MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation

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What is an MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation?

Recent events, such as the consequences of the health crisis and the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the growing need for experts capable of understanding changes in the international environment, both in defining international development strategies and in managing production activities that are rooted in France but increasingly dependent on the European or global context.

TheExpert in international relations and cooperation is both a project leader and a manager within governmental or non-governmental institutions, international organizations, decentralized public institutions (Conseil Régional via its specialized agencies), or within NGOs. In terms of management, this can be centered on project management, but can also involve leading a team. These experts are also used extensively by public and private companies, both national and international, in multinationals as well as smaller firms.

These experts are therefore destined to work in all parts of France, as well as in all regions of the world. The MSc Experts in International Relations & Cooperation provides rapid access to positions of responsibility in the private and public sectors. You could be a political analyst, a consultant, a research officer in a ministry or embassy, a project coordinator in a subsidiary of a French company abroad, a geopolitical analyst, a research officer in a consulting firm or in an international think tank, a security consultant in a private company or for a public body…

MSc 1st year

Expert in international relations and cooperation

This first year is available as a standard program with an internship, or as a sandwich course if the student completes the full International Studies program, a level 7 RNCP 39853 qualification. Students must therefore sign a 2-year work-study contract (apprenticeship or professionalization contract) when they enroll in M1.

This first year enables students toacquire and master the traditional approach to the study of international relations and the mechanisms of contemporary diplomacy. The courses explore in depth the political, legal and economic aspects of the external relations of states, as well as of the European Union .

MSc 2nd year

Expert in international relations and cooperation

The second year of the MSc cycle enables students to specialize by acquiring more operational and specific skills. The program is run on a regular basis with an internship, or on a sandwich course with an apprenticeship or professionalization contract (direct access to MSc 2 with a one-year contract, or access to MSc 1 with a two-year contract).

What is the program of the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation ?

The professional certification allows you to prepare for the following blocks of skills:

BLOCK 1
Monitor and provide expertise in economic, political and diplomatic intelligence

BLOCK 2
Advise on the development and support the implementation of an international strategy

BLOCK 3
Provide leadership, advice and support in crisis or conflict situations

BLOCK 4
Managing an international project

In addition to these common skill sets, there is an optional specialization to choose from

SPE 1
International Affairs & Economic Diplomacy

Implement economic diplomacy and international business development policy.

Students are taught to understand current economic trends, business models and their results.

They study cooperation mechanisms, how to strengthen the positioning of companies in the face of international competition, and how public and private action complement each other.
They learn how to define and implement an influence strategy to develop the reputation/visibility and attractiveness of the organization and/or national companies internationally, and how to support and develop economic projects.
They are trained in new methods of intervention (e.g. cryptocurrency, green finance, CSR) and in understanding new risks (e.g. cyber-attacks), with a view to advising companies more effectively.

*Specialization offered on the Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux campuses.

SPE 2
International Security & Defense Policy

Design and manage a defense and security policy or cooperation (including cybersecurity).

This program trains future executives in the major challenges of defense and security, from the essential historical knowledge base, to the analysis of the “new strategic order”, in both a national and international context.

In addition to the traditional dimensions of land, sea, air and space, we’ve added the all-encompassing dimension of digital space.
This course focuses on major issues such as power relations, crisis management and the control of defense investments in a changing international context.
Particular attention is paid to the effects of “digital transformation” and cybersecurity.

*Specialty taught on the Paris campuses.

1st year of MSc – Expert in international relations and cooperation

Courses are taught in French and English.

Teaching objectives for the 1st year of the MSc

The MSc 1 Expert in International Relations & Cooperation enables students to discover and understand the different stakeholders involved in the world’s major geopolitical dynamics: international organizations, national and regional players, etc. It covers the fundamentals of international law, economics, geostrategy and conflict resolution. At the same time, this year provides the opportunity to deepen a research topic and the methodology of certain academic works.

Main course topics :

At the end of the first year, students are required to write a research dissertation, under the guidance of a research supervisor specializing in the subject. They are prepared as part of a research methodology seminar.

History of international relations Empires and nations The post-bipolar world

French foreign policy Wars and conflicts Public international law

Diplomacy and the international economy Europe in the world Research dissertation

International economics and finance International Justice Professional experience report

International organizations and the crisis of multilateralism LV1 English LV2-LV3*

*German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese

2nd year of MSc – Expert in international relations and cooperation

Courses are taught in French and English

Thematic seminars :

Major players in international relations
International Relations sector policies

Crisis management
Diplomacy of influence

International legal framework
Research and analysis of complex information
International project management
Project methodology

Main course topics :

Defence policy and cybersecurity E-learning cybersecurity Area analysis

Defense strategy and external operations Negotiation techniques

Foreign policy and comparative diplomacy Humanitarian law

International treaties and conventions European cooperation policies

Sources and analysis of risks and conflicts Migration and human rights

Intergovernmental and transnational players

Mediation and arbitration Crisis prevention and management

What is the recognition status of the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation degree?

HEIP delivers level 7 state certification for its “Expert in international relations and cooperation” program.

Certification title Expert en relations et coopérations internationales” level 7 (EU), NSF codes 128, 346, issued by HEIP – MBA INSTITUTE, CEE SO and CEE RA, registered under number 39853 in the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) by decision of France Compétences dated 28/11/2024.

France Compétences sheet

How does the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation work?

1st year of the MSc

For the first year of the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation

Teaching methods :

TD (Tutored Work) courses in small groups
Group work
E-learning
face-to-face courses

Assessment methods :
Students are assessed on all the courses contributing to the validation of the certification’s skill blocks. Certification is subject to the approval of a graduation jury, which validates all the pre-defined criteria for obtaining the professional certification registered in the French national register of professional certifications (répertoire national des certifications professionnelles) under the reference Titre RNCP n°39853. Each course is validated by means ofindividual and group case studies, role-playing exercises, and written reports with oral presentations throughout the year.
For traditional students in the first year of the MSc cycle: a dissertation and a feedback report are due at the end of the year, with an oral presentation before a jury.
For work-study students in the first year of the MSc cycle: a report on their experience is due at the end of the year, with an oral presentation to a panel of judges.

Each semester, students are supported in :

Preparation for the professional world
In the realization of individual or collective projects
Organizing lecture series

Practical details :
For the 2023-2024 academic year.
The program will be delivered at our campuses in : Paris (Spé 1&2), Lyon (Spé 1) and Bordeaux (Spé 1).

2nd year of the MSc

For the second year of the MSc Experts in International Relations & Cooperation

Teaching methods :

TD (Tutored Work) courses in small groups
Group work
E-learning
face-to-face courses

Assessment methods :
Students are assessed on all the courses contributing to the validation of the certification’s skill blocks. Certification is subject to the approval of a graduation jury, which validates all the pre-defined criteria for obtaining the professional certification registered in the French national register of professional certifications under the reference Titre RNCP 39853. Each course is validated by means ofindividual and group case studies, role-playing exercises, and written reports with oral presentations throughout the year.

Practical details :
For the 2023-2024 academic year.
The M2 program will be delivered at our campuses in Paris (Spé 1&2), Lyon (Spé 1) and Bordeaux (Spé 1).

Pace by Campus

Paris

Work-study program: 110 work-study days (minimum) – 2 weeks / 1 week rotation
Initial: 110 days of training at the end of the year (starting in March)

Lyon

Work-study program: 110 work-study days (minimum) – 2 weeks / 1 week rotation
Initial: 110 days of alternating work experience – 2 weeks / 1 week rotation

Bordeaux

Work-study program: 110 work-study days (minimum) – 3-day / 2-day schedule
Initial: 110 days of alternating training – 3-day / 2-day schedule

What are the prerequisites for the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation?

MSc 1

Applications for the first year of the MSc program are open to students who hold or are in the process of obtaining a BAC+3 (180 ECTS) or equivalent foreign degree in humanities, law, social sciences, politics or economics.

MSc 2

As part of their initial training and in order to enter the scheme, candidates must provide proof of the equivalent of 240 ECTS validated in the following fields:

International relations
Political science and public administration
International law

Public law
Political science and geopolitics
And the economy

What are the entry requirements for the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation?

New students wishing to enter MSc 1 & 2 will have to put together an application file, take an oral test and meet the prerequisites.

Candidates receive the results of the test 4 weeks after presenting their file to a panel of judges.

All the details are explained on the MSc Admission page.

CANDIDATE

Careers after the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation ?

The following is a non-exhaustive list of the various occupations in which holders of the certification may be employed:

International Security & Defense Policy” specialization

Operational Safety Manager
Consulting analyst for cybersecurity service providers
Project manager for international organizations

Business Intelligence Analyst
Crisis management communications officer
Consultant to defense contractors

International Affairs & Economic Diplomacy” specialization

Project coordinator for an international organization

Project manager in a local authority
Logistician in an NGO
Expert advisor to government agencies and ministries
Consultant in a design office
Head of training in cooperative project management

CANDIDATE

What are the tuition fees for the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation for the 2025-2026 academic year?

PER YEAR

TUITION FEES

Year 1

– 80 administration fee
– 9,990€ with a €1,100 booking deposit, for the classic rhythm with training course.
– For work-studystudents, the tuition fees are paid by the companyor institution of the work-study student and/or the skills operator (OPCO). The remaining cost for the student is zero.

– 103€ CVEC tax to be paid before the start of the school year following registration

Year 2

These rates are valid for the start of the 2025/2026 school year and may be reviewed annually.

Practical information about the MSc Expert in International Relations & Cooperation

Taux

Graduation rate for the MSc 2 “Expert en relations & coopérations internationales” – Year 2021-2022: 92%.

Teaching quality (pedagogy, expertise, availability, support, dialogue): 84% (school total)
Satisfaction with the quality of the work-study program: 84% (total school)
Apprenticeship indicators and rates
Number of apprentices in 22-23: 192 (including 34 M1 and 158 M2) in Paris