Public Diplomacy online course

Public Diplomacy online course

Start date: 17 February 2025

Public diplomacy is a hot topic today, yet only a decade ago, it was a very specialised term.

There is a new transparency in the interactions between governments and countries in the international system, influenced by factors such as: 

  • democratisation of diplomacy
  • globalisation
  • resurgence of methods of bilateral, regional, and multilateral diplomacy
  • spotlight on external and internal issues

With more public interest in foreign affairs than ever before, ordinary people are demanding open diplomacy, and governments are obliged to respond with public information about the spending of funds they receive and the results that they achieve.

This course covers the goals and methods of public diplomacy, outlining what it can and cannot do, with case studies.

Reviews

Public Diplomacy

Text – Md. Suman Miah

 Accessories, Glasses, Head, Person, Face, Adult, Male, Man, Beard, Photography, PortraitThis course not only deepened my understanding of the strategic importance of public diplomacy in the global arena but also equipped me with invaluable skills to persuasively and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

– Mr Md. Suman Miah, Consultant/Geologist, Ministry of Land, Bangladesh

Text – Alana Lomónaco Busto

qVF0mqnb Alana Lomonaco Busto Alumni Reviews This course offered me insights and concrete tools that I have already started to apply in my daily work. The level of interactivity and exchange of knowledge and ideas is one of its strengths. Since public diplomacy has become part of the basic functions of a diplomat nowadays, this course helps to make a better sense of what that means (and what it does not), as well as to find new and creative ways to implement PD strategies and actions.

– Ms Alana Lomónaco Busto, Counsellor, Head of Commercial and Economic Section, Embassy of Argentina, Egypt

Text – Asha Desuza

Asha Desuza alumni reviewsThe course was a mix of diplomatic practice and theory in the 21st century. I was able to expand my knowledge of public diplomatic structures and objectives in an environment that encouraged different perspectives while seeking to define best practices for its participants from various parts of the world.

– Ms Asha Desuza, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Text – Natasha Hroneska

Natasha Hroneska alumni reviewsThrough real-case country examples, supported by theoretical debates, the course offered a new and fresh insight into the contemporary issues of public diplomacy. For me, as a diplomat, the discussions among participants have created an exceptional opportunity for sharing original and modern ideas for developing public diplomacy strategies, nation branding, and communication with the public.

– Ms Natasha Hroneska, Head of Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of North Macedonia

Text – Anna Durante

Anna Durante alumni reviewsThe course was exceptional, engaging, and intellectually stimulating! It was delivered with such attention to everyday applications and current affairs, that from the first day I could relate to this relatively new area of diplomacy despite my lack of diplomatic experience. I now have a broader appreciation of the respective roles of stakeholders within government and non-governmental organisations. To those who have an opportunity to take this course, I would simply say, ‘Seize it!’

– Ms Anna Durante, Crown Counsel, Government of the Virgin Islands

Text – Jana Gjorgjinska

sxzAkkXY Jana Gjorgjinska Alumni ReviewsThe course was a great capacity-building experience for me. It was intensive and very rewarding. The course design offered an excellent platform where I could learn and discuss the latest developments in both theory and practice with experienced lecturers and colleagues from around the world. Hearing perspectives from different regions provided me with valuable insights. Though I practice public diplomacy in my day-to-day work, Diplo’s course added value to my work. I strongly recommend it to both young and seasoned diplomats, practitioners of public diplomacy, as well as scholars and researchers.

– Ms Jana Gjorgjinska, Public Diplomacy and Sweden Promotion Officer, Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden, North Macedonia

Text – Gwendolene Roberts

Gwendolene Roberts alumni reviewsFrom providing an in-depth understanding of managing an organisation’s public image to providing space for participants to learn how to develop branding on a budget and navigate multistakeholder collaboration, this course is an excellent option for anyone working with the public.

– Ms Gwendolene Roberts, Policy/ Research Officer, Australian High Commission, Trinidad and Tobago

Text – Guillermo Chávez Conejo

Guillermo Chavez Conejo alumni reviewsProbably one of the most valuable skills any professional can develop during their work life is effective communication. The course has given me the opportunity to meet, interact, and exchange opinions with other diplomats and sharp minds from around the world, and to assess, learn, and put into practice the understanding of soft power, country branding, and public diplomacy. The course will certainly help my development as a diplomat and it will also contribute to conveying proper and effective information to various publics through different communications channels.

– Mr Guillermo Chávez Conejo, Foreign Service Officer, Third Secretary, Head of Political Affairs & Press, Embassy of Mexico, India

Video – Pedro Ludwig Barragán

Pedro Ludwig Barragán Diplo Academy alumnus width=

– Mr Pedro Ludwig Barragán, Second Secretary, Embassy of Mexico to the Holy See, Italy

What will you learn?

  • What public diplomacy is in practice, its key features, tasks and methods
  • How to analyse different approaches to public diplomacy and identify realistic and workable tools and methods for different situations
  • How to plan strategies for country image-building activities based on best practices
  • How to assess and evaluate the impact of public diplomacy programmes

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

Course lecturers

 Face, Head, Person, Photography, Portrait, Accessories, Earring, Jewelry, Happy, Smile, Lady, Blonde, Hair, Necklace, Clothing, Coat

Liz Galvez

Former Senior British Diplomat

Who should apply

This course will be of interest to:

  • Practising diplomats, civil servants, and others working in international relations
  • Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing 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 wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics

Overview

The course consists of 8 modules:

  1. What is public diplomacy?
  2. Basics of nation branding
  3. Public diplomacy partnerships: Interacting with non-state actors
  4. Public diplomacy of international organisations
  5. Rhetoric vs. reality in public diplomacy
  6. Public diplomacy goes digital
  7. Limits and challenges of public diplomacy
  8. Public diplomacy strategy and campaigns

Methodology

The Public Diplomacy 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 the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo, which can be printed or shared electronically.

Prerequisites

All course applicants must have regular internet access (broadband is preferred). 

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

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €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.

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.