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Methods

How it's done - studying IR Online

The emphasis of IR Online is on distance learning, a method allowing students to work independently and self-determinedly. The web-based study modules integrate multimedia so as to provide for an exciting and challenging learning experience. During your studies, you will be supported by tutors ready to constantly review your achievements.

Furthermore, the program combines online self-study with full-time attendance periods or in-house classes in Dubai and Berlin. During the in-house sessions, tutors will introduce each module and you will be familiarized with the respective study contents or deepen particular points of interest within a more conventional teaching framework.

The concept of blended learning thus brings together online delivery (approximately 75 % of content) and face-to-face instruction (25 % of content).


Your benefits

• This set-up ensures an individual pace of learning progress, tailored according to your specific needs and opportunities to facilitate highly flexible time management.
  
  
• IR Online uses a professional e-learning platform in order to offer high quality standards in web-based education. Therefore, students are acquainted with state-of-the-art IT-based methods and acquire additional competencies essential in today's service-oriented and virtual environments.
  
  
• E-learning processes are initialized and supported by digitalized content. This includes multimedia material accessible on the web in various formats such as audio files, videos, pictures, software, and scanned texts. In particular, the use of interactive and innovative tools, e.g. a virtual library and discussion boards, ensures that e-education is a challenging and pleasant learning experience.
  
  
• In addition to multimedia study material and communication within the study program, the website of IR Online operates as a gateway to a rich resource of links and research databases. These special services are offered on an exclusive basis to IR Online students and provide access to the libraries and research facilities of the Freie Universität Berlin.
  
  
• Through being able to pursue your studies anywhere at any time, you do not have to miss out on high-quality individual support as IR Online provides a framework for personalized tutoring over all stages of the program. Tutors and students can communicate synchronously and asynchronously, making it possible to bring together people from different parts of the world and overcome geographical barriers.
  
  
  

At the same time, face-to-face instruction during the in-house classes in Berlin assures that all modules and particular topics can be discussed in more detail. The in-house classes in fact are designed to actively develop soft skills and the ability to work in an international team through innovative simulations of international negotiation processes.

Through discussions and round-table meetings students sharpen their communicative competencies and learn how to present clear-cut statements in an intercultural context. These personal meetings provide us with an excellent opportunity to create a network of young dedicated IR professionals and give you the opportunity to make contact with decision-makers from different IR related fields.

In short, blended learning provides an optimal combination of flexibility and enriching intellectual exchange through personal contact.