Public diplomacy is a hot topic today, yet only a decade ago, it was a very specialised term.
There is a new transparency in the interactions between governments and countries in the international system, influenced by factors such as:
With more public interest in foreign affairs than ever before, ordinary people are demanding open diplomacy, and governments are obliged to respond with public information about the policies they pursue and the results that they achieve.
This course covers the goals and methods of public diplomacy, outlining what it can and cannot do, with case studies.
This course not only deepened my understanding of the strategic importance of public diplomacy in the global arena but also equipped me with invaluable skills to persuasively and effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
– Mr Md. Suman Miah, Consultant/Geologist, Ministry of Land, Bangladesh
The course enhanced my understanding of the distinction between authentic public diplomacy and propaganda, and the critical role national image plays in shaping foreign policy. It deepened my ability to engage non-state actors and assess the unique value they contribute, which is especially relevant to my work. I found the discussions on digital challenges such as disinformation and deepfakes particularly useful, along with insights on leveraging AI-powered tools like real-time translation and metaverse diplomacy. The course also offered practical guidance on developing effective public diplomacy strategies, engaging the right actors, and influencing public perception as a key soft power dimension.
– Ms Klara Marland, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Secretariat, The Netherlands
The course was a mix of diplomatic practice and theory in the 21st century. I was able to expand my knowledge of public diplomatic structures and objectives in an environment that encouraged different perspectives while seeking to define best practices for its participants from various parts of the world.
– Ms Asha Desuza, Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saint Kitts and Nevis
This course offered me insights and concrete tools that I have already started to apply in my daily work. The level of interactivity and exchange of knowledge and ideas is one of its strengths. Since public diplomacy has become part of the basic functions of a diplomat nowadays, this course helps to make a better sense of what that means (and what it does not), as well as to find new and creative ways to implement PD strategies and actions.
– Ms Alana Lomónaco Busto, Counsellor, Head of Commercial and Economic Section, Embassy of Argentina, Egypt
The best part of the Public Diplomacy course is the expert-led sessions on public speaking and social media handling. These exercises, guided by seasoned diplomats and communication professionals, helped me significantly improve my confidence and clarity in virtual communication.
– Ms Muskaan Khanna, PhD Fellow, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, India
Through real-case country examples, supported by theoretical debates, the course offered a new and fresh insight into the contemporary issues of public diplomacy. For me, as a diplomat, the discussions among participants have created an exceptional opportunity for sharing original and modern ideas for developing public diplomacy strategies, nation branding, and communication with the public.
– Ms Natasha Hroneska, Head of Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of North Macedonia
The course was exceptional, engaging, and intellectually stimulating! It was delivered with such attention to everyday applications and current affairs, that from the first day I could relate to this relatively new area of diplomacy despite my lack of diplomatic experience. I now have a broader appreciation of the respective roles of stakeholders within government and non-governmental organisations. To those who have an opportunity to take this course, I would simply say, ‘Seize it!’
– Ms Anna Durante, Crown Counsel, Government of the Virgin Islands
The course was a great capacity-building experience for me. It was intensive and very rewarding. The course design offered an excellent platform where I could learn and discuss the latest developments in both theory and practice with experienced lecturers and colleagues from around the world. Hearing perspectives from different regions provided me with valuable insights. Though I practice public diplomacy in my day-to-day work, Diplo’s course added value to my work. I strongly recommend it to both young and seasoned diplomats, practitioners of public diplomacy, as well as scholars and researchers.
– Ms Jana Gjorgjinska, Public Diplomacy and Sweden Promotion Officer, Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden, North Macedonia
From providing an in-depth understanding of managing an organisation’s public image to providing space for participants to learn how to develop branding on a budget and navigate multistakeholder collaboration, this course is an excellent option for anyone working with the public.
– Ms Gwendolene Roberts, Policy/ Research Officer, Australian High Commission, Trinidad and Tobago
Probably one of the most valuable skills any professional can develop during their work life is effective communication. The course has given me the opportunity to meet, interact, and exchange opinions with other diplomats and sharp minds from around the world, and to assess, learn, and put into practice the understanding of soft power, country branding, and public diplomacy. The course will certainly help my development as a diplomat and it will also contribute to conveying proper and effective information to various publics through different communications channels.
– Mr Guillermo Chávez Conejo, Foreign Service Officer, Third Secretary, Head of Political Affairs & Press, Embassy of Mexico, India
What will you learn?
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 10 weeks:
Former Senior British Diplomat
Mexican diplomat
Director of Digital Diplomacy, Diplo
This course will be of interest to:
The course consists of 8 modules:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
The Public Diplomacy online course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a period of 10 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 receive a certificate issued by Diplo, which can be printed or shared electronically.
All course applicants must have regular internet access (broadband is preferred).Â
Applicants for certificate courses must have:
The fee for this course is €690.Â
Note: Diplo alumni can benefit from a 15% discount on the fee for this course.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries. Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution.Â
You can apply for this course as:
Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. You will receive an instruction email on how to continue.
Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form, upload your CV, and a motivation statement that should include:
Please note that financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries!Â
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available in the course.
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.
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