The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy
Online, Switzerland
Master degree
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
25 Sep 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,408
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Course available in March and October annually
Key Summary
About: This Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy from UNITAR blends university study with UN executive training. It's an online, lifelong-learning Masters for diplomats, government officials, students, stakeholders, focusing on multilateral diplomacy, international relations, negotiation, policy-making and global governance. The programme builds analytical and practical diplomatic skills. It's offered as 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work in diplomacy, foreign service, multilateral organisations, policy analysis, government advisory, international development, conflict resolution and affairs. Career opportunities include diplomatic service, policy officer, international civil servant, program manager, negotiator and roles in NGOs, think tanks and private sector.
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 Master’s programme is designed to suit 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 Master’s Degree 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. The programme is available as a 1 Year Full-Time course, or a 2 year Part-Time course.
Online Master's Degree in Lifelong Learning in International Affairs and Diplomacy Full-Time
Start date: 14 Oct 2026
Tuition fees: 7,410 EUR
Deadline to Apply: 25 Sep 2026
Online Master's Degree in Lifelong Learning in International Affairs and Diplomacy Part-Time
Start date: 14 Oct 2026
Tuition fees: 7,410 EUR
Deadline to Apply: 25 Sep 2026
To receive the Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, issued by the UOC in partnership with UNITAR, students must succesfully complete the following courses equivalent to 60 ECTS in one year.
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 to Geneva, Switzerland (optional)
- Field visit to The Hague, the Netherlands (optional)
UOC Courses
- International Law and Institutions
- International Relations System and Theories
- International Political Economy
- European Union in World Politics
- Latin America in World Politics
- Eastern Asia in World Politics
- Africa in World Politics
- Middle East in World Politics
- Research Methods Course
- Master Thesis
- Internship (optional)
Students will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of diplomacy or into the city of peace and justice. Optional field trips to Geneva, Switzerland (5 days) and The Hague, the Netherlands (5 days) will be organized for those who wish to gain expertise as well as skills in the domain of multilateral diplomacy.
Methodology
UNITAR and UOC have developed an extensive expertise in the delivery of online programmes. Using Internet as a medium, students, diplomas, practitioners and scholars are brought together in a unique virtual learning environment designed to valorize experiential and collaborative learning.
Distinctive features of the Master and its related qualifications 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.
This Master's Programme will enable you to strengthen your performance in multilateral settings, to foster your understanding of international relations and to leverage your career perspectives by connecting with high-level representatives, diplomats, academics, and other experts.
At the end of the Master's Programme, students should be able to:
- Develop a critical understanding of key issues and concepts in world affairs;
- Demonstrate a comprehensive, substantive and practical knowledge of international relations and diplomacy;
- Develop analytical skills and critical thinking;
- Improve research and drafting skills;
- Perform in both bilateral and multilateral working environments with increased confidence.
The Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy is aimed at diplomats as well as staff of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the Master’s Degree and related qualifications are 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.