Master in Contemporary Diplomacy

Diplo’s online Master in Contemporary Diplomacy programme guides you through the theoretical and practical building blocks of diplomacy and policymaking, with a focus on contemporary issues and challenges. 

If you are involved in diplomacy, governmental/non-governmental, public/private sectors, civil society, academia, or global policy and politics, this programme is ideal for you as it provides practical skills and knowledge for effective engagement in international processes. 

Participants can focus on contemporary diplomacy or select internet governance as an area of specialisation within this programme, which is delivered in cooperation with the Univesity of Malta.

Conducted entirely online, the MA programme in diplomacy consists of three phases: 

1. Introductory workshop
2. Online courses
3. Master’s dissertation

During the introductory workshop phase and the online course phase, participants engage in class discussions and practice-based exercises. 

Small group sizes promote learning together and drawing on the experience and knowledge of other participants and lecturers, enabling you to immediately put your new knowledge into practice. Assessment is based on contribution to class discussions and on assignments within each course.

Dissertation: Writing your thesis is an individual activity that you will conduct at your own pace, with the personal guidance of a supervisor.

This master’s programme is delivered by Diplo’s faculty members, practising and retired diplomats and experts with vast theoretical knowledge, expertise, and rich practical experience.

Entry requirements

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

Academic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with at least Second Class Honours

English language requirements

• TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT)
  Minimum requirements: 95 overall, with a writing score of at least 24, obtained within the last two years
• Academic IELTS Certificate
  Minimum requirements: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element, obtained within the last two years
• Cambridge English Proficiency Advanced Certificate
  Minimum requirements: Grade C or better
  

Programme structure

This online master’s in diplomacy involves 16 to 20 months of online study, including writing a dissertation. 
Areas of study range from the basics of diplomacy, such as Bilateral Diplomacy and Public Diplomacy, to more contemporary topics like Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (click here to see the entire list of courses).

The programme is organised in three phases:

• Phase I: The introductory workshop that is delivered in late January/early February.
• Phase II: Following the workshop, you will attend five online courses, each lasting ten weeks.
• Phase III: The final phase includes writing your master’s dissertation.

The programme is awarded 90 ECTS credits: 15 for the introductory workshop, 45 for 5 online courses (9 ECTS each), and 30 for the dissertation. Please see the University of Malta accredited courses list to learn more about this option.

Scholarships and financial assistance

You may be eligible for one of the following funding opportunities:

(I) Diplo alumni are entitled to a 20% reduction in tuition fees. Financial assistance does not cover the additional fee for the master’s dissertation.

(II) Applicants from developing countries can be awarded a limited number of partial scholarships (up to 50%) for the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy fee. Financial assistance is not available to cover the additional fee 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
• Reasons why you feel you should have the opportunity to participate in this programme, and how your participation will benefit you, your institution, and/or your country.

(III) Maltese applicants can benefit from up to 70% off the fee in tax credits as part of the Get Qualified scheme. The credit can be set off against personal income.

How to apply

Complete applications must be received by 15 October 2023. Please note that by sending your application package, you are confirming that you have read Diplo’s Privacy Policy. Diplo will process and share your personal data with third parties (including the University of Malta) for admissions and academic matters, finance, and administrative purposes in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

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

Late applications will be considered if space remains in the programme. Please contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu if you wish to submit an application after the deadline or if you have  questions about the application process.

Why enrol?

Here are the top 6 reasons to enrol in Diplo’s master’s in diplomacy and internet governance: