We are pleased to announce a special assistance fund for applicants from Least Developed Countries. Through this fund, eligible applicants can receive financial support of up to 75% of the postgraduate fee. The fund is supported by the Government of Malta through the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade (MFET). Read more.
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 University of Malta.
Conducted entirely online, the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy programme consists of two steps:
- Postgraduate Diploma, consisting of an introductory workshop phase and online courses phase. Students can opt to stop at this level.
- Master’s degree, consisting of a dissertation. Students require the Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diploma to proceed to the Master’s degree.
During the introductory workshop phase and the online courses 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.
During the Master’s dissertation phase, students engage in an individual activity conducted at their own pace, with the personal guidance of a supervisor.
The entire programme is delivered by Diplo’s faculty members, practising and retired diplomats and experts with vast theoretical knowledge, expertise, and rich practical experience.
Reviews
Text – Kevon Swift
The MA in Contemporary Diplomacy with a specialisation in internet governance provides the ideal frame for my disparate pieces of knowledge about the internet. The wide variety of courses to choose from for the online learning sessions meant that I could tailor the programme to advance my internet studies while honing my diplomatic skills to match.
Read an interview with Kevon on Diplo’s blog.
– Mr Kevon Swift, Business Analyst, External Relations Unit, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Trinidad and Tobago
Text – Marie Betts-Johnson
The MA programme is a glimpse into the future where diplomacy meets digitalisation, which is now a reality in all areas of diplomacy craft for today’s complex global challenges. Excellent content, skilfully delivered by renowned experts ranging from ambassadors to diplomats. A bonus was being in the presence of diplomats and global professionals and learning from their experiences. Diplo has perfected the online learning process with a support team dedicated to the success of its participants.
– Ms Marie Betts-Johnson, President, International Protocol Institute of California, USA
Text – Angelic Caroline Alihusain-del Castilho
The MA/PGD in Contemporary Diplomacy allowed me to increase my knowledge and skills at tremendous speed and depth, while remaining in and performing stronger in my job. I was very impressed by the professional support provided by the professors and fellow students, allowing for total immersion in all aspects of contemporary diplomacy from different global perspectives. This programme is truly a valuable experience that provides critical skills and knowledge in a motivating environment.
– Ms Angelic Caroline Alihusain-del Castilho, Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Suriname; Named to IGF MAG 2013
Text – Kathleen Nina Tupou
Diplo’s MA in Contemporary Diplomacy is dynamic and interactive, and provides a good basis for understanding today’s globalised and interconnected society. The three main highlights for me were: (i) the wealth of knowledge divulged by experienced instructors in the field of diplomacy; (ii) the detailed, structured, and collaborative nature of the course materials and discussions; and (iii) the chance to share and learn from my colleagues about their nations, experiences, and worldviews. Through this course, I have gained a newfound confidence and worldview of the role of small Pacific islands in the diplomatic arena.
– Ms Kathleen Nina Tupou, Senior Assistant Secretary, Palace Office, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Text – Francois Desruisseaux
Following ten years of humanitarian work, the Postgraduate Degree in Contemporary Diplomacy proved a valuable academic complement to my professional experience and proved helpful in facilitating access to increasingly senior leadership positions.
– Mr Francois Desruisseaux, Director, Disaster Response Program, CARE, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Text – Setaita Tupua Kalou
I was interested in the deeper intricacies of diplomacy in the 21st century, given the major tectonic shifts in today’s geopolitics. The MA in Contemporary Diplomacy programme delivered this by providing us with a more holistic approach which featured the mainstream key players’ perspective as well as the often ‘silent’ dimension of small states. The programme exceeded my expectations and pushed our traditional boundaries to expand our body of knowledge beyond our comfort zones.
– Ms Setaita Tupua Kalou, Senior Assistant Secretary (Political & Treaties), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Fiji
Text – Towela Nyirenda-Jere
The internet governance route within the MA in Contemporary Diplomacy has enabled me to situate the focus of my work on internet governance in Africa in a space that is directly relevant to the mandate of the NEPAD Agency. The programme is highly interactive and provides opportunities to shape one’s learning by blending personal experiences with the experiences of other participants. I have found immense value in being able to bring together the two worlds of internet governance and diplomacy.
– Ms Towela Nyirenda-Jere, Programme Manager, e-Africa Programme, NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency
Video – Pere Mora Romà
– Mr Pere Mora Romà, Webmaster and Publication Specialist, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Brazil
Video – Desirée Zachariah
– Ms Desirée Zachariah, Country Based Specialist, Electronic Government for Regional Integration Project, Antigua and Barbuda
Video – Lutine de Boer
– Ms Lutine de Boer, Senior Policy Advisor, Urban Planning, Netherlands
Video – Amir Kiyaei
– Mr Amir Kiyaei, IGD Group, South Africa
Start your application
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Entry requirements
Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma and Master 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.
Fees
The fee for the Master in Contemporary Diplomacy is €10,800 and has two parts:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy: €8,200
- After the successful completion of their Postgraduate Diploma, participants who choose to write their MA dissertation pay an additional fee of €2,600.
The fee covers:
- Application and registration fees
- Tuition fees for the introductory workshop and five online courses
- Access to all course materials via Diplo’s online classroom
- Online access to the University of Malta’s e-journal collection
- Personal interaction via the online classroom with course lecturers, staff, and other participants
- Use of Diplo’s online databases and resources
- Online technical support
- For the MA dissertation, the personal supervision of one of our faculty members and support from Diplo staff
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.
(III) Applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) can be awarded a limited number of partial scholarships (up to 75%) 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.
(IV) 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 1 December 2024. 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.
Start your application
Please provide your details to receive further instructions from our Admissions Team.
Why enrol?
Here are the top 6 reasons to enrol in Diplo’s master’s in diplomacy and internet governance:
Relevant
Courses cover both traditional and contemporary topics in diplomacy and digital policy, and are taught by faculty with vast theoretical expertise and practical experience.
Flexible
Tailor your study plan to your career goals. From our broad selection of courses, choose those that are the most relevant for your current and future work and goals. The programme additionally allows you to choose between a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree.
Practical and affordable
The programme is conducted online, and you can continue to work while earning a postgraduate degree.
Personalised
Small class sizes provide personalised feedback from lecturers and let you learn from the experience and expertise of other course participants.
Effective
The programme is highly rated by former students who have seen immediate and lasting benefits, both in their personal development and career advances.
Accredited
The degree is awarded by the University of Malta and has a European postgraduate accreditation which is recognised worldwide.
