International Relations from GSD and a Master of Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the double-degree pathway develop an interdisciplinary profile spanning international relations, diplomacy, management, leadership, strategy, and organisational decision-making.
- Analyse advanced international-relations theories, global-governance systems, and geopolitical developments.
- Evaluate complex diplomatic, political, economic, and organisational challenges.
- Apply strategic-management principles in international and cross-cultural environments.
- Demonstrate leadership and professional judgement in complex organisational contexts.
- Demonstrate leadership and professional judgement in complex organisational contexts.
- Apply negotiation, communication, and stakeholder-engagement skills across public and private sectors.
- Conduct graduate-level research and use evidence to support policy and management decisions.
- Connect international political developments with their implications for organisations, markets, and institutions.
- Develop interdisciplinary responses to contemporary global and organisational challenges.
Programme Structure
Master of International Relations at GSD
Students complete the Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy in Geneva.
The GSD component develops advanced knowledge and professional capabilities across:
• International relations theory
• Diplomacy and diplomatic practice
• Global governance
• International organisations
• Geopolitical analysis
• International law and policy
• Negotiation and strategic communication
• International political economy
• Research methods and academic writing
• Evidence-based analysis and decision-making
The GSD Master of International Relations comprises 90 ECTS, including the applicable academic, research, and professional-development requirements.
Master of Business Administration through Anglia Ruskin University
Students undertake additional postgraduate business and management studies online through Anglia Ruskin University.
The MBA pathway develops knowledge and professional capability across areas such as:
• Strategic management
• Leadership
• Organisational decision-making
• International business
• Business analysis
• Responsible management
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Management in complex global environments
The definitive ARU curriculum, modules, credit allocation, assessment arrangements, and academic schedule are confirmed in the student’s ARU admission and programme documentation.
Professional Development and Dual Qualification
Students complete the applicable academic, research, assessment, and professional-development requirements of both institutions.
The GSD component includes a supervised internship worth 6 ECTS, providing professional experience within an international, diplomatic, policy, governmental, non-governmental, or related environment.
Upon successful completion of the complete pathway, students receive:
• Master of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy
• Master of Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University
Each qualification is delivered, assessed, and awarded in accordance with the academic regulations of the respective institution.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited or appropriately recognised institution.
The double-degree pathway is suitable for applicants from international relations, political science, law, economics, business, management, social sciences, humanities, or other relevant academic and professional backgrounds.
Admission to the ARU component is subject to separate eligibility checks, document review, and formal approval by Anglia Ruskin University. Admission to GSD does not automatically guarantee admission to the ARU MBA component.
Education and Eligibility
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Official Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts.
- Satisfaction of GSD’s graduate admissions requirements.
- Satisfaction of Anglia Ruskin University’s MBA admission requirements.
- Submission of any additional academic or professional documentation requested by ARU.
- Evidence of the required English-language proficiency.
- Successful completion of any institutional assessment or pre-offer checks.
- Formal acceptance of the offers and enrolment conditions issued by the respective institutions.
English language proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following (or equivalent):
- IELTS Academic 6.5 overall
- TOEFL iBT 85
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Accepted equivalent to IELTS 6.5
- Duolingo English Test 115
Applicants who completed prior education entirely in English may request consideration for an English-language waiver, subject to supporting evidence and assessment. A waiver granted by GSD does not automatically bind Anglia Ruskin University. ARU may request additional evidence or conduct its own English-language assessment before confirming admission.
GSD assesses admission to the Master of International Relations. Anglia Ruskin University separately assesses eligibility and admission to the MBA component.
Participation in the complete double-degree pathway is confirmed only after the applicant has satisfied the requirements of both institutions and formally accepted the applicable admission and enrolment conditions.
Tuition and Fees
- Double Master’s Tuition: CHF 45,000 (Total programme tuition comprising the standard GSD MIR tuition of CHF 40,000 and an additional CHF 5,000 for the ARU MBA pathway.)
- Application Fee: CHF 300 (Non-refundable application fee payable upon submission.)
- Administration Fee: CHF 1,500 (One-time administration fee payable in accordance with the enrolment conditions.)
- Tuition Deposit: CHF 5,000 (The deposit is deducted from the total programme tuition.)
Total tuition for the Master of International Relations + Master of Business Administration pathway is CHF 45,000.
This consists of:
• Standard GSD Master of International Relations tuition: CHF 40,000
• Additional ARU MBA pathway tuition: CHF 5,000
The CHF 5,000 deposit is deducted from the total tuition.
The stated fees do not include accommodation, travel, meals, medical or health insurance, visa and residence-permit expenses, learning materials, or other personal costs.
Fees, payment schedules, and institutional charges are subject to the terms stated in the student’s formal admission and enrolment documentation.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Deposit:
CHF 5,000, deducted from tuition
Semester 1:
CHF 20,000
Semester 2:
CHF 20,000
Total tuition:
CHF 45,000
Double-Degree Progression and Awards
Students receive the two Master’s qualifications only after successfully completing the respective academic, research, assessment, professional-development, administrative, and financial requirements of both institutions.
Admission to the ARU MBA component is subject to separate approval by Anglia Ruskin University.
Each institution delivers, assesses, and awards its respective qualification in accordance with its own academic regulations. Programme content, modules, credits, fees, delivery arrangements, and academic schedules may be reviewed or updated.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this double-degree pathway develop an interdisciplinary profile combining international relations and diplomacy with business management, organisational strategy, and leadership.
The combination is designed for professional environments where an understanding of international affairs must be supported by strong management capability, strategic judgement, cross-cultural communication, and organisational decision-making.
Graduates may pursue or advance careers across diplomacy, international organisations, government, NGOs, consulting, international business, public affairs, policy, corporate strategy, and global partnerships.
Graduates pursue a wide range of academic and professional pathways, including:
- Diplomatic or Foreign Affairs Officer
- International Organisation Programme Manager
- International Business Development Manager
- Strategy or Management Consultant
- Public Affairs and Government Relations Manager
- International Partnerships Manager
- NGO or Humanitarian Programme Manager
- Policy Adviser or Policy Analyst
- Corporate Strategy Manager
- International Project Manager
- Global Operations Manager
- Sustainability or Corporate Responsibility Manager
- International Trade and Market Development Manager
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Manager
The combination of advanced international-relations education and business-management training provides a strong foundation for leadership and advisory roles across public, private, non-governmental, and international environments.
Career outcomes depend on each graduate’s previous experience, language skills, professional network, specialisation, and the employment requirements of the relevant organisation or jurisdiction.