in order to qualify for the Master participants are required to attend all ten modules of the programme (60 credits) and produce an original dissertation or Master thesis (20 credits) and pass an oral examination.

The master thesis is a piece of work that all course participants have to produce in order to qualify for the degree. The thesis can be written in either English or Spanish. The topic must be one of international politics and must be initially submitted to the academic supervisor for approval. The thesis should have the form and style of a scientific article. It should deal with a fairly focused topic, demonstrating that it has taken into account most of the existing work on the subject. It should make an original contribution to knowledge in the area. Its length should be around 15,000 to 20,000 words. Each participant will be assigned a supervisor and will be expected to be in regular contact with the latter during his or her research. Once submitted, the thesis will be assessed by the supervisor and at least one external examiner. ISP reserves the right to publish the outstanding dissertations.

The oral examination is an assessment of the candidate’s understanding of international protocol. Candidates sit the “major oral” in English , in front of a panel of three professors. They can be asked questions on any current issue in international protocol and are required to demonstrate their understanding of the deeper causes of all current problems and their capacity to analyse complex issues of international politics.

The exams are organised during the last week of June and October. If this opportunity is not used, it is still possible to sit the exam in late January or late June of the following academic year. A fee of 450,00 € will be charged for re-registration. However, if the exams have not been passed during one of these four exam sessions, students will have to register fully again and follow the whole programme, with a tuition fee of 50% of the full amount. No one may sit the same examination more than twice.

The final grade is calculated as follows: 40% – mark for the thesis; 40% mark for the oral examination; 20% mark for the seminar essays and other coursework. A combined average mark of more than 55% is required for the degree to be awarded. The grading system is as follows: Pass (55-64); Cum Laude (65-74); Magna Cum Laude (75-84); Summum Cum Laude (85 or more).