Master’s Program in International Relations, 

Public Communications and Regional Studies 

at Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University (in English)

A springboard for your international career is here!

Program Insight

This Master's degree program offers qualified teaching of the full range of international relations, public communications and regional studies. It allows for acquiring theoretical and analytical preparation during the study, which is strongly requested by many types of international companies, think tanks and education systems. 

Education at this Master's degree program is an essential stage in an individual's life, during which a future specialist's formation must occur under the influence of experienced and talented professionals. This program is the best option for acquiring knowledge and developing professional skills that meet today's needs. 

The IR Department gives deep knowledge of specialized courses combined with the breadth of area-studies disciplines. Knowledge of regional languages provides access to an in-depth understanding of regional systems of international relations. Courses in English, together with courses on the theory of translation, help to engage in interdisciplinary research at the top level and to talk on equal terms even with the most advanced students in leading European and American universities. The broad knowledge and serious training at this program make its alumni so competitive.

Analytics and language skills are the two bulwarks around which one should build their profile in diplomacy. Those are an essential professional toolkit that allows comparative advantages in international diplomacy. No university can teach you all the intricacies of diplomatic work, while very few universities can provide the “tools” for such work. The examples of several modern-day Ukrainian diplomats attest that the IR Department does pass such “tools” to its students.

The well-balanced knowledge is not a mere transfer of information from professors to students. Instead, it is a basis for new ideas and an impetus for further self-improvement. In addition, the IR Department atmosphere is special, stimulating scientific and professional movement forward and conquering new horizons. Teachers are a personal example of this, creating a unique atmosphere of kindness and inspiration. The program's thorough knowledge, well-built program, and interaction with prominent scientists who have already gained international recognition in the USA and Europe are special features. The secret of their highly efficient performance is that everyone approaches their task as something personal. There is no place for imitation or formalism. All the professors are genuinely passionate about their spheres of interest and actively participate in international scientific events. The Department of International Relations is a great place to get everything a student wants.

Among possible career opportunities: Public Relations and Press Specialist. Junior Research Fellow (Philosophy, History, Political Science). Research Fellow-Consultant (Philosophy, History, Political Science). Expert on Socio-Political Issues. Consultant on Social and Political Issues. Political Columnist.

Compulsory Disciplines

Academic English. Methodology for writing a scientific project in the field. Theory of international conflict. Theory of state interaction. EU policy towards the Black Sea-Mediterranean region. Theory and practice of translating diplomatic correspondence and international documents. Regional studies. Digital diplomacy as a modern communicative tool. Ukraine in the system of international security. Nuclear factor in global politics. Islamic factor in global politics. Pre-graduate practice. Qualification master's thesis.

Our students take an active part in various international scientific conferences, trainings, schools, scientific and education projects

Our graduates work in the world's leading institutions as diplomats and analysts, for ex. as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of South Africa; Second Secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of Thailand; Second Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan for cultural and humanitarian issues; Interim Commissioner for Ukraine in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; the Second Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Turkey; Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine on Foreign Policy; First Secretary of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO; Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy named after H. Udovenko at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Scientific Officer, European Research Executive Agency; Senior Researcher at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Ottawa; Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, London; Non-resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; Member of the Board at the Foreign Policy Council „Ukrainian Prism”; Research Consultant at the Open Nuclear Network; Research Consultant at Atomic Reporters; Consultant at the World Institute for Nuclear Security; Research Fellow in the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH); Professor, Free University of Brussels; Professor, Meiji Gakuin University, Japan.

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