About the Master's degree
The School of Social Sciences of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is offering a Master of International and Diplomacy Studies (European Studies) in July 2005. This new Master degree, MIDS, is supported by the Asia Link Programme of the European Commission. The programme will be managed by the Centre for International Studies.
Rationale
Europe has emerged as a major global player that is increasing in importance to Malaysia and to Asia. The European Union represents a market of 455 million people and accounts for more than a quarter of world GDP and one fifth of world trade. As the largest single market in the world, backed up by a single currency and common policies on defence, foreign affairs, immigration and environment (to name a few), the EU's global reach and influence can no longer be ignored. Already, the EU has surpassed the USA as the rule-maker and the pace-setter of standards for global trade both within and outside WTO. It also has the potential to be the countervailing force to the US on the world stage. In a global geo-political context, it is in Asia's interest to see the EU function as an important pillar in the triangular relationship between Asia and the US so as to strengthen multi-polarity in international relations.
In order to benefit fully from this changing global architecture, it is essential to produce middle-level manpower capable of understanding and utilising the new opportunities that are likely to emerge. With this in view, the School of Social Sciences, in cooperation with the College of Europe, Tübingen University, Chulalongkorn University and the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), is offering this new postgraduate level programme of international diplomacy studies with special emphasis on Europe.
Objectives
The MIDS, besides providing a basic grounding in traditional international and diplomacy studies, will use multidisciplinary tools to analyse and understand European political and economic development culminating in the formation of the European Union and its subsequent enlargement. The course will place particular emphasis on institutions and decision-making processes in order to facilitate future interactions between Malaysians and their European counterparts. A research methodology course combined with a dissertation also form a compulsory component of MIDS.
The primary objective is to produce students well grounded in traditional, international and diplomacy studies and who also possess a sound and in-depth knowledge of European policies, institutions and developments. Special attention will be given to the EU's relations towards developing countries, especially in the Asian region.
Additionally, USM hopes to contribute in a visible manner towards producing well-trained civil servants, diplomats, entrepreneurs and civil society actors capable of engaging efficiently with the European Union, so as to maximise mutual gains in future political, social and economic dialogues, both at the government level and at that of civil society.
Finally, once firmly established, MIDS hopes to open its doors to candidates from the region wishing to gain expertise in European studies. In this connection, we hope to forge links of mutual cooperation with institutions in Southeast Asia tht already have programmes on European Studies, with a view to—amongst other things—including enouraging student and staff exchanges.
Who should apply?
The MIDS is specially designed for:
- those in the diplomatic service and officials who relate to the European Union;
- managers and managerial staff trading or investing in the Single European Market;
- journalists who take an interest in the European Union;
- civil society groups that relate to the institutions of the European Union and its member states; and
- anyone whose work concerns Europe.
Entry Requirements
- A good Bachelor's degree;
- Two years' working experience;
- Proven competence in English.
All applicants will be interviewed by a panel of lecturers.
Degree Awarded
On the successful completion of the requirements of the course, the candidate will be awarded the Master of International and Diplomacy Studies (European Studies) or MIDS by Universiti Sains Malaysia.