Diplomatic Communication online course

This course considers the relationship between force and grace: how to be authoritative while remaining attentive, how to disagree without being disagreeable, and how to stay cool, calm, and collected under attack, while still defending and promoting your own position.

Since the most persuasive opinion shapers are usually those who optimally combine force with grace, we identify those linguistic techniques which lend force to our own arguments, those which express consideration for the views of others, and those which expand the circle of inclusion to accommodate different perspectives.

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 6 weeks:

• 1 week of course introduction and orientation to online learning
• 4 weeks of addressing the course topics one by one (see below for more details)
• 1 week for completing the pending tasks

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.
• Journalists, staff of international and non-governmental organisations, translators, business people, and others who wish to improve their understanding of diplomatic communication.

Also of interest

Methodology

The Diplomatic Communication online course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a period of 6 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 will receive an electronic certificate issued by Diplo.

Prerequisites

Applicants must have:

• Sufficient English language skills to undertake postgraduate-level studies.
• Regular internet access (broadband is preferred).
• A minimum of 5 to 7 hours of commitment per week, and the readiness to participate in the live class sessions (once a week at specified times).

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €500 per participant, due upon acceptance into the course. 

Note: Diplo alumni can benefit from a 15% discount on the fee for this course.

A limited number of partial scholarships offered by Diplo are available for applicants from developing countries. Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution.

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.

If you are applying for financial assistance, please upload your CV and a motivation letter 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!

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.