Academic Programmes
Master in Anti-Corruption Studies (MACS) 2022 Online
About
The first global, postgraduate degree programme in anti-corruption and compliance.
2 years
ONLINE
120 ECTS credits.
The programme offers a series of interdisciplinary online modules that concentrate on concepts and applied perspectives for preventing and countering corruption and establishing solid components of compliance. Students also develop a Master’s Thesis for which a supporting course in research methods and writing skills will be running in parallel with other modules.
The programme is taught fully online and is a part-time. The course can be completed in a minimum of two years, while students have the opportunity to pause their studies if their work or life commitments require so.
Benefits
- Earn an internationally recognized Master of Arts degree with 120 ECTS credits while building/continuing your professional career
- Learn through synchronous and asynchronous online methods with maximum flexibility
- Develop your understanding of the manner in which corruption manifests itself and the surrounding social complexities
- Gain interdisciplinary insights on corruption from experts in economics, political science, criminology, behavioural science, law, human rights, and compliance
- Enhance your skills for identifying and addressing different types of corruption in diverse contexts by integrating theory and practice
- Learn and implement global best practices in anti-corruption including measurement, policy framing, enforcement, and investigation
- Strengthen your skills through methodologies and tools provided during workshops and the anti-corruption lab
- Share and learn with peers from diverse sectors across the globe
- Conduct intensive academic research under the supervision of international anti-corruption practitioners and scholars
Structure
and curriculum
Each of the seven Online MACS modules carries between 11 to 14 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, and the Master's Thesis carries 21 credits. The MACS degree therefore comes with a total of 120 ECTS credits, thus ideal for enrolment into PhD programmes.
The Online MACS programme runs over two academic years with seven modules and a Master Thesis. Each module runs in 11 to 13 weeks. The modules comprise of several core and stand-alone courses, composed of self-study readings, interactive presentations, discussion forums, self-assessment, group works, live sessions, written assignments, webinars, etc. All modules as well as master’s thesis research and defence are conducted fully online. Upon successful completion of modules and the master’s thesis defence, the graduation ceremony takes place at IACA campus, in Laxenburg, Austria. The programme also offers an ongoing module on research methods, and an ongoing course on facilitating virtual teams and learning process.
Four modules are completed in the first academic year.
Three modules and the Master's Thesis are completed in the second academic year.
Admission
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of three years of relevant work experience or a proven history of academic research in areas related to anti-corruption and/or compliance, broadly understood. Candidates who do not have working experience yet and are applying directly from the bachelor’s degree, should have their undergraduate degree qualification such as economics, law, political science, sociology, or any other filed related to MACS studies
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Admission Process
Submit an online application along with the required documents and the payment of the 100 EUR application fee (non-refundable).
Guidelines for application
Participants are selected taking into account their professional and academic experience. IACA is committed to promoting diversity and strives to attract participants from various professional backgrounds and geographical areas. Bringing together diverse perspectives and practices to better learn about and tackle corruption is essential to the quality of the MACS programme.
Fees
and Scholarships
Programme Fee
The overall programme fee is EUR 8,950 per year. The programme fee covers teaching, including teaching materials and ICT, and supervision and thesis defence. All other arrangements and associated costs, not covered by the above stated fees, such as, travel, medical insurance, accommodation and subsistence for the graduation ceremony, are Student’s responsibility.
In some countries and jurisdictions, educational expenses can be tax deductible. Please check with your national tax authority.
Discounts
Under the Preferential Treatment Scheme for IACA Parties contributing to the general budget of the organization, IACA is offering different preferences related to member states contributions to the IACA general budget.
IACA will offer the following discounts on the programmes/trainings tuition fees:
- 10 % - for nationals of Armenia, Chile, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Thailand
- 15 % - for nationals of China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia
- 15 % - for registered IACA Alumni
- 20 % - for nationals of Austria
In addition, nationals of the countries listed under 15% and 20% discount scheme are eligible for a 50% discount on the application fee payment*.
This scheme remains valid until revocation. It may be modified or superseded by later schemes at any time. More information can be found here.
*Applicable only for programmes/trainings for which application fee is mandatory.
For all finance related questions refer to finance@iaca.int
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of 100 EUR shall be paid by all applicants, including those who apply for a scholarship. See Guidelines for the Application Procedure for payment information.
Scholarships
IACA offers a limited number of scholarships for students from Least Developed Countries as defined by the United Nations, and for citizens from IACA State Parties, listed under the World Bank Classification of Countries by Income as the Lower-Middle- and Upper-Middle-Income Economies. These highly competitive scholarships are merit based and they fully or partially cover the programme fee.
Individual Sponsorship
Companies, organizations, and public-sector entities often provide financial support or grant educational leave to their employees to continue their education. IACA will work with applicants who have submitted their application in preparing a sponsorship proposal for their employers or potential donors.
Impact stories
MACS 2017 - 2019 class
“MACS is a program for people who have a passion about leaving a better world and at the same time people who want to make the most out of life, working and studying at the same time. Being in a classroom with 17 different nationalities is a unique experience by itself. The teachers are passionate about the topics and renowned worldwide. If you want to take the fight seriously, this is the place to be.
MACS 2017 - 2019 class
“IACA is a place where theory meets practice and people from different nations exchange cutting edge perspectives and experiences in anti-corruption. The learning environment is amazing. IACA, and particularly the MACS, is a prism of different approaches – a hub where global anti-corruption practice is interrogated and validated, and new approaches unveiled through critical thought and innovation. When it comes to anti-corruption programmes around the world, I know no better than the MACS.
MACS 2016 - 2018 class
“The MACS programme has a solid structure, analysing corruption from all relevant angles. The programme is truly multidisciplinary and offers state of the art insights on fighting corruption through discussions with renowned academics and practitioners. The course has been highly relevant for my career. In my job I benefit a lot from the knowledge and international network I have developed during the MACS programme.
MACS 2015 - 2017 class
