Horizontal Tabs

Overview

Consular diplomacy has recently experienced a dramatic surge in status in foreign ministries as overseas flows of tourists and migrants multiply, and the public becomes more concerned with foreign affairs and consular protection.
  
This course provides comprehensive insight into all dimensions of consular diplomacy and its connections with interstate diplomacy.  At heart, consular diplomacy deals with two sets of people: first, one’s own citizens who need documents, protection and assistance in differing situations while resident abroad or in transit, whether in a legal or undocumented status; and second, foreign citizens coming to one’s country who need visas to enter, and issues arising from that.

Open for applications: 

No

Application deadline: 
Credit: 6 August 2012 Certificate: 3 September 2012
Start date: 
8 October 2012
Course code: 
IRL 5024
ECTS credits: 
9
Mode(s) of study: 
Credit - Certificate - Master/PGD

...an exciting and an extraordinary experience.
 

Joseph Dougall
Course participant
Course details

Consular diplomacy has recently experienced a dramatic surge in status in foreign ministries as overseas flows of tourists and migrants multiply, and the public becomes more concerned with foreign affairs and consular protection.
  
This course provides comprehensive insight into all dimensions of consular diplomacy and its connections with interstate diplomacy.  At heart, consular diplomacy deals with two sets of people: first, one’s own citizens who need documents, protection and assistance in differing situations while resident abroad or in transit, whether in a legal or undocumented status; and second, foreign citizens coming to one’s country who need visas to enter, and issues arising from that.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the international law basis of consular diplomacy and the elements of consular diplomacy in practice, including the use of honorary consuls.
  • Explain how practical dimensions of consular work relate to theory and the evolution of this genre of diplomacy, including its relationship to other branches of diplomatic work.
  • Explain and provide examples of how consular diplomacy connects to related subjects, including outreach to a diaspora, migration, labour affairs services to own citizens working abroad, and emergency management in delivering consular services.
  • Effectively organise and plan work at a consular post in a mission abroad.
  • Explain and justify the potential and value of this branch of diplomatic work.

Excerpt from course materials

In 1964 in China… I saw this [the value of consular diplomacy as a key public service for citizens] clearly. At the time, India-China relations were very low…; other than officials, no one travelled between the countries and a handful of Indian students had also left. Among three or four old residents who had clung on, an Indian businessman was serving a six-year prison sentence in Shanghai on a bogus charge. Every six months or so someone from the embassy in Beijing made the 18-hour train journey to meet him, taking some Indian foodstuff and a handful of magazines. His pitiable isolation in that grim prison, and his tearful gratitude at meeting a compatriot, brought home the human dimension of what could be called a routine consular function; that left an indelible memory.

Course outline

  1. Consular diplomacy: The basics: relationship with other segments of diplomacy; why it has now gained in prominence; the home and foreign dimension of consular diplomacy; link with diaspora diplomacy; different offices that perform related functions.
  2. The working of consulates: typical needs; relationship with the other segments of diplomacy; role in sub-state diplomacy; mobile posts and virtual outposts; application of technology; diplomatic role following severance of diplomatic relations.
  3. Migration and diplomacy: the economics and social circumstances of migration; demographic compulsions; the handling of undocumented aliens, the political, social and other dimensions; world trends.
  4. Diaspora Diplomacy: the importance of diasporas; home role of diasporas; political, economic and other impact in relationship building; evolution over generation change; case studies; best practices; hazards of this form of diplomacy, such as overstepping diplomatic norms.
  5. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR): key provisions of the VCCR; strengths and limitations of the legal provisions; consular agreements; comparison with Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; other international agreements; role of bilateral accords.
  6. Visa: the rationale of visas, visa agreements; range of visa issues, management of services, current trends; restrictions resulting from the global threat of terrorism; application of technology and outsourcing.
  7. Protection of citizens: different elements of protection, circumstances in which protection is available; movement of people and the context for labour protection; emergency help, repatriation of distressed citizens, return of last remains; typical problem issues; disaster assistance.
  8. Honorary consuls: their legal position, rights, duties and privileges; typical tasks today; case studies; methods for getting the maximum returns; practical problems in selection and operation of the system.
Reviews

Indeed it was an exciting and an extraordinary experience.  Diplo is giving me this golden opportunity, on reaching the age of sixty, so that instead of thinking of retiring, there is much scope in sharing acquired experiences and knowledge with other similar minded persons for mutual benefit.

Joseph Dougall
Honorary Assistant High Commissioner for Sierra Leone in Malta
August 2010
Who should apply

This course 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 certificate courses must have:

  • An undergraduate university degree OR three years of work experience and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations.
  • Sufficient ability in the English language to undertake postgraduate level studies (including reading academic texts, discussing complex concepts with other course participants, and submitting written essay assignments of up to 2500 words in length).
  • 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).

Applicants for accredited courses 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

Course fees depend on whether you wish to obtain university credit for the course:

  • €790 (University of Malta Accredited Course)
  • €600 (Diplo Certificate Course)

Applicants must pay full fees upon official acceptance into the course. The fee includes:

  • University of Malta application fee (for University of Malta Accredited Courses only)
  • Full tuition
  • Course orientation pack where applicable (optional readings)
  • Access to all course materials online, via Diplo’s online classroom
  • Access, via the Internet, to the University of Malta e-journal collection (University of Malta Accredited Courses only)
  • Personal interaction via the online classroom with course lecturers, staff and other participants
  • Online technical support
  • For Diplo Certificate Courses, postgraduate level certificate issued by DiploFoundation on successful completion of course requirements (interaction and participation, all assignments)

Financial assistance

Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries.

To apply for a scholarship please upload 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 course.
  • Why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course: 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

A number of routes for application are available:

Apply for a Diplo Certificate Course

Applicants for certificate courses should apply online.

If you are applying for financial assistance, please upload 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 course.
  • Why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course: how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country?

Please note that financial assistance from DiploFoundation is available only to applicants from developing countries. Late applications will be considered if there are spaces available in the course.

Apply for a University of Malta Accredited Course

Complete application packages must be received by specified application deadlines in order to be considered.

  1. Two copies of the University of Malta application form (click here to download and print) filled out in full.
  2. Certified copies of original degree(s) and official transcripts.
  3. English translations of degree(s) and transcripts if they are not in English, signed and stamped by translator.
  4. English language proficiency certificate 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). Please indicate on the application form if you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results.
  5. Two passport-size photos.
  6. Photocopy of personal details pages of your passport.
  7. 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 course; and why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course: i.e. how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country? Financial assistance from DiploFoundation is available only to applicants from developing countries.
  8. Application fee or proof of payment (€100 – non-refundable – see methods of payment).

Please mail complete application packages to the address at the bottom of the page.

Cancellation Policy

Diplo reserves the right to cancel this course if enrolment is insufficient. In case of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may apply this fee towards another course or receive a refund.

Print course info
Course details:

Consular diplomacy has recently experienced a dramatic surge in status in foreign ministries as overseas flows of tourists and migrants multiply, and the public becomes more concerned with foreign affairs and consular protection.
  
This course provides comprehensive insight into all dimensions of consular diplomacy and its connections with interstate diplomacy.  At heart, consular diplomacy deals with two sets of people: first, one’s own citizens who need documents, protection and assistance in differing situations while resident abroad or in transit, whether in a legal or undocumented status; and second, foreign citizens coming to one’s country who need visas to enter, and issues arising from that.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the international law basis of consular diplomacy and the elements of consular diplomacy in practice, including the use of honorary consuls.
  • Explain how practical dimensions of consular work relate to theory and the evolution of this genre of diplomacy, including its relationship to other branches of diplomatic work.
  • Explain and provide examples of how consular diplomacy connects to related subjects, including outreach to a diaspora, migration, labour affairs services to own citizens working abroad, and emergency management in delivering consular services.
  • Effectively organise and plan work at a consular post in a mission abroad.
  • Explain and justify the potential and value of this branch of diplomatic work.

Excerpt from course materials

In 1964 in China… I saw this [the value of consular diplomacy as a key public service for citizens] clearly. At the time, India-China relations were very low…; other than officials, no one travelled between the countries and a handful of Indian students had also left. Among three or four old residents who had clung on, an Indian businessman was serving a six-year prison sentence in Shanghai on a bogus charge. Every six months or so someone from the embassy in Beijing made the 18-hour train journey to meet him, taking some Indian foodstuff and a handful of magazines. His pitiable isolation in that grim prison, and his tearful gratitude at meeting a compatriot, brought home the human dimension of what could be called a routine consular function; that left an indelible memory.

Course outline

  1. Consular diplomacy: The basics: relationship with other segments of diplomacy; why it has now gained in prominence; the home and foreign dimension of consular diplomacy; link with diaspora diplomacy; different offices that perform related functions.
  2. The working of consulates: typical needs; relationship with the other segments of diplomacy; role in sub-state diplomacy; mobile posts and virtual outposts; application of technology; diplomatic role following severance of diplomatic relations.
  3. Migration and diplomacy: the economics and social circumstances of migration; demographic compulsions; the handling of undocumented aliens, the political, social and other dimensions; world trends.
  4. Diaspora Diplomacy: the importance of diasporas; home role of diasporas; political, economic and other impact in relationship building; evolution over generation change; case studies; best practices; hazards of this form of diplomacy, such as overstepping diplomatic norms.
  5. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR): key provisions of the VCCR; strengths and limitations of the legal provisions; consular agreements; comparison with Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; other international agreements; role of bilateral accords.
  6. Visa: the rationale of visas, visa agreements; range of visa issues, management of services, current trends; restrictions resulting from the global threat of terrorism; application of technology and outsourcing.
  7. Protection of citizens: different elements of protection, circumstances in which protection is available; movement of people and the context for labour protection; emergency help, repatriation of distressed citizens, return of last remains; typical problem issues; disaster assistance.
  8. Honorary consuls: their legal position, rights, duties and privileges; typical tasks today; case studies; methods for getting the maximum returns; practical problems in selection and operation of the system.
Who should apply:

This course 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:

This course is conducted entirely online over a period of ten weeks. Reading materials and tools for online interaction are provided 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 (for example, 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. To complete the course successfully, participants must write several essay assignments. Courses are based on a collaborative approach to learning, involving a high level of interaction.

This course requires a minimum of five to seven hours of study time per week.

Prerequisites:

Applicants for certificate courses must have:

  • An undergraduate university degree OR three years of work experience and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations.
  • Sufficient ability in the English language to undertake postgraduate level studies (including reading academic texts, discussing complex concepts with other course participants, and submitting written essay assignments of up to 2500 words in length).
  • 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).

Applicants for accredited courses 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:

Course fees depend on whether you wish to obtain university credit for the course:

  • €790 (University of Malta Accredited Course)
  • €600 (Diplo Certificate Course)

Applicants must pay full fees upon official acceptance into the course. The fee includes:

  • University of Malta application fee (for University of Malta Accredited Courses only)
  • Full tuition
  • Course orientation pack where applicable (optional readings)
  • Access to all course materials online, via Diplo’s online classroom
  • Access, via the Internet, to the University of Malta e-journal collection (University of Malta Accredited Courses only)
  • Personal interaction via the online classroom with course lecturers, staff and other participants
  • Online technical support
  • For Diplo Certificate Courses, postgraduate level certificate issued by DiploFoundation on successful completion of course requirements (interaction and participation, all assignments)

Financial assistance

Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries.

To apply for a scholarship please upload 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 course.
  • Why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course: 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:

A number of routes for application are available:

Apply for a Diplo Certificate Course

Applicants for certificate courses should apply online.

If you are applying for financial assistance, please upload 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 course.
  • Why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course: how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country?

Please note that financial assistance from DiploFoundation is available only to applicants from developing countries. Late applications will be considered if there are spaces available in the course.

Apply for a University of Malta Accredited Course

Complete application packages must be received by specified application deadlines in order to be considered.

  1. Two copies of the University of Malta application form (click here to download and print) filled out in full.
  2. Certified copies of original degree(s) and official transcripts.
  3. English translations of degree(s) and transcripts if they are not in English, signed and stamped by translator.
  4. English language proficiency certificate 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). Please indicate on the application form if you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results.
  5. Two passport-size photos.
  6. Photocopy of personal details pages of your passport.
  7. 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 course; and why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this course: i.e. how will your participation benefit you, your institution and/or your country? Financial assistance from DiploFoundation is available only to applicants from developing countries.
  8. Application fee or proof of payment (€100 – non-refundable – see methods of payment).

Please mail complete application packages to the address at the bottom of the page.

Cancellation Policy

Diplo reserves the right to cancel this course if enrolment is insufficient. In case of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may apply this fee towards another course or receive a refund.