UNITAR offers a wide range of diplomas and certificates, designed to equip participants with specialised knowledge, enhance their skillset and increase their career prospects in a shorter time frame than traditional masters degrees. Taught by UN experts and offered on a diverse range of topics such as gender, anti-corruption, law and diplomacy, these programmes offer practical, industry-focused training in a greater flexible format.
Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy
The Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy offers a unique opportunity for both students wanting to pursue a career in international relations, and professionals working in international and regional organizations, as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions, to expand their knowledge on international affairs and strengthen their capacities in the field of multilateral diplomacy. All courses build on UNITAR’s wealth of experience in designing and implementing training workshops on diplomacy and multilateral affairs at the country and regional levels.
Online | 11 months | Start date: February 2025
EXECUTIVE DIPLOMA IN DIPLOMATIC PRACTICE
The Core Diplomatic Training is a set of practice-oriented workshops provided to diplomats and other beneficiaries at major United Nations locations so that they can perform more effectively in a multilateral environment. Participants who attend 8 Core Diplomatic Training workshops and complete a research paper will be awarded with the Executive Diploma in Diplomatic Practice. The workshops are aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of the United Nations System, its organs and procedures, as well as strengthening skills to facilitate efficient participation in conferences and negotiations and support a more effective multilateral system.
In-Person | 8 Months | Start date: November 2024
Executive Diploma in Anti-Corruption and Diplomacy
In partnership with the International Anti-Corruption Academy - IACA
This programme is specifically tailored to explore the intricate connections between Multilateral Diplomacy and Anti-Corruption endeavors in our increasingly interconnected world. Participants will explore both practical and theoretical approaches while building a strong network of like-minded professionals. The programme encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, including international relations, ethics, cyber diplomacy, negotiation skills, journalism, and more.
Online | 5 Months Self-Paced with Interactive Sessions | Start date: March 2025
Executive Diploma Programme in Cultural Diplomacy, International Relations & Global Governance
In partnership with The Centre for Cultural Diplomacy Studies
This programme is comprised of specialized courses designed to provide participants with a substantial knowledge of Cultural Diplomacy as practiced by global governance institutions and international organizations around the world. A particular emphasis of the program is Cultural Diplomacy's role in global governance to improve the ways in which the diversity of cultures can properly understand each other and to facilitate cooperation more effectively.
Online or In-person | 10 Days | Start date: February 2025
Executive Diploma on International Criminal Law and Transitional Justice
Under UN leadership, the last 30 years have seen remarkable development in the fight against impunity with many different accountability mechanisms being established and successfully implemented. Combining substantive sessions on topics such as the notion of mass human rights violations, as well as the history, development and achievements of different accountability mechanisms, with skills-focused modules, this training will provide participants with a wholistic training experience and allow them to put their substantive knowledge into practice.
Online | 1 month | Start date: October 2025
Online Executive Diploma on International Law in the 21st century
International law is pushing frontiers both on earth, outer space and in the digital realm. Explore these cutting-edge legal topics together with high-level international experts. Following the successful previous editions, the fall intake of UNITAR’s Online Executive Diploma on International Law in the 21st century aims at introducing students and practitioners to newest developments in international law, covering diverse issues such as Law of the Sea and Cyber Warfare and International Humanitarian Law.
Online | 5 days | Start date: February 2025
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Online Executive Diploma on Law and Neuroscience
Advances in neuroscientific research and technologies have become increasingly important for the field of law. Not only are the number of court cases involving neuroscientific evidence rapidly rising, neuro-legal studies are also used to inform us on substantive legal doctrines, such as the insanity defence. This Online Executive Diploma on Law and Neuroscience critically reflects on the present and future relevance of applications of neuroscience in the field of law, in particular criminal law. By using a comparative approach, considering both US and European jurisdictions, participants will understand how neuroscientific research may inform criminal justice doctrine, practice, and policy.
Online | Length: TBC | Start date: TBC
Online Certificate on the Fundamentals of International Law
The Online Certificate on the Fundamentals of International Law offers a unique opportunity for both students wanting to pursue a career in international law or international relations, and professionals working in international and regional organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions, to expand their knowledge on the key aspects of international law. Using internet-based training, UNITAR brings participants and trainers together in a unique virtual learning environment, allowing students follow the three webinar tracks of the Law core courses: International Law, Law of Treaties and Law of International Organisations.
Online | 3 months | Start date: February and September 2025
Certificate in Development Studies and Diplomacy
In partnership with the University for Peace - UPEACE
This interdisciplinary and holistic programme 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. 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.
Online | 6 months | Start date: September (annually)
Certificate in Gender and Development
In partnership with the University for Peace - UPEACE
This programme equips students with critical knowledge about gender studies and its intersections with development studies, providing a key focus on the crucial role of women in diplomacy and development. This unique course will allow students to develop the skills required for a successful international career in a variety of fields – diplomacy, development, politics, social work, human resources, human rights, teaching, research, policy institutes/think tanks, and others.
Hybrid | 6 months | Start date: August (annually)
Certificate in International Law and Diplomacy
In partnership with the University for Peace - UPEACE
Enabling students to specialize in the interface between international law and diplomacy, the course will not only broaden students’ knowledge in the field of international law and its various foundational dimensions but will also equip them with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of diplomacy and related international careers. 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.
Online | 6 months | Start date: September (annually)
Certificate in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes
In partnership with the University for Peace - UPEACE
As international and transnational adjudication has acquired a more prominent role in international relations, it is essential to understand how these global and regional courts are responding to the challenges of the early 21st century. In the course, students will examine the role of international law in the settlement of disputes in an array of fields such as human rights, armed conflicts, border issues, environment, and investments, amongst others.
Online | 6 months | Start date: January 2026