Master of Diplomacy | ANU College of Asia & the Pacific

1 Year

48 Units

Multi-Modal

Why study this program?

Today’s world is marked by unprecedented complexity and uncertainty. Globalisation, conflict, regional instability, technology, and the changing role of major powers will shape and challenge the world we inhabit. Diplomacy is the framework through which policymakers communicate, contest and negotiate solutions to govern critical challenges.

The Master of Diplomacy takes a dual approach of rigorous scholarly research combined with a focus on refining practical skills such as research, negotiation, conflict resolution, protocol and advocacy. This program is designed for those wanting to gain the knowledge and practical understanding of diplomacy, professionals already working in foreign ministries around the world, as well as internationally recognised academics and diplomatic practitioners looking to advance their careers to effectively represent their country or organisation.

The program investigates:

Contemporary challenges in diplomacy
Diplomacy, politics and The United Nations
The United Nations and peace
Peace and conflict studies

Negotiation and conflict resolution
Research methods in diplomacy
Pacific diplomacy
Global governance

The Master of Diplomacy equips you with the knowledge and skills for understanding diplomatic practices of the international system and positions you in the centre of a global network of leading scholars and policymakers.

Relevant to diplomatic practitioners in diverse fields (such as strategic and foreign affairs, inter- and intra-government, international law, journalism, and trade), our unique program brings an international and inter-disciplinary perspective to the classroom.

The Australian National University (ANU) is the only institution in the southern hemisphere to offer a dedicated postgraduate degree in diplomatic studies, a discipline of national importance. Studying at ANU gives you access to the engine room of international affairs and international diplomacy with the federal government, embassies and international agencies based in the capital city, Canberra.

Career opportunities

Our Master of Diplomacy students have gone on to become ambassadors, executive level, first, second and third secretaries in foreign ministries; academics; senior staff in the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and transnational corporations. The program is also ideal for careers in public policy, international law and trade.

Other career paths include:

Consultancies
Diplomatic / Foreign service
Humanitarian organisations
Government and public service
Intergovernmental agencies
International trade and business

International development and aid
Journalism
Multinational corporations
Private not for profit
University teaching and research
Think tanks, policy institutes, and research centres

Students and alumni

Jayden Evett

Jayden's passion for communication and connecting people translates naturally to the diplomatic studies, a unique practice-driven disciple grounded in experience-based education.

Lachlan King

Putting theory into practice is what Lachlan wanted after finishing his Bachelor of International Studies, and that's just what he got just when he enrolled on the Master of Diplomacy at the ANU.

Ann Zhang

The art of executing foreign policy on a dynamic international platform has interested Ann since a very young age. Considering herself a people-oriented person, Ann studied diplomacy as a form of communication and intellectual exchange.

Shrutidhar Tripathi

Shrutidhar believes life is all about negotiation. It was this belief in the importance of negotiation skills which led Shrutidhar to study a combined Master of Diplomacy and Master of Arts in International Relations.

The learning experience

The Master of Diplomacy is a 48-unit program (1 year full-time), providing a pathway to professional advancement, equipping you with knowledge about practices of international affairs and real-world skills to effectively represent your country or organisation internationally.

It combines the knowledge of internationally recognised research scholars with senior officials from Australia and the broader region. Intimate class sizes and dedicated time with academics and practitioners provide students and professionals with both a nuanced understanding of diplomacy and international relations, as well as practical experience and opportunities to network.

We are part of a global network of high-profile practitioners, attracting visits from leading scholars and policymakers, including the Late Hon Malcolm Fraser AC CH GCL (22nd Prime Minister of Australia), the Hon Penelope Wensley AC (Former Permanent Representative to the UN and Governor of Queensland), Major General (Retd) Michael A. Smith (National President of UNAA) and Ambassador William Fisher (Retd).

View the complete course list

World-class academics are your teachers

Highly specialised practitioners aim to steer the national conversation on the key challenges facing the practice of diplomacy in a changing global context.

Dr Lauren Richardson

Lauren's research focuses on the role of non-state actors in shaping diplomatic interactions in Northeast Asia, particularly Japan-Korea relations.

Dr Benjamin Day

Ben's research explores the role of political leaders in foreign policy decision-making, especially in relation to international development policy.

Dr Eglantine Staunton

Eglantine's work focuses on human protection (in particular, atrocity prevention and the Responsibility to Protect), norm diffusion, and French foreign policy.

Dr George Carter

George's research explores Pacific states and Small Island Developing States' agency in multilateral climate change negotiations, regionalism, climate security, foreign policy-making and geopolitical security interests.

Alternative entry pathways

Graduate Certificate of Diplomacy

For those who do not meet the admission requirements or unable commit to the Master program, the Graduate Certificate of Diplomacy is a pathway option for this degree. This 24-unit (6 months, full-time) certificate provides an introduction to the immersive Masters experience and an option for an early exit. Upon completion, students will receive credits towards the Master degree.

Find out more

Graduate Diploma of International Affairs

The Graduate Diploma of International Affairs (GDIA) is a flexible 1-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) postgraduate qualification designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required for understanding emerging issues in international, political and strategic affairs, both globally and in Asia and the Pacific.

Find out more

Other opportunities

Internships

Our students have interned in the US, Japanese and Egyptian Embassies, the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) - and the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA).

Scholarships

In honour of Australia's first female career diplomat to serve as an Australian ambassador, the Ruth Dobson Scholarship (full tuition) is awarded to attract both domestic and international high achieving students.

Languages

Whether you’re seeking to specialise in a language as part of your postgraduate degree or pursue a standalone qualification, you will find a language suited to you. ANU offers close to 30 languages.

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