Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance

An interactive online capacity development programme

Internet governance (IG) has become one of the most important policy areas of our time. Topics like privacy protection, human rights online, and cybersecurity are increasingly in the focus of global policy making. How we manage the Internet will define much of our society. Yet the growing relevance of the Internet is not yet supported by effective and inclusive IG.

The Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance gives current and future Internet policy makers a solid foundation in practical and diplomatic skills, and techniques necessary to engage effectively in international global policy processes. 

Programme structure

The Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance requires completing three of the five courses on offer within a three-year period, with a grade of at least 75% for each. Candidates must also write a final assignment and obtain a grade of at least 70%. The courses currently on offer are:

• Introduction to Internet Governance
• E-Diplomacy
• Internet Technology and Policy: Challenges and Solutions
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks

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 experts as well as renowned academics in the fields of Internet governance, diplomacy, and international relations. For further details please visit our faculty page.

Candidates who successfully complete the programme will receive a Diploma in Internet Governance awarded by DiploFoundation. Please note that this is a professional certification issued by DiploFoundation, a non-profit foundation. It is not a university diploma.

This programme will be of interest to:

• Officials in government ministries, departments, regulatory bodies, or institutions dealing with Information Society, Internet, and ICT-related policy issues (e.g. telecommunications, education, foreign affairs, justice)
• Postgraduate students, academics, and researchers in the IG field (telecommunications, electrical engineering, law, economics, diplomacy, international relations, development studies)
• Civil society activists in the IG and Information Society fields
• Journalists covering IG issues

• Individuals in Internet business-related fields (e.g. ISPs, software developers).

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 in course discussions and on several assignments for each course.

Courses are based on a collaborative approach to learning, involving a high level of interaction. This course requires a minimum of seven to eight hours of study time per week.

Applicants for this programme must have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject or basic IG knowledge and/or experience of the multistakeholder approach in international affairs.
• 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).
• Regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient, although broadband is preferable).

• A minimum of seven to eight hours commitment per week, and the readiness to participate in class online sessions (once a week at specified times).

The programme requires the completion of three online courses; the fee for each course is 690 Euros. The fee for each course is due upon acceptance, before the course starts. There is no additional fee, above the fee for each course, to obtain the Advanced Diploma.

Financial assistance

Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for applicants from developing countries working in relevant fields.

To apply for a scholarship please upload your CV and a motivation letter with your course 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.

Please apply online for each of your three selected courses, based on the application deadline for each course. You can click on the links below to read more about each course, learn when the next session is scheduled, check the application deadline, and access the online application forms:

• Introduction to Internet Governance
• E-Diplomacy
• Internet Technology and Policy: Challenges and Solutions
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Governance, and Policy Frameworks

At any point during the three selected courses, you can contact admissions@diplomacy.edu to register your intention to obtain the Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance.