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Overview

Earn an accredited Master’s degree without taking time off work.

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy guides working diplomats and international relations professionals through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

The programme, offered in cooperation with the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta, includes a 10-day residential workshop in Malta followed by 16 to 20 months of online study. The residential workshop focuses on practical skills, while online areas of study range from the basics of diplomacy (Diplomatic Theory and Practice, Bilateral Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy) through to contemporary topics (Language and Diplomacy, Development Diplomacy, E-Diplomacy and more).

Open for applications: 

No

Application deadline: 
Passed for 2012 programme
Start date: 
30 January 2012
Course code: 
PMCDIPFDL8
ECTS credits: 
90
Mode(s) of study: 
Master/PGD (residential workshop and online)

…a valuable academic complement to my professional experience.
 

Francois Desruisseaux
Course participant
Course details

Earn an accredited Master’s degree without taking time off work.

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy guides working diplomats and international relations professionals through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

The programme, offered in cooperation with the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta, includes a 10-day residential workshop in Malta followed by 16 to 20 months of online study. The residential workshop focuses on practical skills, while online areas of study range from the basics of diplomacy (Diplomatic Theory and Practice, Bilateral Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy) through to contemporary topics (Language and Diplomacy, Development Diplomacy, E-Diplomacy and more).

  • Flexible: You design your study programme, deciding on the Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree, and selecting from our wide range of courses. You decide when and where to study, and even when to begin.
  • Practical and affordable: Programme fees cover participation and accommodation for the 10-day workshop in Malta and the entire online course tuition. Even better, with online study you can continue to work and earn an income. All you need is a computer connected to the Internet!
  • Relevant: Courses cover traditional and contemporary topics in diplomacy, and are kept relevant through discussion of current events and trends. Faculty members include practising and retired diplomats with both theoretical expertise and practical experience in the field.
  • Personalised: During the residential workshop you meet your classmates and lecturers, extending your professional network. The personalised approach continues during the online courses, with small group sizes. The emphasis is on learning together, drawing on the experience and knowledge of participants as well as lecturers.
  • Effective: The programme is highly rated by former participants, who have seen immediate and lasting benefits ranging from personal development to career advances.

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy has European postgraduate accreditation through the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta, making it recognised worldwide.

Programme structure

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy consists of a compulsory 10-day workshop in Malta followed by 16 to 20 months of online learning, including writing a Master's dissertation. 

The option of completing up to two of the online courses before enrolling in the programme offers additional flexibility. Please see University of Malta Accredited Courses to learn more about this option.

The programme language is English, giving non-native speakers a valuable opportunity to practise and hone their skills at expressing and explaining work-related concepts in this international language.

Faculty members include high-ranking, practising and retired diplomats as well as renowned academics in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. For further details please visit our faculty page.

Phase 1: Attend the introductory residential workshop in Malta

The compulsory residential workshop focuses on building skills used in diplomatic practice. Seminars are drawn from the following:

  • Diplomatic reporting
  • Bilateral and multilateral negotiation skills
  • Language and influence
  • Communication skills
  • Dealing with the media
  • Public diplomacy
  • Information technology skills for diplomatic activities
  • Online learning study skills
  • Crisis management
  • Diplomatic protocol

You will need to bring a notebook or laptop computer for participation in the Malta workshop. A wireless Internet connection will be available in the workshop room.

An important benefit of the workshop is meeting other course participants and faculty members face-to-face. This personal contact makes the online learning phase richer and more rewarding. Participants tell us that they keep in touch with classmates and faculty members long after the programme ends and the resulting professional network is highly valuable in their work.

Phase 2: Choose your online courses

During the online learning phase, you return home and complete five online courses of your choice, each lasting ten weeks. Participants usually choose one course during each of the five sessions of the programme, although two courses may be taken simultaneously if this suits your schedule better. Participation in the programme involves seven to ten hours of study time per week (based on taking one online course at a time).

Courses cover a wide range of both traditional and contemporary topics in diplomacy, many of them not taught elsewhere. Please see the provisional schedule below, and visit our Course Catalogue for a full list of courses and their descriptions.

Discussion and interaction with course lecturers and among participants improves and enhances individual study of course topics. We keep online class groups small to allow for rich collaborative learning.

After successful completion of the introductory workshop and the online learning phase, you may choose whether to receive the Postgraduate Diploma or to proceed with writing your Master's dissertation.

Phase 3: Write your dissertation

If you aim for the Master's degree, you will prepare a 25 000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice under the personal online guidance of a research supervisor selected from Diplo's faculty members. You may decide whether to write your dissertation over a four- or eight-month period.

Provisional schedule for 2012 (subject to possible changes)

Introductory Workshop in Malta: 30 January - 8 February, 2012

Online Learning Session 1: week of 20 February to week of 23 April, 2012

  • Diplomatic Theory and Practice
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Multilateral Diplomacy II: Current Issues in the United Nations

Online Learning Session 2: week of 7 May to week of 9 July, 2012

  • Bilateral Diplomacy
  • Diplomacy of Small States
  • E-Diplomacy

Online Learning Session 3: week of 23 July to week of 24 September, 2012

  • 21st Century Diplomacy
  • Multilateral Diplomacy
  • Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities

Online Learning Session 4: week of 8 October to week of 10 December, 2012

  • Development Diplomacy
  • Language and Diplomacy
  • Consular Diplomacy

Online Learning Session 5: week of 18 February to week of 22 April, 2013

  • Diplomatic Theory and Practice
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Multilateral Diplomacy II: Current Issues in the United Nations
Reviews

The Master/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy allowed me to increase my knowledge and skills at a tremendous speed and depth, while remaining in and performing stronger in my job. I was very impressed by the professional support provided by the professors and fellow students allowing for a total immersion in all aspects regarding contemporary diplomacy from different global perspectives. This programme is truly a valuable experience that provides critical skills and knowledge in a motivating environment.

Angelic Caroline Alihusain-del Castilho
Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname
November 2010

Following 10 years of humanitarian work, the Postgraduate Degree in Contemporary Diplomacy proved a valuable academic complement to my professional experience and proved helpful in facilitating access to increasingly senior leadership positions.

Francois Desruisseaux
Director, Disaster Response Program, CARE, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
November 2010
Who should apply

This programme will be of interest to:

  • Practising diplomats, civil servants, and others working in international relations who want to refresh or expand their knowledge under the guidance of experienced practitioners and academics.
  • Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing to study topics not offered through their university programmes or diplomatic academies and to gain deeper insight through interaction with practising diplomats.
  • Postgraduate students or practitioners in other fields seeking an entry point into the world of diplomacy.
  • Journalists, staff of international and non-governmental organisations, translators, business people and others who interact with diplomats and wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics.

 

Prerequisites

Applicants for the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy must meet University of Malta prerequisites:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with at least Second Class Honours.
  • Proof of English language proficiency obtained within the last two years (minimum requirements TOEFL: paper-based – 650; Internet-based – 95. IELTS: 6.5. Cambridge: Proficiency Certificate with Grade C or better). If when applying you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results, the University may issue a conditional letter of acceptance.
  • Unrestricted access to the Internet using Firefox or Internet Explorer web browsers (please contact us for more details if you are in doubt about your level of access).
Fees

The fee for the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy is €7930. After successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, participants who choose to write the  Master's dissertation pay an additional fee of €2470.

The fee covers:

  • Application and registration fees
  • Tuition fees for workshop and five online courses
  • Ten-day Introductory Workshop in Malta:
    • Eleven nights accommodation including breakfast and lunch at a four star hotel
    • Skill improvement workshops with our international team of experts
    • Group and personalised training in computer and IT skills necessary for online learning
  • Access to all course materials online, via Diplo's online classroom, and print text books where applicable
  • Access, via the Internet, to the University of Malta e-journal collection
  • Personal interaction via the online classroom with course lecturers, staff and other participants
  • Use of Diplo’s online databases and resources
  • Online technical support
  • For the Master's dissertation, personal supervision by one of our faculty members and advising by Diplo staff

The fee does not include travel expenses to Malta for the workshop.

A non-refundable application fee of €100 must be submitted with the application package. On acceptance into the programme, the amount of the application fee will be deducted from the course fee.

Financial Assistance

DiploFoundation offers a limited number of partial scholarships for the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy fee, to assist diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries. Financial assistance is not available to cover the additional fees for the Master's dissertation.

To apply for a scholarship please include your CV and a motivation letter with your application package. The motivation letter should include:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background.
  • Reasons for your interest in the programme.
  • Why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this programme: how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country.

As Diplo's ability to offer scholarship support is limited, candidates are strongly encouraged to seek scholarship funding directly from local or international institutions. Our guide to Finding Scholarships for Online Study may provide you with some useful starting points.

How to apply

Required documents

  1. Two copies of the University of Malta application form (click here to download and print) filled out in full.
  2. Draft research proposal of around 500 words (relevant to Section I of the application form). You will have the opportunity to revise or change this before begining work on your dissertation, if you opt for the Master's degree.
  3. Copies of your degree(s) and official transcripts. Originals must be presented during the introductory workshop in Malta.
  4. English translations of degree(s) and transcripts if they are not in English, signed and stamped by translator.
  5. English language proficiency certificate obtained within the last two years (minimum requirements TOEFL: paper-based – 650; computer-based – 280; Internet-based – 114–115. IELTS: 6.5. Cambridge: Proficiency Certificate with Grade C or better). Please indicate on the application form if you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results.
  6. Two passport-size photos.
  7. Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport.
  8. If you are requesting financial assistance, please include your CV and a motivation letter with your application. The motivation letter should include details of your relevant professional and educational background; reasons for your interest in the programme; and why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this programme, i.e. how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country. Financial assistance from DiploFoundation is only available to applicants from developing countries.
  9. Application fee or proof of payment (€100 – non-refundable – see methods of payment).

In case of any queries please contact: admissions@diplomacy.edu

Please mail complete application packages to the address shown below.

Please ensure that your application package is complete as we cannot process incomplete applications.

Print course info
Course details:

Earn an accredited Master’s degree without taking time off work.

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy guides working diplomats and international relations professionals through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges.

The programme, offered in cooperation with the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta, includes a 10-day residential workshop in Malta followed by 16 to 20 months of online study. The residential workshop focuses on practical skills, while online areas of study range from the basics of diplomacy (Diplomatic Theory and Practice, Bilateral Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy) through to contemporary topics (Language and Diplomacy, Development Diplomacy, E-Diplomacy and more).

  • Flexible: You design your study programme, deciding on the Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree, and selecting from our wide range of courses. You decide when and where to study, and even when to begin.
  • Practical and affordable: Programme fees cover participation and accommodation for the 10-day workshop in Malta and the entire online course tuition. Even better, with online study you can continue to work and earn an income. All you need is a computer connected to the Internet!
  • Relevant: Courses cover traditional and contemporary topics in diplomacy, and are kept relevant through discussion of current events and trends. Faculty members include practising and retired diplomats with both theoretical expertise and practical experience in the field.
  • Personalised: During the residential workshop you meet your classmates and lecturers, extending your professional network. The personalised approach continues during the online courses, with small group sizes. The emphasis is on learning together, drawing on the experience and knowledge of participants as well as lecturers.
  • Effective: The programme is highly rated by former participants, who have seen immediate and lasting benefits ranging from personal development to career advances.

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy has European postgraduate accreditation through the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta, making it recognised worldwide.

Programme structure

The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy consists of a compulsory 10-day workshop in Malta followed by 16 to 20 months of online learning, including writing a Master's dissertation. 

The option of completing up to two of the online courses before enrolling in the programme offers additional flexibility. Please see University of Malta Accredited Courses to learn more about this option.

The programme language is English, giving non-native speakers a valuable opportunity to practise and hone their skills at expressing and explaining work-related concepts in this international language.

Faculty members include high-ranking, practising and retired diplomats as well as renowned academics in the fields of diplomacy and international relations. For further details please visit our faculty page.

Phase 1: Attend the introductory residential workshop in Malta

The compulsory residential workshop focuses on building skills used in diplomatic practice. Seminars are drawn from the following:

  • Diplomatic reporting
  • Bilateral and multilateral negotiation skills
  • Language and influence
  • Communication skills
  • Dealing with the media
  • Public diplomacy
  • Information technology skills for diplomatic activities
  • Online learning study skills
  • Crisis management
  • Diplomatic protocol

You will need to bring a notebook or laptop computer for participation in the Malta workshop. A wireless Internet connection will be available in the workshop room.

An important benefit of the workshop is meeting other course participants and faculty members face-to-face. This personal contact makes the online learning phase richer and more rewarding. Participants tell us that they keep in touch with classmates and faculty members long after the programme ends and the resulting professional network is highly valuable in their work.

Phase 2: Choose your online courses

During the online learning phase, you return home and complete five online courses of your choice, each lasting ten weeks. Participants usually choose one course during each of the five sessions of the programme, although two courses may be taken simultaneously if this suits your schedule better. Participation in the programme involves seven to ten hours of study time per week (based on taking one online course at a time).

Courses cover a wide range of both traditional and contemporary topics in diplomacy, many of them not taught elsewhere. Please see the provisional schedule below, and visit our Course Catalogue for a full list of courses and their descriptions.

Discussion and interaction with course lecturers and among participants improves and enhances individual study of course topics. We keep online class groups small to allow for rich collaborative learning.

After successful completion of the introductory workshop and the online learning phase, you may choose whether to receive the Postgraduate Diploma or to proceed with writing your Master's dissertation.

Phase 3: Write your dissertation

If you aim for the Master's degree, you will prepare a 25 000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice under the personal online guidance of a research supervisor selected from Diplo's faculty members. You may decide whether to write your dissertation over a four- or eight-month period.

Provisional schedule for 2012 (subject to possible changes)

Introductory Workshop in Malta: 30 January - 8 February, 2012

Online Learning Session 1: week of 20 February to week of 23 April, 2012

  • Diplomatic Theory and Practice
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Multilateral Diplomacy II: Current Issues in the United Nations

Online Learning Session 2: week of 7 May to week of 9 July, 2012

  • Bilateral Diplomacy
  • Diplomacy of Small States
  • E-Diplomacy

Online Learning Session 3: week of 23 July to week of 24 September, 2012

  • 21st Century Diplomacy
  • Multilateral Diplomacy
  • Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities

Online Learning Session 4: week of 8 October to week of 10 December, 2012

  • Development Diplomacy
  • Language and Diplomacy
  • Consular Diplomacy

Online Learning Session 5: week of 18 February to week of 22 April, 2013

  • Diplomatic Theory and Practice
  • Public Diplomacy
  • Multilateral Diplomacy II: Current Issues in the United Nations
Who should apply:

This programme will be of interest to:

  • Practising diplomats, civil servants, and others working in international relations who want to refresh or expand their knowledge under the guidance of experienced practitioners and academics.
  • Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing to study topics not offered through their university programmes or diplomatic academies and to gain deeper insight through interaction with practising diplomats.
  • Postgraduate students or practitioners in other fields seeking an entry point into the world of diplomacy.
  • Journalists, staff of international and non-governmental organisations, translators, business people and others who interact with diplomats and wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics.

 

Methodology:

The residential workshop combines lectures, exercises, assignments, and simulations in order to build skills used in diplomatic practice. Participants are expected to participate fully in the workshop, and evaluation is based on both participation and graded assignments for each topic covered.

During the online courses, interaction takes place via the Internet through an online classroom. Each week, participants read the provided lecture text, adding questions, comments and references in the form of hypertext entries. Lecturers and other participants read and respond to these entries, creating interaction based on the lecture text. During the week, participants complete additional online activities (e.g. further discussion via blogs or forums, quizzes, group tasks, simulations or short assignments). At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet online in a chat room to discuss the week’s topic. Evaluation is based on participation and on several assignments for each course.

Writing the dissertation is a largely an individual activity. Each participant will work with a supervisor drawn from Diplo's faculty, communicating via e-mail.

Prerequisites:

Applicants for the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy must meet University of Malta prerequisites:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with at least Second Class Honours.
  • Proof of English language proficiency obtained within the last two years (minimum requirements TOEFL: paper-based – 650; Internet-based – 95. IELTS: 6.5. Cambridge: Proficiency Certificate with Grade C or better). If when applying you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results, the University may issue a conditional letter of acceptance.
  • Unrestricted access to the Internet using Firefox or Internet Explorer web browsers (please contact us for more details if you are in doubt about your level of access).
Fees:

The fee for the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy is €7930. After successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, participants who choose to write the  Master's dissertation pay an additional fee of €2470.

The fee covers:

  • Application and registration fees
  • Tuition fees for workshop and five online courses
  • Ten-day Introductory Workshop in Malta:
    • Eleven nights accommodation including breakfast and lunch at a four star hotel
    • Skill improvement workshops with our international team of experts
    • Group and personalised training in computer and IT skills necessary for online learning
  • Access to all course materials online, via Diplo's online classroom, and print text books where applicable
  • Access, via the Internet, to the University of Malta e-journal collection
  • Personal interaction via the online classroom with course lecturers, staff and other participants
  • Use of Diplo’s online databases and resources
  • Online technical support
  • For the Master's dissertation, personal supervision by one of our faculty members and advising by Diplo staff

The fee does not include travel expenses to Malta for the workshop.

A non-refundable application fee of €100 must be submitted with the application package. On acceptance into the programme, the amount of the application fee will be deducted from the course fee.

Financial Assistance

DiploFoundation offers a limited number of partial scholarships for the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy fee, to assist diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries. Financial assistance is not available to cover the additional fees for the Master's dissertation.

To apply for a scholarship please include your CV and a motivation letter with your application package. The motivation letter should include:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background.
  • Reasons for your interest in the programme.
  • Why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this programme: how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country.

As Diplo's ability to offer scholarship support is limited, candidates are strongly encouraged to seek scholarship funding directly from local or international institutions. Our guide to Finding Scholarships for Online Study may provide you with some useful starting points.

How to apply:

Required documents

  1. Two copies of the University of Malta application form (click here to download and print) filled out in full.
  2. Draft research proposal of around 500 words (relevant to Section I of the application form). You will have the opportunity to revise or change this before begining work on your dissertation, if you opt for the Master's degree.
  3. Copies of your degree(s) and official transcripts. Originals must be presented during the introductory workshop in Malta.
  4. English translations of degree(s) and transcripts if they are not in English, signed and stamped by translator.
  5. English language proficiency certificate obtained within the last two years (minimum requirements TOEFL: paper-based – 650; computer-based – 280; Internet-based – 114–115. IELTS: 6.5. Cambridge: Proficiency Certificate with Grade C or better). Please indicate on the application form if you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results.
  6. Two passport-size photos.
  7. Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport.
  8. If you are requesting financial assistance, please include your CV and a motivation letter with your application. The motivation letter should include details of your relevant professional and educational background; reasons for your interest in the programme; and why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this programme, i.e. how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country. Financial assistance from DiploFoundation is only available to applicants from developing countries.
  9. Application fee or proof of payment (€100 – non-refundable – see methods of payment).

In case of any queries please contact: admissions@diplomacy.edu

Please mail complete application packages to the address shown below.

Please ensure that your application package is complete as we cannot process incomplete applications.