The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy (hybrid and online), offered by UPEACE in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is an interdisciplinary and holistic programme that will broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability, and diplomacy, and equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise.

Offered both in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format, students in this programme will analyze the different dimensions of development, including environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions, as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century.

Students will also attend skills development sessions and coaching sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad, with prospective employers including governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.

For further information please visit the UPEACE Development Studies and Diplomacy page, or access the full programme brochure below:

Brochure - M.A. Development Studies and Diplomacy UPEACE-UNITAR

Students admitted to the programme are offered a unique opportunity to partake in an optional field visit to Geneva, Switzerland, and/or The Hague, Netherlands, immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law. 

The five-day field trip(s) cost USD 1,500 each and include exclusive experiences such as visiting various international organizations, the ICRC museum in Geneva, the ICJ in The Hague, and engaging in networking sessions with diplomats, personnel from permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants working in international organizations, and representatives from civil society.

Scheduled for the summer, the confirmed dates for these optional field visits will be shared with interested students by UPEACE and UNITAR well in advance. Students have the flexibility to enrol in either the Geneva or The Hague visit individually, or they can choose to participate in both field trips to maximize their learning experience.

(*) Please note that the fellowship programme does not include travel, accommodation, food, or visa expenses. Please note that students should have a valid health insurance plan in place during their stay in Switzerland and/or The Netherlands.

Application Deadline:

• The online course (Distance Learning) application deadline is 20th August 2025.
• The hybrid course (Blended) application deadline is 30th April 2025.

Course Start Date: 

• The online course (Distance Learning) begins the 8th September 2025.
• The hybrid course (Blended) begins 19th August 2025.

Tuition Fees:

• The online course (Distance Learning) fee is $8,700 USD.
• The hybrid course (Blended) fee is $19,500 USD.

Hybrid Modality: UN Staff Members and Costa Rican nationals are eligible for a 50% waiver. 

Other applicants are encouraged to apply for the unique UPEACE - UNITAR NFT collection Fellowship, for more information please contact: admissions@upeace.org.

Required Documentation

The following documentation is required to complete your 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.

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment
• 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)
• One passport-size photo for ID purposes

The online application requires electronic (PDF) scans of required documents. Should admission be granted, the following documents will be eventually be required in official hard copy:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment (if applicable)
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
• Three (3) passport-size photos.

See a detailed list of all admissions requirements here: UPEACE Admission Requirements

UPEACE are not able to provide any information about the status of applicants over the phone or to third parties. Information will only be provided to the applicant using the email provided in the online application form. Please address any email inquiries to admissions@upeace.org

Alongside the masters, UPEACE & UNITAR offer a Certificate in Development Studies and Diplomacy which is completed over 6 months from September - March.

Application Deadline: 20th August 2025

Course Start Date: 8th September 2025

Fee: $3,550.00

For more information please visit the UPEACE Certificate in Development Studies and Diplomacy page, or access the full brochure below:

Brochure: Certificate in Development Studies and Diplomacy UPEACE & UNITAR