IDFR-UKM Master Programme
Master of Social Sciences in Strategy and Diplomacy
Exploring the nexus between strategy and diplomacy
About the programme
A collaborative programme between the Institute of Diplomacy & Foreign Relations (IDFR) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malasyia (UKM)
An English language-based postgraduate programme that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding ofthe core issues relating to theory and practice of foreign policy and international relations, with an emphasis on Malaysia, ASEAN, and Asia’s relations with the wider world
COURSE OVERVIEW
Master of Social Sciences in Strategy and Diplomacy is a collaborative programme between Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core issues related to the theory and practice of strategy and diplomacy. It prepares and equips students from diverse academic backgrounds with the ability to explore the nexus between strategy and diplomacy within the context of the changing global environment. It focuses on the understanding of strategic and security issues, diplomacy, interstate relations, foreign policy, international political economics, international law, defence policy and regional issues. Learning will be through lectures, discussion, presentations, group work, seminars, assignments, examinations and a dissertation exercise.
List of courses and curriculum structure
| Types and total units required | Master of Social Sciences (Strategy and Diplomacy) | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses (16 Units) | Research Methodology in Strategy and Diplomacy | 4 |
| Strategy and International Security: Concepts and Theoris | 4 | |
| Diplomacy: Theory and Practice | 4 | |
| International Political Economy | 4 | |
| Elective courses (12 units) | Comparative Defence and Foreign Policy | 4 |
| Globalisation and Regionalisation | 4 | |
| ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Order | 4 | |
| Malaysia and Small State Strategy | 4 | |
| International Law and Organisations | 4 | |
| Seminar on Strategy and Diplomacy | 4 | |
| Dissertation Exercise/Research Project (12 units) | Research Project | 12 |
| TOTAL: 40 units |
General Entry Requirement
| Requirements | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|
| Degree | • Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) or its equivalent. • Preference will be given to applicants with CGPA 3.00 and above or its equivalent. • Mid-career professionals with nine or more years of relevant work experience will also be considered. |
| English language | MUET: Band 4 | TOEFL: 550 score minimum or IELTS: Band 6 |
| Documents to be submitted | • Transcript and copy of first degree in relevant field • Proof of competency in English language (MUET for Malaysian students, TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants) • Certified copy of high school diploma (SPM or STPM for Malaysians) • 2 letters of recommendation from your employer/institution of higher education • Passport size photo • Processing fee of RM100 (for locals) or USD30 (international) • Centre for Graduate Studies Checklist |
| Semester commencement date | September of every year |
| Contact information for application | Coordinator, M.Soc.Sc. in Strategy and Diplomacy Research Centre for History, Politics, and International Affairs (PPSPS), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), National University of Malaysia (UKM), 43600 Bangi, Selangor, MALAYSIA. Tel: (+60)3-8921 5710/3265 Fax: (+60)3-8921 3290 See contact person details at the end of this webpage. |
| Application form | Fill out the online application form at: http://guest.ukm.my |
| Mode of study | Full time only |
DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED
Main documents
- Applicant fee of RM100 (for locals) or USD30 (for internationals)
- Two (2) acceptance notification cards with stamps included (Overseas applications are exempted)
- Two (2) completed application forms with passport size photo
- Two (2) completed financial supports from two (2) financial guarantors
- Two (2) completed forms from the Referees
Supporting documents
- Two (2) copies of Identification Cards (for locals) or passports (for international applicants)
- Two (2) certified copies of masters, undergraduate and/or diploma qualifications
- Two (2) certified copies of transcripts
- Two (2) copies of MUET (for locals) or IELTS/TOEFL results (for international applicants)
- Two (2) copies of sponsorship/scholarship letters (for applicants with sponsorship/scholarship only)
WHO SHOULD APPLY
- Government officers whose tasks and functions are related to diplomacy and international relations;
- Foreign and local students who are interested in diplomacy and international studies and have completed a bachelor’s degree;
- Any person who has an interest in strategy, diplomacy, and international relations.
PREREQUISITE/ELIGIBILITY
Interested candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
For all applicants
1. Completed Bachelor’s Degree; and
2. Proficient in the English language
For Malaysian Civil Servants
Serving officers from the Malaysian Public Sector must submit their application through their respective departments and must have approval for study leave or a Government scholarship.
For International Students
For international applicants who are residing outside of Malaysia, all documents must be certified by the respective country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Malaysia; for international applicants who are currently residing in Malaysia, all documents must be certified by respective applicant’s embassy in Malaysia.
HOW TO APPLY
All applicants must register and submit application at http://guest.ukm.my/#prosedur
TUITION FEES
RM11,000.00 (Local Malaysians)
RM15,000.00 (International students)
APPLICATION DEADLINE
April – June 2021
CONTACT PERSONS
For any further inquiries, please contact Dr. Mohd. Ikbal Mohd Huda (ibahuda@ukm.edu.my) or Ms. Nurul Adni Zainul Ariff (adni@idfr.gov.my)
Ms. Nurul Adni Zainul Ariff
Principal Assistant Director
Competency Enhancement Centre (CEC)
Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Email: adni@idfr.gov.my
Tel: +603 2149 1113
Fax: +603 2145 7015
Dr Mohd Ikbal bin Mohd Huda
Senior Lecturer
Center for History, Politics and International Affairs,
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
National University of Malaysia (UKM)
Email: ibahuda@ukm.edu.my
Tel: +603 8321 3643
Fax: +603 2145 7015
Coordinator,
M.Soc.Sc. in Strategy and Diplomacy
UKM-IDFR (Institute of Diplomacy & Foreign Relations)
Joint Program
http://guest.ukm.my/#prosedur