Programme Details
Overview
The Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) programme in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations equips UAE entry-level diplomats and others working in the field of diplomacy with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the world of international affairs and diplomacy.
The programme combines and integrates academic courses with training in diplomatic and language skills. In the academic part of the programme, students gain a thorough understanding of the political, diplomatic and economic aspects of international relations. The courses offered reflect 21st century dynamics of international relations and position UAE foreign relations in their global and regional contexts. At the same time, students learn the fine arts of diplomacy, including negotiation techniques, etiquette and protocol, presenting, debating and political reporting. Throughout the programme, students also learn and develop their proficiency in a third language.
The PGD programme was initially accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in 2015. It was fully accredited in 2021 and was re accredited in 2024
To apply for AGDA’s Post-Graduate Diploma programme and begin a career in diplomacy, candidates must:
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 expecting to receive one as soon as possible.
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).
Other Considerations:
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.
The application period for the 2025 - 2026 academic year for the Post-Graduate Diploma is from 24th February to 6th April 2025
The skills our PGD students acquire:
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.
The PGD programme is a 24-credit programme offered throughout one academic year.
Bridge Course (0 credit)
For PGD students with limited or no background in International Relations
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| PGD-INTRO-500 | Foundations of Diplomacy: Theory & Practice of International Relations | 0 |
Core Courses: (total of 12 credits)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| PGD-CORE-500 | Global UAE I: International Law | 2 |
| PGD-CORE-501 | Global UAE II: UAE Foreign Policy | 2 |
| PGD-CORE-502 | UAE State & Society I: History and Government and Political Economy | 2 |
| PGD-CORE-503 | UAE State & Society II: Economy | 2 |
| PGD-CORE-504 | History and Practice of Diplomacy | 2 |
| PGD-CORE-505 | Economic Diplomacy | 2 |
Elective Courses (total of 6 credits)
Students take three courses from the following options
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| PGD-ELEC500 | Middle East Politics and History | 2 |
| PGD-ELEC501 | Global Order | 2 |
| PGD-ELEC502 | Peace Processes & Conflict Resolution | 2 |
| PGD-ELEC503 | Public and Cultural Diplomacy | 2 |
| PGD-ELEC505 | Issues in Foreign Policy | 2 |
| PGD-ELEC506 | Thematic Issues in Diplomacy & International Relations | 2 |
Skills Courses (total of 6 credits)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| PGD-SKILL-500 | Diplomatic Writing | 1 |
| PGD-SKILL-501 | Diplomatic Negotiations | 1 |
| PGD-SKILL-502 | Consular Diplomacy & Crisis Management | 1 |
| PGD-SKILL-503 | Protocol & Etiquette | 1 |
| PGD-SKILL-504 | Diplomatic Communication: Arabic | 1 |
| PGD-SKILL-505 | Policy Formulation | 1 |
In addition, students have to complete a mandatory nine-month module in a third language of their choice. Language courses offered at the AGDA include, but are not limited to, French, Spanish, Chinese, German, Russian, Korean and Hebrew.
| REQUIREMENTS | TYPE | NO. OF COURSES | CREDIT HOURS |
| Core Courses | Compulsory | 6 | 12 |
| Electives | Compulsory | 3 | 6 |
| Skills | Compulsory | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 15 | 24 |
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.
| Graduation Rate | Retention Rate | Dropout Rate | |
| 2022-2023 | 100% | 100% | 0% |
| 2023-2024 | TBD | 97% | 3% |
