Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks online course

Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks online course

Start date: 17 February 2025

Artificial intelligence has moved from the realm of science fiction into our everyday lives. But what is it, exactly, and how does it change the socio-economic landscape? What is at stake for governments, businesses, and citizens?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed significantly in recent years, and is increasingly part of everyday life. Interactive voice assistants in our mobile phones, targeted online advertisement, autonomous cars, and autonomous weapons are some examples of the varied applications of AI in our societies. This course aims to provide in-depth knowledge that will enable participants to assess critically the consequences of AI and understand the opportunities and challenges it creates across a broad spectrum of areas, including the fields of policy and diplomacy. It provides an interdisciplinary coverage of the topic, encompassing technical, political, legal, economic, security, and ethical issues related to AI.

This 10-week online course builds on the research and analysis conducted by Diplo’s AI Lab.

This course can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance.

What will you learn?

  • How to explain what AI is from both technical and policy perspectives, elaborating on practical, philosophical, and ethical aspects
  • To critically assess the impact of AI  across several areas, including security, commerce and finance, human rights, decision-making, and job markets
  • To analyse the emerging processes for the governance of AI and the challenges related to the implementation of principles such as transparency, accountability, and explainability
  • To draft the key elements of a national or institutional AI strategy, encompassing overall goals, definition of strategic sectors for investment, an evaluation of the (national) regulatory environment, and guidelines for an ethical framework in the field of AI
  • How to explain the potential need for regulation of AI and the different approaches that could be adopted (legal, technical standards, social norms, economic incentives)
  • How to map the relevant actors and forums for the discussion and governance of AI
  • To reflect on whether and how AI could be beneficially employed in their fields of work
  • To articulate a critical opinion on emerging issues, such as the impact of AI on the future of decision-making, and on democracy

How will you learn?

In this course you will interact intensively in discussions with classmates and lecturers from around the world. You will receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.

How long will you learn?

The course lasts for 10 weeks:

  • 1 week of course introduction and orientation to online learning
  • 8 weeks of addressing the course topics one by one (see below for more details)
  • 1 week for the final assignment and completing pending tasks

Who should apply

The course will be of interest to:

  • Officials in government ministries or regulatory bodies, including diplomats who deal with technology issues.
  • Staff of intergovernmental, international, and regional organisations in charge of Internet and ICT policy, technology, and development.
  • Professionals from the corporate sector wishing to understand the interplay between AI and regulation.
  • Journalists covering technology-related issues.
  • Postgraduate students, academics, and researchers in the fields of machine learning and AI.

Overview

The course consists of 8 modules:

  • What is artificial intelligence (AI) and how does it work
  • AI: Main areas of application
  • AI, sustainable development, and human rights
  • AI, geopolitics, and peace and security
  • Framing AI governance
  • AI governance and approaches
  • AI prompting
  • AI tools for policymakers and diplomatic functions

Course lecturers

Marília Maciel

Head of Digital Commerce & Internet Policy, Diplo

 Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Accessories, Glasses, Body Part, Neck, Adult, Female, Woman, Frown, Sad, Happy, Smile

Sorina Teleanu

Director of Knowledge, Diplo

Lee Hibbard

Administrator, Bioethics Unit, Council of Europe

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Anja Đajić

Researcher - AI & Data Lab, Diplo

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Jovan Njegić

Head of AI & Data Lab, Diplo

Eduardo Magrani

Doctor of Laws (Ph.D)

Methodology

The Artificial Intelligence online course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a period of 10 weeks. Reading materials and the necessary tools for online interaction are provided in a virtual classroom.

Each week, participants study and discuss course materials and complete additional online activities. At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet to discuss the topic of the week. For successful completion, this course requires a minimum of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week.

Participants who successfully complete a certificate course receive a certificate issued by Diplo which can be printed or shared electronically via a permanent link. Participants who successfully complete an accredited course will receive 9 ECTS credits from the University of Malta.

Prerequisites

All course applicants must have regular internet access; dial-up connections are sufficient, but broadband is preferable.

Applicants for certificate courses must have:

  • An undergraduate university degree OR 3 years of work experience and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
  • Sufficient English language skills to undertake postgraduate-level studies

Applicants for accredited courses must meet the 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 2 years (minimum requirements: TOEFL paper-based – 650; TOEFL 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.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees depend on whether you wish to obtain university credit for the course or a Diplo certificate:

  • University of Malta accredited courses: €850
  • Diplo certificate courses: €690

Note: Diplo alumni can benefit from a 15% discount on the fee for this course.

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

You can apply for this course as:

How to apply

Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. You will receive an instruction email on how to continue.

Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form, upload your CV, and a motivation statement that should include:

  • Details of your relevant professional and educational background
  • Reasons for your interest in the course
  • Why do 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 Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries!

Late applications will only 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 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 a translator
  4. English language proficiency certificate obtained within the last two years (minimum requirements TOEFL paper-based – 650; TOEFL 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. Photocopy of personal details pages of your passport
  6. 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.
  7. Application fee or proof of payment (€100, non-refundable – see methods of payment).

Please send the complete application package by email to admissions@diplomacy.edu or by post to:

DiploFoundation
Anutruf, Ground Floor
Hriereb Street
Msida, MSD 1675, Malta

Please note that by sending your application package, you are confirming that you have read Diplo's Privacy Policy. Please note that Diplo will process and share your personal data with third parties (including the University of Malta) for admissions and academic matters, administering finance, and administrative purposes in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

 

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.