Master of International Relations + Master of Laws in International Business & Commercial Law
This graduate double-degree pathway combines the Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy with an LLM in International Business & Commercial Law through Anglia Ruskin University. Students combine postgraduate study in International Geneva with flexible online legal education focused on international business, commercial law, trade, and cross-border legal frameworks.
Programme Overview
The Master of International Relations + Master of Laws in International Business & Commercial Law is an interdisciplinary double-degree pathway combining advanced study in diplomacy and global affairs with postgraduate education in international business and commercial law.
Students complete the Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy in International Geneva and undertake the additional LLM component online through Anglia Ruskin University.
The pathway is designed for globally minded graduates and professionals seeking to understand the interaction between international affairs, diplomacy, commercial activity, legal frameworks, international trade, and global governance.
Study at GSD develops advanced knowledge across international relations, diplomacy, negotiation, global governance, international institutions, policy analysis, international political economy, research, and strategic communication. The ARU LLM component broadens this profile through postgraduate legal education focused on international business, commercial law, international trade, arbitration, and the legal frameworks affecting cross-border activity.
The pathway is normally completed within 18–24 months.
Upon successful completion of both institutional components and all applicable requirements, students receive:
• Master of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy
• Master of Laws in International Business & Commercial Law from Anglia Ruskin University
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this double-degree pathway develop an interdisciplinary understanding of international relations, diplomacy, global governance, international business, and commercial law. The programme strengthens their ability to analyse complex international challenges from diplomatic, policy, commercial, and legal perspectives.
- Analyse advanced theories and contemporary developments in international relations and global governance.
- Evaluate international political, diplomatic, commercial, and legal challenges from multiple perspectives.
- Apply knowledge of international business and commercial law to cross-border activities and disputes.
- Assess international trade, regulatory, and commercial frameworks affecting governments, organisations, and businesses.
- Use negotiation, strategic communication, and stakeholder-engagement skills in international contexts.
- Conduct graduate-level academic and legal-policy research using appropriate analytical methods.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for diplomatic, policy, regulatory, and commercial decision-making.
- Communicate complex international and legal issues clearly to academic, professional, and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate ethical judgement and cross-cultural awareness in international professional environments.
- Integrate diplomatic, policy, commercial, and legal knowledge when addressing complex global problems.
Programme Structure
Master of International Relations at GSD
Students complete the 90-ECTS Master of International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy in Geneva.
The GSD component develops advanced knowledge and skills across:
• International relations theory
• Diplomacy and diplomatic practice
• Global governance
• International organisations
• International law and policy
• Geopolitical analysis
• International political economy
• Negotiation and strategic communication
• Research methodology and academic writing
• Evidence-based policy analysis
The programme also includes the applicable research, dissertation, assessment, internship, and professional-development requirements.
LLM in International Business & Commercial Law through ARU
Students undertake the additional LLM component online through Anglia Ruskin University.
The ARU component develops postgraduate legal knowledge across international business law, commercial law, international trade, arbitration and dispute resolution, digital commerce and governance, and cross-border legal frameworks.
The definitive ARU modules, credit allocation, assessments, academic schedule, and progression requirements are confirmed in the student’s ARU offer and programme documentation.
Dual Qualification
Students complete the applicable academic, research, assessment, internship, administrative, and financial requirements of both institutions.
Upon successful completion of the complete pathway, students receive:
• Master of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy
• Master of Laws in International Business & Commercial Law 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 appropriately recognised higher-education institution.
The pathway is suitable for applicants from international relations, law, political science, economics, business, management, social sciences, humanities, or other relevant academic and professional backgrounds.
Applicants are not automatically required to hold a qualifying law degree unless this is specified by Anglia Ruskin University during its admissions assessment.
Admission to the GSD Master of International Relations does not automatically guarantee admission to the ARU LLM component. Applicants must satisfy the separate admissions, documentation, and English-language requirements of both institutions.
Education and Eligibility
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Official Bachelor’s degree certificate and complete academic transcripts.
- Satisfaction of GSD’s graduate admissions requirements.
- Satisfaction of Anglia Ruskin University’s LLM eligibility and admissions requirements.
- Submission of any additional academic, identity, or professional documents requested by ARU.
- Successful completion of any institutional assessment or pre-offer checks.
- Formal acceptance of the admission and enrolment conditions issued by both 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 their previous degree entirely in English may request an English-language waiver. A waiver granted by GSD does not automatically bind Anglia Ruskin University. ARU may request additional evidence or conduct its own English-language assessment.
GSD assesses admission to the Master of International Relations. Anglia Ruskin University separately assesses eligibility and admission to the LLM 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
- Total Programme Tuition: CHF 45,000 (Includes the GSD MIR tuition of CHF 40,000 and the additional ARU LLM pathway tuition of CHF 5,000.)
- Application Fee: CHF 300 (Non-refundable.)
- Administration Fee: CHF 1,500 (One-time administration fee.)
- Tuition Deposit: CHF 5,000 (Deducted from the total programme tuition.)
Total tuition for the Master of International Relations + Master of Laws in International Business & Commercial Law pathway is CHF 45,000.
This comprises:
• Standard GSD Master of International Relations tuition: CHF 40,000
• Additional ARU LLM pathway tuition: CHF 5,000
Payment structure:
• Deposit: CHF 5,000, deducted from tuition
• Semester 1: CHF 20,000
• Semester 2: CHF 20,000
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 and payment arrangements are subject to the terms stated in the student’s formal admission and enrolment documentation.
Double-Degree Progression and Awards
Students receive the two Master’s qualifications only after successfully completing the respective academic, research, assessment, internship, administrative, and financial requirements of both institutions.
Admission to the ARU LLM 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 international business and commercial law.
This combination prepares graduates for international environments where diplomatic awareness, policy expertise, commercial understanding, legal analysis, and knowledge of cross-border regulatory frameworks are highly valued.
Graduates may pursue opportunities across diplomacy, international organisations, government, international trade, public affairs, compliance, corporate affairs, policy, consulting, NGOs, and international business.
Graduates pursue a wide range of academic and professional pathways, including:
- Diplomatic or Foreign Affairs Officer
- International Organisation Legal or Policy Officer
- International Trade Policy Adviser
- Commercial Policy Analyst
- International Arbitration or Dispute-Resolution Support
- Legal and Regulatory Affairs Adviser
- Compliance and Risk Officer
- Public Affairs and Government Relations Manager
- International Partnerships Manager
- Corporate Affairs Adviser
- NGO or Humanitarian Policy Officer
- International Business Consultant
- Trade and Market-Access Specialist
- Policy Researcher or Analyst
The combination of international relations and legal education provides a strong foundation for doctoral study, legal-policy research, and advanced professional development across international, governmental, non-governmental, and commercial environments.
Career opportunities depend on each graduate’s previous experience, language skills, professional network, and the requirements of the relevant organisation or jurisdiction.
The LLM does not, by itself, confer admission to regulated legal practice. Professional legal practice remains subject to the qualification and licensing requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.