BECOMING A STRATEGIC PLAYER IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
The MSc Expert in International Relations and Cooperation program enables you to master the traditional approach to the study of international relations and the mechanisms of contemporary diplomacy.
In just two years, you’ll gain comprehensive, up-to-date expertise in international relations and cooperation, political science, foreign trade, defense and security.
A recognized diploma
- The MBA Institute’s “Expert en relations et coopérations internationales” program delivers a Level 7 State Certification, NSF code 312, 128 & 346, registered under number 39853 in the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) by decision of France Compétences dated 28/11/2024.
- Each validated year of study also earns 60 ECTS credits (European Credits Transfer System). This system enables simpler, more transparent recognition of diplomas and qualifications between European Union countries, and makes every student’s academic career more flexible and transparent. To find out more about the ECTS system, please visit the official page.
MSc “Expert in International Relations & Cooperation” program
FIRST YEAR
- Organization of public authorities and administrations
- Public policies in France
- Monitoring tools and methodology
- European institutions and policies
- Political news analysis
- Operational project management
- Field surveys
- Project financing and budget engineering
- Civil service: organization, status and ethics
- Utilities law
- Organization management
- Public Finance
- Public contracts law
- Fighting corruption
- Political communication
- Lobby groups and interest representation
- Mediatraining
- English
- Research methodology Dissertation
- Research dissertation writing methodology
SECOND YEAR
- Project design in the digital age and AI
- Public policy and territorial development
- Public policy and transitions
- Public policy analysis and evaluation
- Organizational transformation and change management
- European public funding
- Case studies
- Public services undergoing change and tension
- Transforming human resources in the public sector
- Tenders and public procurement
- Crisis management
- Managing a communication plan
- Crisis communication and image strategy
- English
- Influence, lobbying and institutional networks
- Mediatraining
- Feedback methodology
- Grand Oral methodology
- Grand Oral
- Conferences
Specialization 1: International Affairs & Economic Diplomacy
You will learn how to implement an attractiveness and support policy to internationalize a company, through lessons on :
- Implementing an attractiveness policy for a country, a region, a city or a company, to promote its economic development among foreign players.
- A policy of support and guidance for the internationalization of SMEs, ETIs, start-ups and large corporations.
- Economic diplomacy and influence through events and official meetings.
This specialization is available on the Paris and Lyon campuses.
Specialization 2: International Security & Defense Policy
You will learn to advise on international defense and security policy and cooperation, through courses on :
- General international defense and security policy, including cybersecurity.
- Participation in the development of an international defense or security strategy.
- Consulting in the definition and implementation of a technological and/or industrial strategy for defense or international security within the framework of international defense and security cooperation.
This specialization is available on the Paris campus.
To find out more about the program, download the school brochure.
Pedagogy
Pedagogical objectives
The program trains experts capable of managing international projects and leading diplomatic missions within governmental and non-governmental institutions, local authorities and companies, both in France and abroad.
Target skills
| Block 1 – Conduct a strategic and economic intelligence diagnosis on international issues | Implement structured global strategic intelligence integrating all relevant data (societal, environmental, economic) via appropriate tools including AI, while respecting the RGPD and the reliability of sources. Diagnose the situation of a country or region in depth, identifying key players, decision-makers and issues to map territorial risks. Analyze, cross-reference and prioritize all the data gathered to synthesize information according to its strategic value. Formulate critical recommendations and guidelines to facilitate decision-making and strengthen the organization’s activity. Anchor a culture of strategic intelligence within the organization. |
| Block 2 – Drawing up and implementing an international cooperation policy | Develop and manage international cooperation projects by drafting agreements tailored to the needs of the organization and its partners, then organizing the diplomatic and institutional meetings required to bring them to fruition. Support international development strategies by identifying key players, analyzing their policies and determining the most appropriate legal organization (technical office, subsidiary, etc.) according to the objectives pursued. Structure project financing by mobilizing all available tools (banking, concessional, European, multilateral, development aid). Coordinate the establishment of a variety of international partnerships, notably public and/or private, to strengthen the organization’s position through appropriate financing. |
| Block 3 – Managing an international project | Operationally manage an international project by qualifying it according to its stakes, defining an implementation schedule with appropriate monitoring tools, and mobilizing a targeted network of national and international stakeholders according to their respective skills. Organize and manage all stages of the project (design, negotiation, implementation, evaluation) within a multicultural collaborative framework, taking into account cultural differences, societal, environmental and disability issues. Implement an evaluation system to identify deviations from expected results, report to management and propose adjustments. Defend the organization’s interests internationally by proposing ethical and legal lobbying actions, based on analysis of foreign policies and an understanding of the mechanisms of influence between players. |
| Block 4 – Providing advice and support in international crisis situations | Analyze and map crises (including cyber) by identifying their internal, regional and international consequences, as well as the actors, destabilizing factors and sources of communication, in order to anticipate and propose a prevention policy with its legal tools. Build a corporate communications and crisis management plan adapted to the media context and risks, identifying the appropriate tools for disseminating information to target players and limiting any destabilization via social networks. Formalize crisis management procedures in line with national/international public plans, organize and coordinate a crisis unit by mobilizing the right people, defining their responsibilities and ensuring training in procedures at all levels of the organization. Evaluate responses (tools, communication, coordination) to propose improvement processes, update scenarios and guarantee the resilience and continuity of the organization’s activities. |
Methods used
HEIP offers programs designed by academic and professional experts, regularly updated to keep pace with the latest market trends and requirements. HEIP integrates innovative teaching methods such as case studies, simulations and practical projects, enabling students to develop both analytical and practical skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of the technical, analytical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in institutional fields.
Faculty
Direction MSc Expert in International Relations and Cooperation: Dominique de Combles de Nayves
- Co-director MSc Expert in International Relations and Cooperation: Aude Bréjon
- MSc1 Expert in International Relations and Cooperation: Salim Saïfi
- MSc2 Expert in International Relations and Cooperation: Catherine Mathieu
Evaluation methods
Assessment procedures are rigorous and based on a variety of methods, including case studies, simulations, role-playing, practical projects and oral presentations. Assessment criteria are clear and designed to measure students’ mastery of the skills they have developed.
Job opportunities
On graduating, our students are destined to work in both the private and public sectors, nationally and internationally, in multinationals as well as smaller companies. Depending on their chosen specialization, they quickly rise to positions of responsibility.
(non-exhaustive list)
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
Choose a work-study program!
The MSc Expert in International Relations and Cooperation is offered on an initial or sandwich course.
It can be made :
- 2-year sandwich course
- 2 years initial
- 1-year initial course + 1-year sandwich course
For first-year students, an internship is compulsory every year (4 to 6 months).
Schedule by campus
Paris
- Download the work-study schedule Option 1 Diplomatie Economique et Développement International des Entreprises – Year 1
- Download the work-study schedule Option 1 Diplomatie Economique et Développement International des Entreprises – Year 2
- Download the work-study schedule Option 2 International Defense and Security Policy and Cooperation – Year 1
- Download the work-study schedule Option 2 International Defense and Security Policy and Cooperation – Year 2
Lyon
- Download the work-study schedule Option 1 Diplomatie Economique et Développement International des Entreprises – Year 1
- Download the work-study schedule Option 1 Diplomatie Economique et Développement International des Entreprises – Year 2
Admissions
Prerequisites
You can also apply for the first or second year of the MSc.
MSc 1
- Bac+3 (180 ECTS) or equivalent foreign qualification in humanities, law, social sciences, politics or economics.
- A keen interest in political science and international relations.
MSc 2
- Bac+4 (240 ECTS) validated in the following fields: international relations, political science of public administration, international law, public law, political and geopolitical science, economics.
- A keen interest in political science and international relations.
How to register
- Putting together an application
- Oral admission test
Candidates receive their test results 4 weeks after presenting their file to a jury.
All the details are explained on the MSc Admission page.
Rates
For 2025/2026 :
MSc sandwich course: €10,950/year
Initial MSc: €10,350/year
Application fees
80 (regardless of the year you apply)
For work-study students, the tuition fees are paid by the company or institution of the work-study student and/or the skills operator (OPCO). The remaining cost for the student is zero.
These rates are valid for the start of the 2025/2026 school year and are subject to annual review.
Practical information
Indicators and rates
- Graduation rate for the MSc “Expert en relations & coopérations internationales” program – Year 2023 – 2024: 84
- Teaching quality (pedagogy, expertise, availability, support, dialogue): 84%*2
- Quality of work-study schedule: 90%*2
- Apprenticeship indicators and rates (Nov 2023)
- Apprenticeship indicators and rates (Nov 2025)
*1 certification obtained in 2023
*2 Opinionway survey November 2023 & February 2025
Speakers
All our speakers are lecturers or experts in their field.
They all have 5 years’ higher education and a minimum of 3 to 5 years’ professional experience. Find out more about our teaching staff.
Campus
Courses are held in Paris and Lyon.
Find out more about all our campuses on our dedicated page.
Accessibility
The HEIP admissions process is accessible to people with disabilities. The admissions teams can adapt the tests as required.
All HEIP campuses (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Rennes and London) are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
