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.

Reviews

What will you learn?

• Apply persuasive strategies effectively by using both direct and indirect rhetorical tools (logic, framing, emotional appeal, tactful expression) in diplomatic contexts.
• Balance firmness with tact by projecting authority when needed while maintaining courtesy and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
• Adapt communication across cultures by recognising and responding to differences in directness, politeness, and implicit meaning.
• Manage conflict and disagreement constructively by reframing polarising rhetoric, employing conciliation strategies, and using ambiguity as a bridge.
• Build trust and foster alignment by appealing to shared values, identity, and emotion in order to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding.

Who should apply

• 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 course will last for a total of 5 weeks, structured as follows:

• 1 week split between the course introduction and the wrap-up
• 4 weeks dedicated to addressing the course topics individually

The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a four-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:

• Asynchronous interaction, using a custom-developed commenting tool
• Synchronous interaction, through live class meetings held in real time

Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as quizzes and exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.

To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.

Course materials and the necessary tools for online interaction and course tasks are provided in a virtual classroom.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.

To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.

Prerequisites

• Regular internet access
• An undergraduate university degree, OR 3 years of work experience, and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
• Sufficient English language proficiency to undertake postgraduate-level studies

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €500. 

• Diplo alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on the course fee.
• A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and professionals working in international relations from developing countries. 
• Group discounts are available for multiple participants from the same institution.

Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.

How to apply

Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. 

Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:

• Details of your relevant professional and educational background
• Your reasons for applying to the course
• Why you believe you should be offered the opportunity to participate, and how your participation would benefit you, your institution, and/or your country

Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.

Cancellation policy

A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.

Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.