UPeace M.A. International Law And Diplomacy 2024

About the UPeace M.A. International Law and Diplomacy 2024

The Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy offers a comprehensive graduate program designed to delve into the intricate interplay between international law and diplomacy. Available in both hybrid and online formats, this program empowers students to specialize in this dynamic interface, fostering a deeper understanding of the foundational dimensions of international law while imparting essential skills for success in diplomatic and related international careers.

Throughout the duration of the program, students engage in a multifaceted exploration of development, spanning environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions. Delivered through a combination of asynchronous online classes and face-to-face sessions on the picturesque campus of the University for Peace (UPEACE) in Costa Rica, participants delve into the theory and practice of diplomacy in the contemporary landscape. Key topics include dispute settlement mechanisms and conflict resolution strategies, equipping students with the analytical tools and practical insights necessary to navigate complex diplomatic challenges of the 21st century.

Moreover, the program places a strong emphasis on professional development, offering tailored skills development and coaching sessions aimed at enhancing students’ career prospects and employability. By honing essential competencies and fostering a strategic mindset, participants are equipped to excel in diverse professional settings within the realms of international law and diplomacy.

As an enriching component of the program, students have the opportunity to partake in optional field visits to Geneva, Switzerland, and/or The Hague, Netherlands. These immersive experiences provide firsthand exposure to the inner workings of global diplomacy and international law, allowing students to witness theory in action and engage directly with prominent institutions shaping the global peace and security agenda.

Founded as a Treaty Organization under its own Charter through an International Agreement adopted by the United Nations, the University for Peace (UPEACE) embodies a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of peace and understanding among nations. Rooted in the noble aspirations of the United Nations Charter, UPEACE endeavors to serve as a beacon of higher education, nurturing future leaders dedicated to promoting cooperation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence on a global scale.

Course Details of the UPeace M.A. International Law and Diplomacy 2024

M.A. in International law and Diplomacy:
Online
- Students can obtain the MA in International Law and Diplomacy (online) upon successful completion of 42 credits, including 36 credits for course work and 6 credits for a final independent research project (IRP).
- In order to graduate from the programme, students must undertake the courses marked as ‘Mandatory’ (29 credits) in the list below.
- In addition, students must take optional courses (7 credits) from the list, before completing their final graduation project (IRP).
M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy:
Hybrid
- Students can obtain the MA in International Law and Diplomacy (Hybrid) upon successful completion of 42 credits, including 36 credits for course work and 6 credits for a final independent research project (IRP).
- In order to graduate from the programme, students must undertake the first semester courses marked as ‘Mandatory’ in the list below on the UPEACE main campus in Costa Rica from August to December.
- Students in the hybrid modality must complete the rest of the programme online within 3 semesters.
- In the hybrid modality, students will complete on-campus mandatory courses (14 credits) and online mandatory courses (13 credits), for a total of 27 credits of mandatory courses. In addition, students must take optional courses (9 credits) from the list, before completing their final graduation project (IRP).

Pura Vida Fellowships:
- In 2023, the University for Peace (UPEACE) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) collaborated on the “Art for Peace” NFT collection, featuring Costa Rican artist Gussa’s digital artwork under the title “Pura Vida.”
- This initiative gave rise to the “Pura Vida” Fellowship Programme, offering fellowships for UPEACE-UNITAR joint Master’s and Certificate Programmes, as well as Field Visits to Geneva and The Hague.
- The fellowships aim to enhance inclusion, by empowering nationals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Eligibility: To be considered for the Pura Vida Fellowship, applicants must be nationals from the LDCs or SIDS included on the official UN lists.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is meticulously crafted to cater to a diverse spectrum of individuals seeking to deepen their expertise in various facets of international law, dispute settlement, international affairs management, and diplomacy. It serves as an invaluable platform for:

1. Graduate Students: Aspiring scholars and researchers eager to delve into the complexities of international law and diplomacy, seeking to expand their academic horizons and contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on peace and justice.

2. Diplomats: Seasoned professionals representing their nations on the international stage, aiming to enhance their diplomatic prowess and navigate intricate diplomatic landscapes with finesse and acumen.

3. Government Officers: Public servants entrusted with the responsibility of shaping national policies and strategies on matters pertaining to international relations, seeking to bolster their understanding of international law and diplomacy to better serve their respective governments and constituents.

4. NGO Representatives: Advocates and activists committed to advancing the principles of justice, human rights, and sustainable development on a global scale, leveraging their expertise in international law and diplomacy to effect positive change and promote social justice.

5. International Civil Servants: Dedicated professionals serving in international organizations and agencies, poised to deepen their understanding of international law and diplomacy to address pressing global challenges and advance the collective interests of humanity.

6. Private Law Practitioners: Legal professionals operating in private practice, driven by a desire to navigate the complexities of international law and diplomacy in the pursuit of justice and legal excellence for their clients in an increasingly interconnected world.

By accommodating a diverse array of participants from varied backgrounds and professions, the program fosters a dynamic learning environment characterized by rich interdisciplinary dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and cross-cultural exchange. Through this inclusive approach, participants emerge not only as adept practitioners in their respective fields but also as global citizens equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.

How to Apply

The following documentation is required to complete the application process. Please have them ready and on hand before beginning the online application process, as they will need to be uploaded into the system.
- English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Official Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
- One passport-size photos for ID purposes

The online application requires electronic (PDF) scans of required documents. Should admission be granted, the following documents will be eventually be required in official hard copy:
- English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment (if applicable)
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
- Three (3) passport-size photos.