UNITAR Online Catalogue

Post-Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Practice -Part-Time (October 2020)

Multilateral Diplomacy

Deadline
21 Oct 2020
Type
Course
Location
Web-based
Date
to
Duration
24 Months
Programme Area
Peace Security and Diplomacy, Multilateral Diplomacy
Event Focal Point Email
mdp-elearning@unitar.org
Contact Number
+41 (0) 22 917 84 71 / + 41 (0) 22 917 87 16
Partnership
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

Background

In an increasingly interconnected, globalized and complex world, where the importance of multilateral dialogue and cooperation is ever growing, the demand for training and capacity development in the field of international affairs and diplomacy is constantly rising. 

This PG Certificate in Diplomatic Practice is designed to be suited to the needs of students and  professionals interested in both developing essential knowledge for understanding international affairs, as well as strengthening their capacities in the practice of diplomacy. This PG Certificate will allow diplomats, government officials, students and other stakeholders to upgrade their studies and knowledge combining the best of university education and UN executive training.

Event Objectives

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Practice will enable you to strengthen your performance in multilateral settings, to foster your understanding of diplomatic practice and to leverage your career perspectives by connecting with high-level representatives, diplomats, academics, and other experts.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the Programme, students should be able to:

-Develop a critical understanding of key issues and concepts in international affairs and diplomacy
-Demonstrate a comprehensive, substantive and practical knowledge of the UN
-Develop analytical skills and critical thinking
-Improve research and drafting skills
-Perform in both bilateral and multilateral working environments with increased confidence.

Content and Structure

To receive the Certificate’s Degree in Diplomatic Practice, issued by the UOC in partnership with UNITAR, students must complete the following courses equivalent to 31 ECTS in no more than two years.

UNITAR COURSES
•Introduction to the UN System
•Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management
•International Diplomacy - Theory and Practice
•Overcoming Negotiation Deadlocks
•Public Diplomacy in a Multipolar World
•Field visit (Optional)

UOC COURSES
• International Law and Institutions
• International Relations System and Theories
• International Political Economy

Students will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of diplomacy. An optional field trip to Geneva, Switzerland (5 days) will be organized for those who wish to gain expertise as well as skills in the domain of multilateral diplomacy.

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Practice is a UOC Certified Post-Graduate Certificate, awarded according to the rules and regulations set by the Spanish education system. Giving its specificity, it does not give general access to Doctoral studies (Ph.D. and similar). Validation of credits for access to such programmes can be requested from competent institutions. For more information, students should contact mdp-elearning [at] unitar.org (mdp-elearning[at]unitar[dot]org)

Methodology

UNITAR and UOC have developed an extensive expertise in the delivery of online programmes. Using Internet as a medium, students, diplomats, practitioners and scholars are brought together in a unique virtual learning environment designed to valorize experiential and collaborative learning.

Distinctive features of the PG Certificate include:
•    Full online delivery, allowing for a flexible schedule designed to fit the specific needs of working professionals;
•    Student-centered approach, in which the learner and the learning experience at the core of the programme;
•    Leading-edge insights into prevailing theories and practices;
•    Lifelong learning approach, in which the workplace is used as the main learning environment;
•    Multi-cultural pedagogy, particularly attentive at the diversity of paradigms, perceptions and intellectual traditions;
•    Multi-disciplinary approach.

Targeted Audience

The Programme is aimed at diplomats as well as staff of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the PG Certificate is open to graduate students, young researchers and other academics interested in gaining a thorough understanding of diplomacy and international relations and acquiring soft skills to thrive in their careers. 

The objective of the admission process is to select students with  great potential and who can make a significant contribution to the learning experience. We seek candidates who are dynamic, motivated, creative, and who have not only an excellent academic background and/or professional experience, but also have interpersonal skills enabling the participants to make the most out of this programme.

Additional Information

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered for the Programme, candidates must be fluent in English, possess a valid passport or national identity cards and have completed an undergraduate degree. 

After signing up, we will kindly ask you to send to mdp-elearning [at] unitar.org (mdp-elearning[at]unitar[dot]org) the following documents:

- a copy of your CVmdp-elearning [at] unitar.org (mdp-elearning[at]unitar[dot]org )
-a copy of your bachelor degree certificate in English
- motivation letter

ADMISSION PROCESS

Admission is granted on a rolling basis. However, early application is recommended given the limited number of places on the programme. 

Admission is valid for two intakes, the intake the candidate applies for and the following.

DURATION

The PG Certificate can be completed in 1 year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

WITHDRAWAL

Students may request to withdraw from the Master's Degree or related qualifications without any penalty or need for justification within the timeframe of fourteen (14) natural days counting from the date they are officially informed by e-mail of the enrolment in the Master's or related qualifications.

Students shall request to withdraw from the Master's Degree or any of the related qualifications through UOC's established channels (https://www.uoc.edu/estudiant/portal/guia/en/index.html) and send back the learning resources (if applicable) to the established address. The costs of sending the learning materials shall be paid by the student.

After this period of time, withdrawing from the master’s programme or related qualifications does not exempt the student to keep up with the payment plan agreed with UOC.