Programme Details

Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations

Overview

The Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations is a nine-months accredited programme that educates students in the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the 21st century world of international affairs.

The PGD programme was initially accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in 2015. It was fully accredited in 2021 and is undergoing re-accreditation in 2024. 

The PGD programme is a 24-credit programme offered throughout one academic year.

The Academic Core Courses (Total of 12 credits)

  • Foundations of Diplomacy I: Global Diplomatic History (2 credits)
  • Foundations of Diplomacy II: Theory & Practice of International Relations (2 credits)
  • Global UAE I: International Law (2 credits)
  • Global UAE II: UAE Foreign Policy (2 credits)
  • UAE State & Society I: History & Government (2 credits)
  • UAE State & Society II: Economy (2 credits)

Elective Courses (Total of 6 credits)

Students take three courses from the following options:

  • Public & Cultural Diplomacy (2 credits)
  • Economic Diplomacy (2 credits)
  • Thematic Issues in Diplomacy & International Relations (2 credits)
  • Modern History & Contemporary Politics of the Middle East (2 credits)
  • Peace Process & Conflict Resolution (2 credits)
  • Global Institutions (2 credits)

Skills Course (Total of 6 credits)

  • Research Methods (1 credit)
  • Negotiation (1 credit)
  • Diplomatic Communication: English (1 credit)
  • Diplomatic Communication: Arabic (1 credit)
  • Protocol & Etiquette (1 credit)
  • Consular Diplomacy & Crisis Management (1 credit)

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.

Candidates must also have:

  • 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 capabilities
  • Ability to work under pressure

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.

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 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).

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.

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

REQUIREMENTSTYPENO.  OF COURSESCREDIT HOURS 
Core Courses Compulsory612
ElectivesCompulsory36
SkillsCompulsory66
Total 1524

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.

 Graduation RateRetention RateDropout Rate
2022-2023100%100%0%
2023-2024TBD97%3%

© 2024 All Rights Reserved. Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.