
M.A. Development Studies and Diplomacy (UPEACE-UNITAR)
Ciudad Colón, Costa Rica
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
29 Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 8,700 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Online application deadline: 20 August 2025 | Online start date: 8 September 2025
Introduction
The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy, offered by UPEACE in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is an interdisciplinary and holistic program that will broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability, and diplomacy, and equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise.
Offered in an Online Format, students in this program will analyze 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. Also available as a certificate program.
Students will also attend skills development sessions and coaching sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad, with prospective employers including governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.
Consult the full programme brochure here.
Field Visits
Students admitted to the program are offered a unique opportunity to partake in an optional field visit to Geneva, Switzerland, and/or The Hague, Netherlands, immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.
Important Dates
The online programme begins on 8 September 2025, with an application deadline of 20 August 2025.
The hybrid programme begins on 19 August 2025, with an application deadline of 30 April 2025.
Programme Fees
M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy (hybrid format): $19,500.00 USD.
M.A. in Development Studies and Diplomacy (online format): $8,700.00 USD.
Certificate in Development Studies and Diplomacy (hybrid format): $3,550 USD.
Ideal Students
The program is tailored for graduate students, diplomats, government officials, NGO representatives, international civil servants, and private sector professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in development studies, sustainability, international affairs management, and diplomacy.
Program Outcome
At the end of the master’s program, students should:
- Have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of development studies, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
- Be able to evaluate the different dimensions of development.
- Have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of diplomacy.
- Be able to appraise the nexus between diplomacy, the UN System, and current contemporary challenges.
- Be able to apply key soft skills in an international working environment.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our programs are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation necessary to excel in diverse professional environments, including international, national, and local government agencies, as well as civil society organizations.
Why Choose UPEACE?
Our alumni are primed for success in dynamic fields such as:
- Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- Nonviolence and Disarmament
- Diplomacy
- Peace-Making, Peacekeeping, and Peace-Building
- Security Sector Reform
- Local and Global Justice
- Tackling Transnational Organized Crime
- Conflict and Peace-Sensitive Policy-Making
- Human Rights Advocacy
- Engagement in Local, Regional, and Global Tribunals
- Peace and Conflict Studies/Research
Join us at UPEACE and become a catalyst for change in the world!
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
UPEACE is a not-for-profit institution and has limited funds for financial assistance. Therefore we strive for balance, diverse class composition, and merit in distributing financial assistance among admitted students.
The prospective applicant has to be admitted to UPEACE in order to receive any possibility of financial assistance from the University.
This programme is eligible for the Pura Vida Fellowship Programme. Find out more and apply now here!