About the Programme

The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary and holistic programme that will not only broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability and diplomacy but it will also equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise. It is offered both online and in hybrid format on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica. During this programme, students will analyse the different dimensions of development including, environmental, social, economic and human dimensions as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century. Students will also attend skills development sessions that are designed to support their professional career and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia and the private sector.

Click on the image below to see the full programme brochure.

Who is it for?

The programme is designed for graduate students, diplomats, government officers, NGO representatives, international civil servants or private sector specialists willing to strengthen their knowledge in development studies, sustainability, international affairs management and diplomacy.

M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy: HYBRID FORMAT

Students must complete the Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy (hybrid format) in two semesters.

Note: UN Staff Members and Costa Rican citizens will be eligible for a 50% waiver (tuition balance: 9,750 USD). All other applicants may apply for a 20% waiver (tuition balance: 15,600 USD), which may be granted in limited numbers by mutual decision of UPEACE and UNITAR to ensure equitable gender and regional representation.

See admissions requirements for the hybrid M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy here.

Consult the academic calendar here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is 30 April 2024. The first course is set to start on 26 August 2024.

Click here to apply now for the M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy (hybrid). You will be asked to select your desired programme in the PROGRAMME INFORMATION page. Please write down your application ID, which will allow you to return to your saved application as many times as you need to. Email us at admissions@upeace.org if you have any questions about the admissions process.

M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy: ONLINE FORMAT

Students can complete the Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy (online) in a maximum of 4 semesters.

See admissions requirements for the online M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy here.

For questions about the online MA in Development Studies and Diplomacy: admissions@elearning.upeace.org. 

Consult the academic calendar here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is 20 August 2024. The first course is set to start on 9 September 2024.

If you are interested in this programme, please email admissions@upeace.org.

Click here to apply now for the M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy (online). You will be asked to select your desired programme in the PROGRAMME INFORMATION page. Please write down your application ID, which will allow you to return to your saved application as many times as you need to. Email us at admissions@upeace.org if you have any questions about the admissions process.

Optional Field Trip to Geneva and The Hague

Each year, UNITAR will organize two optional 5-day field trips to Geneva (Switzerland) and The Hague (Netherlands) for the students enrolled in the joint UPEACE - UNITAR Master's Programmes and Certificates.

Students can sign up for one field visit or for both (Geneva and The Hague) if they wish to do so.

During this activity, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of diplomacy and international law, visit different international organizations and network with other diplomats, personnel of permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants of international organizations and civil society representatives. 

The fee of each five-day field trip is USD 1,500. The fee does not include travel, accommodation, food or visa expenses. The optional field visit will take place every Summer. 

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