M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy (hybrid)

The Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy (online and hybrid formats) is a graduate programme permitting students to specialize in the interface between international law and diplomacy. It will not only broaden students' knowledge in the field of international law and its various foundational dimensions but will also equip them with knowledge and skills to work in the field of diplomacy and related international careers.

During this programme, students will analyse the different dimensions of international law including those related to law-making, armed conflicts, human rights, economic relations, territorial and maritime disputes, environmental disputes as well as those related to the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century including dispute settlement and conflict resolution. Students will also attend skills development sessions that are designed to support their professional career and employability. This master’s degree offered by two UN entities (University for Peace and United Nations Institute for Training and Research) combines the best of academic and executive-style education. Students will also gain first-hand experience of the work of the United Nations (UN), as they will have the opportunity to participate in a field trip to Geneva and The Hague, where the UN maintains a significant presence.

The following documentation is required to complete the application process. Please have them ready and on hand before beginning your online application process, as they will need to be uploaded into the system. Required supporting documents to be uploaded:

English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
Official Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
Passport-size photo

Students can obtain the MA in International Law and Diplomacy (online) upon successful completion of 42 credits, including 36 credits for course work and 6 credits for a final independent research project.

Kindly note the following deadlines for application:

Online: 25 June 2023
- Start date: 3 July 2023
Hybrid: 30 April 2023
- Start date: 28 August 2023
Field Visit to The Hague: 12 June 2023
- Start date: 26 June 2023
Field Visit to Geneva: 23 June 2023
- Start date: 3 July 2023

Download Syllabus

Target Audience

The programme is designed for graduate students, diplomats, government officers, NGO representatives, international civil servants or private law practitioners willing to strengthen their knowledge in international law, dispute settlement, international affairs management and diplomacy.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the programme, students will:

Have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of international law;
Be able to participate in different processes of law making, implementing and enforcement in promoting the rule of law at different levels, especially regional and international;
Have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of diplomacy;
Be able to appraise the nexus between international law, diplomacy, the UN System and current contemporary challenges;
Be able to apply key soft skills in an international working environment.