The Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in UAE Diplomacy and International Relations is a nine-month programme that educates students in the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the 21st century world of international affairs.
While the majority of our students are new members of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the EDA also accepts applicants from government and semi-government organisations across the UAE. In order to be eligible, applicants must be nominated by their respective organizations.
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 their economic, political, legal, social and geographical aspects as well as the interactions between these aspects in the context of current affairs, particularly in relation to the Middle East region.
Diplomatic and General 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.
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate:
Disciplinary Knowledge
Graduates will acquire specialised knowledge of the theory and practice of international relations and diplomacy and relate it to UAE foreign policy.
Research and Critical Thinking Capabilities
Graduates will be able to critically evaluate complex information and use it when formulating arguments. They will also build creative problem-solving skills and be able to adapt advanced research methods to complete high-quality research projects.
Communication and Language
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.
Professional Excellence
Graduates will be able to design and execute projects related to the practice of diplomacy, either autonomously or as part of a team. They will also be able to effectively apply and adapt advanced diplomatic skills and knowledge, such as negotiation, mediation, protocol and etiquette, in professional settings in the conduct of UAE foreign policy.
Leadership Skills
Graduates will develop a clear ability to lead, motivate and delegate tasks to their teams while using the available resources efficiently to produce significant outcomes.
The PGD programme seeks to equip the next generation of UAE foreign policy professionals with the knowledge, multi-disciplinary skills and network required for a rewarding career in foreign service.
Empowered by the robust and dynamic learning environment, EDA graduates emerge with the capabilities and confidence to proudly serve their country’s interests at home and abroad.