Programme Details

• Knowledge and Global Insights

  • The programme provides students with in-depth specialist knowledge of diplomacy, diplomatic practice, and international relations. Graduates will be able to assess and analyse economic, political, legal, social and geopolitical trends, as well as the interactions between these aspects in the context of current affairs, particularly in relation to the Middle East region.

• Diplomatic and Professional Skills

  • The programme prepares students to critically appraise and exercise different dimensions of diplomatic practice. Graduates will be ready to carry out the tasks and responsibilities associated with entry-level diplomatic positions through advanced problem-solving, appropriate analytical techniques, and research and communication methods.

• UAE National Pride and Civic Responsibility

  • The programme provides an overview of the UAE’s foreign interests and diplomatic priorities and aims to instil a sense of civic responsibility and pride in the students, with regard to carrying out the mission of UAE foreign policy.

• Linguistic and Communication Skills

  • The programme teaches students to express themselves in formal and diplomatic Arabic and English, while they also acquire the basic understanding of a third language. Graduates will possess advanced communication skills that allow them to present, explain and critique various diplomatic stances, for the benefit of nationals and non-nationals alike.

• Be a UAE National or Children of Emirati Women

• Already have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a GPA of 3.0 or above.

• Have a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) or a minimum score of 213 on Computer Based TOEFL (CBT) or a minimum score of 550 pm Paper Based TOEFL or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or minimum EmSAT of 1550 or will take the exam soon.

• Be 35 years old or younger.

• Understand that by applying to AGDA, they are also applying for employment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Be willing to travel and serve abroad.

• Have completed their national service (for male applicants).

• Passion for serving the UAE and representing the country abroad.

• Keen interest in foreign policy and international affairs.

• Team spirit with the ability to encourage and support others.

• Desire to travel the world and willingness to adapt to different cultures.

• Impeccable conduct and the highest ethical standards.

• Analytical and creative thinking.

• Diverse cross-cultural skills and experience.

• Well-developed leadership and management capabilities.

• Ability to work under pressure.

Admissions to the 2024 – 2025 academic year are now closed. The period to apply was February 19 to March 19, 2024.

PLO1: Disciplinary Knowledge: Upon the successful completion of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate specialised knowledge in the theories and practice of international relations and diplomacy and relate them to the UAE’s foreign policy role. Students will also be able to understand, assess and analyse the various political, economic, historical, security, legal, cultural, and social aspects of current international developments, in particular those affecting the UAE and the Middle East region.

PLO2: UAE History and Foreign Policy Expertise: Upon the successful completion of the programme, students will demonstrate a solid understanding of UAE’s history, both before and after the formation of the Federation. Students will also be able to understand and evaluate UAE foreign policy towards various regions of the world, and how UAE diplomacy has evolved through time.

PLO3: Critical Thinking and Analysis: Upon the successful completion of the programme, students will demonstrate a solid and comprehensive ability to critically evaluate information from various sources and develop coherent arguments. Students will also develop creative problem-solving and analytical skills and adapt various research methods to complete high-quality research papers.

PLO4: Communication and Language Skills: Upon the successful completion of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate advanced diplomatic communication skills, when presenting and explaining their personal work and the position of the UAE to various academic and non-academic audiences, in Arabic, English and in a third language of their choice.

PLO5: Diplomatic Excellence: Upon the successful completion of the programme, students will be able to understand how diplomacy works in practice. They will also be able to effectively apply and adapt foundational diplomatic skills, general professional skills, and more cutting-edge diplomatic skills in professional settings at AGDA and in the conduct of UAE’s foreign policy. 

The PGD programme coordinator is Dr. Muhamad Olimat. 

The list of academic faculty who teach in the PGD program can be found here. 

The list of research faculty who teach in the PGD program can be found here.