Admissions status:
Open. The current round closes on October 15, 2025.| Course Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Degree | MA |
| Length | 6 terms (2 years) |
| Department | Department of Public Policy |
| US degree credits | 60 (2 years) |
| Austrian degree ECTS credits | 120 (2 years) |
Program Description
The Master of Arts in International Public Affairs (IPA) program is a two-year professional degree in international affairs for students aspiring to work in international organizations, NGOs, public administration or related fields such as journalism and academia.
The program provides a comprehensive introduction to the topics at the foundation of international affairs practice: economics, international relations, politics and public policy. You will explore theories and methods of IPA at all levels of governance, implementing core research techniques and interdisciplinary approaches to conceptualize, analyze, evaluate and recommend policy interventions in regional, global and transnational contexts. Students have the flexibility to choose their learning path with one of the international public affairs specializations that focuses on two major areas of interest of the IPA work: Democracy and Rule of Law or Policy and Governance.
You will develop a set of advanced research and critical thinking skills drawing on the interdisciplinary approach practiced at CEU, which incorporates studies of related disciplines, such as humanities and history, to engage with the challenges in contemporary international public affairs effectively.
CEU is ranked amongst the Top 50worldwide in the 2025 edition of QS World University Rankings by Subjectin Politics. QS World University Rankings are one of the most widely referenced evaluations for students looking to pursue academic degrees abroad.
How the MA in International Public Affairs Works
The MA in International Public Affairs curriculum explores IPA through the lenses of international relations and public policymaking in a globalized world. You will explore the interaction between the government, private and voluntary sectors, as well as analyze the evolution and impact of international relations across time and place.
You will systematically build your foundational and specialized knowledge in international public affairs through courses across seven modules:
- Foundation
- Democracy 1
- Policy 1
- Research Methods
- Democracy 2
- Policy 2
- Thesis
If you choose the Democracy and Rule of Law track, you will be required to complete at least 6 US credits from the Democracy 1 module and at least 10 US credits from the Democracy 2 module. For students of the Policy and Governance track, at least 6 US credits from the Policy 1 module and at least 10 US credits from the Policy 2 module are a requirement. You will choose elective courses from the Research Methods module; opt for an optional internship to apply your knowledge and gain international work experience; or participate in a policy lab to apply the skills you have acquired.
You can flexibly shape your curriculum in preparation for specific career paths with a diverse list of in-depth courses. You can focus on academic methods and practice or delve into hands-on courses on negotiation, conflict resolution, data visualization, data management or filmmaking to build relevant skills needed for your future profession.
Who Is This Program For
The MA in International Public Affairs is a professional IPA degree with an international profile aiming to prepare students for careers in international relations, public policy, public administration and government affairs. Through the courses in the core curriculum, you will gain a broad interdisciplinary foundation that draws on economics, international relations, politics and public policy.
Students develop advanced academic research skills to be able to independently design, conduct and analyze an original research project that contributes to the study of international public affairs. After graduation, you will be prepared to embark on an exciting professional career or pursue a PhD in a related discipline anywhere in the world.
Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
To be accepted into the two-year program, you must have earned a first degree (bachelor's or equivalent undergraduate degree) of not less than three years of full-time studies with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits or equivalent. Students should hold an undergraduate degree in social sciences, humanities, law or a related subject to apply to the program.
Program-specific Requirements
In addition to meeting the general CEU admissions requirements, you must provide a 500-word statement of purpose that elaborates on your interest in the field of international public affairs and the program.
What Awaits You at CEU
The overarching aim of the Master of Arts in International Public Affairs program is to provide students with a solid conceptual grounding in international dimensions of public affairs that will prepare students for their future roles as researchers or IPA practitioners.
Program Overview
Program Overview
- Fall Term:
- Academic Writing for Public Policy Students
- Democratic Institutional Design
- Research Methods for Public Policy
- Courses from the list of your chosen specialization track
- Courses from the list of electives
- Winter Term:
- Economic Analysis for Public Policy
- International Relations
- Policy Analysis and Public Management
- Writing for Policy Audience OR Thesis Workshop OR Grants and Project Proposal Writing
- Courses from the list of your chosen specialization track
- Courses from the list of electives
- Spring Term:
- Courses from the list of your chosen specialization track
- Courses from the list of electives
- Fall Term:
- Courses from the list of your chosen specialization track
- Courses from the list of electives
- Winter Term:
- Thesis Module
- Courses from the list of your chosen specialization track
- Courses from the list of electives
- Spring Term:
- Thesis Module
This program overview is provided as an example based on previous years' curricula. It is for informational purposes only and subject to change. Course offerings, schedules and content may be updated or modified at any time without prior notice. Please refer to official sources or contact the relevant department for the most current program details.
Program Accreditation
The Master of Arts in International Public Affairs at CEU is registered with the New York State Education Department in the United States and accredited by AQ Austria in Austria. CEU is accredited in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Find out more about accreditation at CEU.
Your Instructors
After Graduation
Your Career Prospects
Graduates of the two-year Master of Arts in International Public Affairs (IPA) program are ready to pursue careers in international organizations, NGOs, public administration and academia. The program provides a comprehensive introduction to the changing discipline of international affairs practice, covering related fields such as economics, history, law, politics and public policy to help you gain extensive foundational knowledge in an interdisciplinary setting. Thanks to the availability of hands-on specialized training in research, grant writing, statistics, academic writing, impact evaluation and negotiation, graduates of the MA in International Public Affairs degree demonstrate experience and skills relevant to their chosen professional or academic career.
With a Master of Arts in International Public Affairs, you may consider exploring roles with the following job titles:
- Fundraising Officer
- Government Affairs Coordinator
- Government Affairs Manager
- International Development Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Internal Communications Manager
- Journalist
- NGO Program Manager
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Publicist
- Policy Advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Communications Manager
- Policy Manager
- Political Officer
- Program Officer
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
- Researcher
5 Reasons to Study the MA in International Public Affairs Program at CEU
- Dual degree: Earn both an American and Austrian degree and expand your career prospects internationally.
- Gain foundational and specialized knowledge: The program provides a solid foundation in the key areas of international affairs practice, including economics, international relations, politics and public policy. You will also choose between two specializations – Democracy and Rule of Law or Policy and Governance – to deepen your knowledge in one of the two significant areas of IPA work.
- Focus on interdisciplinarity: Tailor your studies to your career goals and gain practical skills in subjects that fit your interests by selecting from the extensive list of elective courses offered at CEU.
- Prepare for a successful career in international affairs: Graduates of the program are ready to pursue careers in international organizations, NGOs, public administration, journalism, academia and related fields.
- Internationally recognized: CEU is ranked 43rd in the 2025 edition of QS World University Rankings by Subjectin Politics, as well as 28th in Political Science in the 2024 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
