24 February 2026, Geneva, Switzerland - With the deadline for the March 2026 cohort fast approaching, prospective applicants are encouraged to secure their place in the Lifelong Learning Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy and related qualifications, offered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with the Open University of Catalonia (UOC).
In an increasingly interconnected and complex global environment, where the importance of multilateral dialogue and cooperation continues to grow, the demand for training and capacity development in international affairs and diplomacy remains strong. This joint programme responds to that need by combining UNITAR’s practical expertise as the training arm of the United Nations with UOC’s experience as a leading online university.
Flexible and Fully Online Learning
Delivered fully online, the programme offers a flexible schedule designed for diplomats, government officials and professionals working in diplomacy and international relations, as well as those seeking to pursue an international career. Participants benefit from engaging with a diverse global cohort and from a multidisciplinary approach that blends theory and practice, equipping them with up-to-date insights into today’s geopolitical landscape.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Practical Engagement
The curriculum provides a general introduction to international affairs alongside in-depth study of specific geopolitical regions and global challenges.
- UNITAR courses include Introduction to the UN System, Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management, International Diplomacy – Theory and Practice, and Public Diplomacy in a Multipolar World.
- UOC courses cover International Law and Institutions, International Political Economy, International Relations System and Theory, and four regional studies courses.
To obtain the Master’s degree, students complete a Master’s Thesis. Optional in-person field visits to Geneva and The Hague further strengthen practical engagement.
Natalia Donoho
The aim of this Master’s degree is to support the development of the next generation of leaders in the international sphere. Upon successful completion of the UOC–UNITAR programme, graduates are equipped to address issues related to foreign engagement across diverse geographical contexts and institutional settings, advancing their professional careers with confidence and competence.
Today, UOC has over 90,000 registered students in 132 countries, reflecting the global scope and reach of its academic approach. Alumni of this joint programme have gone on to work in international organizations, government institutions, NGOs and the private sector.
“The programme helped me to understand the UN system better, and obviously the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a multilateral organization.”
Natalia Donoho, Head of Space Programme, WMO
Places for the March 2026 cohort are filling rapidly. As applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, prospective applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 27 February 2026.
Additional information can be found on the programme website. For further enquiries, please contact the programme team at mdp-elearning@unitar.org