Master of Arts in International Studies
About This Programme
A 30-credit master's in advanced international affairs, research methods, leadership and conflict resolution, with a thesis and wide elective choice. Prepares graduates for the foreign service, NGOs, multinational corporations and academic study.
Course Highlights
- Multidisciplinary curriculum training global leaders and change-makers
- Core in advanced international affairs, research methods, leadership and conflict resolution
- Electives from security and migration to MENA politics and environmental sustainability
- Culminates in a supervised six-credit master's thesis (INS 699)
What You'll Study
Multidisciplinary graduate seminars in international affairs assessed by research papers and a required six-credit master's thesis (INS 699) defended before a committee.
Required Courses (18 credits, incl. 6-credit thesis)
- INS 501 Advanced International Affairs3 credits
- INS 503 Research Methods3 credits
- INS 505 Theory and Practice of Leadership3 credits
- INS 507 Conflict Resolution3 credits
- INS 699 Master's Thesis6 credits
Elective Courses (minimum 12 credits, choose 4)
- INS 511 Advanced International Security3 credits
- INS 513 Topics in Global Affairs3 credits
- INS 515 Environmental Ethics3 credits
- INS 517 Global Migration3 credits
- INS 521 Women's and Minority Rights3 credits
- INS 525 Law, Politics and International Crime3 credits
- INS 527 Contemporary MENA Politics and the World3 credits
- INS 529 The Transnational Gulf3 credits
- INS 531 Governing Environmental Sustainability3 credits
Entry Requirements
MBA and MBDA applicants take the GMAT or the AUS admission test; a statement of purpose is required for some programmes.
Careers
Opens careers in government and foreign service, education, law, NGOs and multinational corporations, and prepares students for doctoral study.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Licensed by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); AUS holds US regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Programme Details
Award
Master of Arts in International Studies
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall; Spring intake for many programmes)
Typical Offer
Relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA + IELTS 6.5 (or TOEFL iBT 80); bridging courses may be required if key undergraduate coursework is missing
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
International Studies
Campus
Sharjah
Course Type
Master of Arts
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 65,565/yr
Apply online at apply.aus.edu with transcripts, a CV, references and a statement of purpose where required. The graduate application fee is AED 450 + 5% VAT. AUS offers graduate assistantships to qualified applicants.