Since 1994, DiploFoundation has trained over 6600 alumni from 203 countries and territories, including individuals working in governments, civil society, the private sector, media, and academia. We have run more than 450 courses and training programmes in the areas of diplomacy and digital policy. Our faculty members are high-ranking practising and retired diplomats, as well as renowned academics in the fields of digital policy, diplomacy, and international relations.
Programmes and qualifications
Diplo offers several modes of study:
- If you simply want to expand your knowledge and develop your skills, you can enrol in our Diplo certificate courses
- If you are considering a postgraduate degree, you can enrol in the same courses as University of Malta accredited courses and later apply the credits towards a degree programme with Diplo or another institution.
- You can combine a series of digital policy courses to obtain Diplo’s Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance
- If you wish to obtain a Master or Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy (with the option for an Internet Governance specialisation) then you can enrol in our academic programme at the University of Malta and take our courses as part of that programme.
1. Diplo certificate courses
Certificate courses offer a practical opportunity for working diplomats and others involved in international relations to continue their education by learning about new topics in the field of diplomacy, or expanding and refreshing their knowledge of more traditional topics. Most courses require 10 weeks of part-time study, with a minimum of 5 - 7 hours study time per week. Successful participants are awarded a postgraduate-level certificate from DiploFoundation. Online certificate courses do not lead to university credit.
Course structure and methodology
Courses are delivered through an online classroom, where the participant finds all of the required texts and materials for the course and tools for interacting online with the lecturer and other participants. Courses are based on a collaborative approach to learning, with a high level of interaction with lecturers and among participants.
Courses are built from weekly modules. Following a weekly cycle, 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 the entries, creating interaction based on the text. During the week participants complete additional online activities (for example, further discussion via blogs or forum, quizzes, group tasks, simulations or short assignments) and consult optional resources. At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet online to discuss the week’s topic. To complete the course successfully, participants must write several assignments.
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 (dial-up connection is sufficient although broadband is preferable).
Note: Internet governance courses may have different prerequisites. Please check the prerequisites for the specific course you are interested in, by reviewing the details on the respective course webpage.
How to apply
Visit Diplo’s course catalogue page to learn more about specific courses, including duration, fees, and how to apply.
In case of questions, please contact admissions@diplomacy.edu
2. University of Malta accredited courses
Diplo’s online courses can be taken for academic credit from the University of Malta.
- Each online course is worth 9 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits.
- Up to two online courses can be taken for credit during a period of two years.
- Credits can be applied towards the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy up to two years after completing the courses.
- Following successful completion, participants may order an official transcript from the University of Malta as proof of credits obtained.
Online courses offer a practical opportunity for working diplomats and others involved in international relations to continue their education by learning about new topics in the field of diplomacy, or expanding and refreshing their knowledge of more traditional topics. Most courses require 10 weeks of part-time study, with a minimum of 5 - 7 hours study time per week.
What are the credits good for?
Accredited courses allow you more flexible options for completing Diplo’s Master/Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Contemporary Diplomacy. The PGD consists of the introductory workshop plus five online courses. So, for example…
- Two-year scenario: You take one or two online courses in Year 1, then apply for the PGD and complete the workshop and remaining courses in Year 2.
- Three-year scenario: You take one online course in Year 1, another course in Year 2, and then apply for the PGD and complete the workshop and remaining courses in Year 3.
Fees paid for accredited courses will be deducted from PGD tuition. In addition, you will be eligible to receive a 15% alumni discount on the fees for the remaining online courses you attend as part of the PGD programme.
Following successful completion of the PGD requirements, you may choose to write your Master's dissertation to obtain the Master's degree.
Credits may also be transferred to another university, subject to the regulations of that university.
Course structure and methodology
Courses are delivered through an online classroom, where the participant finds all of the required texts and materials for the course and tools for interacting online with the lecturer and other participants. Courses are based on a collaborative approach to learning, with a high level of interaction with lecturers and among participants.
Courses are built from weekly modules. Following a weekly cycle, 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 the entries, creating interaction based on the text. During the week participants complete additional online activities (for example, further discussion via blogs or forum, quizzes, group tasks, simulations or short assignments) and consult optional resources. At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet online to discuss the week’s topic. To complete the course successfully, participants must write several assignments.
Prerequisites
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:
- TOEFL iBT Certificate. Home-based test. More info: https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/ (minimum requirements: 90 overall with a writing score of at least 24, obtained within the last two years)
- Academic IELTS Certificate (minimum requirements: 6.0 overall and 6.0 in the reading and writing components). The University of Malta will accept Academic IELTS certificates obtained in the last five years.
- Cambridge English Proficiency Advanced Certificate (minimum requirements: Grade C or better, obtained within the last two years).
If when applying you are still waiting for your English language proficiency results, the University may issue a conditional letter of acceptance.
If your undergraduate study programme was taught entirely in English, this may be considered to fulfil the University of Malta’s English language requirement. You must present an official statement from the institution where you studied confirming that the language of instruction and assessment throughout the whole programme was English.
- Unrestricted access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient although broadband is preferable).
How to apply
Visit Diplo’s course catalogue page to learn more about specific courses, including duration, fees, and how to apply.
In case of questions please contact: admissions@diplomacy.edu
3. DiploFoundation professional degree (Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance)
An interactive online capacity development programme
Topics like privacy protection, human rights online, and cybersecurity are increasingly in focus of the global policy-making community. Yet, the growing relevance of the Internet is not yet supported by effective and inclusive Internet governance.
The Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance programme gives current and future Internet policymakers a solid foundation in practical and diplomatic skills, as well as the knowledge and techniques necessary to engage effectively in international 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.
How to apply
Visit the Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance page to learn more about the programme, fees, and how to apply.
In case of questions please contact: admissions@diplomacy.edu
4. Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy
Earn an accredited Master’s degree without taking time off work.
The online Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy builds knowledge and practical skills for addressing current challenges in diplomacy and international relations, including Internet governance, AI, and data. The programme offers working diplomats and international relations professionals an opportunity to gain accredited postgraduate-level education. It includes a 10-day workshop followed by 16 to 20 months of online study.
Why you should apply
- Flexible: You design your study programme, deciding on the Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree, and selecting from our wide range of courses. You decide when and where to study.
- Practical and affordable: Programme fees are competitive compared to similar programmes. Even better, with online study you can continue to work and earn an income. All you need is a computer connected to the Internet.
- Relevant: Courses cover traditional and contemporary topics in diplomacy, and are kept relevant through discussion of current events and trends. Faculty members include practising and retired diplomats with both theoretical expertise and practical experience in the field.
- Personalised: Extend your professional network through your classmates and lecturers. Small group sizes emphasise learning together, drawing on the experience and knowledge of participants as well as lecturers.
- Effective: The programme is highly rated by former participants, who have seen immediate and lasting benefits ranging from personal development to career advances.
The Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy has European postgraduate accreditation through the Department of International Relations at the University of Malta, making it recognised worldwide.
How to apply
Visit the Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy to learn more about the programme, fees, and how to apply.
In case of questions please contact: admissions@diplomacy.edu
About studying online
Is this your first time studying online? Or maybe you have studied online before, but at a different institution? Perhaps you are curious about how Diplo courses work, the challenges, and what exactly will be expected of you? Is it difficult to study online? Does it take a lot of your time? Don’t worry! These questions and more will be answered here.
How online study works
- You study with a small group of classmates (15-30) from around the world over a period of 4-8 weeks, and during this time you can develop a rewarding sense of community.
- All course material is uploaded in the online classrooms, and all communication with the course lecturers and other classmates is also conducted there.
- Active participation and debate are encouraged in our online classroom.
- The methodology is based on a collaborative approach to learning, i.e., an exchange of views and ideas. However, the majority of course tasks are designed to be completed asynchronously when it suits you best, thus ensuring a great deal of flexibility.
What to expect
- Our courses require active participation: reading texts critically, expressing your views, discussing course topics from different perspectives. Memorisation and passive recall are not important aspects of our course work.
- Although physically far apart, participants often develop lively online communication and a sense of group or community. This can be very rewarding and help maintain your motivation through the challenging course moments.
- You will need to be focused and well-organised. The study calendar and your course team will help you with dates and reminders, but your own initiative and self-discipline are key.
- Courses follow a weekly cycle, offering you some flexibility to log on and study on your own schedule. Courses typically involve only one online meeting each week where all participants get together at the same time.
Typical weekly schedule
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Friday |
Weekend |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
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Reading online text, adding hypertext entries
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Reading and responding to hypertext entries added by classmates; completing weekly activities (quiz, crossword, group task, short essay, etc.)
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Online meeting with lecturer and classmates
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Time management is very important!
Tips for getting the most out of Diplo courses
- Diplo courses are attended by a truly international audience, bringing a wide variety of perspectives. You will need to keep an open mind toward views that may be very different from your own.
- The course lecturer acts more as a 'guide on the side' than 'the sage on the stage'. Your initiative and critical thinking are essential. Do not hesitate to ask questions or express different points of view from those presented in the course materials (after having studied those, of course).
- Log on regularly. Allocate enough time for your studies. Do not leave course work for the last moment.
What you need
- A reasonably good Internet connection.
- A back-up plan for emergencies, such as computer failure or lack of Internet connection.
- Basic computer skills: writing with a word processor, e-mail communication, browsing the Web, and using the Internet efficiently to find information.
Contact us at admissions@diplomacy.edu for more information. We hope you will find studying online a rich and rewarding experience!
