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Whitestone International College of Innovation delivers quality-assured, standards-aligned programmes that integrate academic rigour, industry relevance, and digital fluency to develop principled leaders who deliver measurable impact.

Courses

Whitestone International Diploma in Diplomacy, Public Affairs & International Relations

The Whitestone International Diploma in Diplomacy, Public Affairs & International Relations is a 12-month vocational programme that provides a structured, practice-oriented foundation in contemporary diplomacy, public affairs, and the dynamics of the international system.

Course Overview

The programme integrates four core dimensions:

Foundations of diplomacy and international relations – core concepts, actors, institutions and frameworks at vocational–intermediate level.
Foreign policy, geopolitics and international cooperation – how states, organisations and non-state actors pursue interests and manage global challenges at conceptual level.
Public affairs, strategic communication and advocacy within ethical boundaries – designing and communicating public-policy messages, campaigns and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Negotiation, mediation, protocol and professional practice – skills and behaviours required to operate effectively in diplomatic, governmental, NGO and international-organisation environments.
It is intended for individuals who work in, or aspire to work in, ministries and government departments, embassies and representations, international and regional organisations, NGOs, think-tanks, corporate public-affairs departments, and global civil-society roles.

Learners will explore how professionals in diplomacy and public affairs analyse international developments, support policy design, engage stakeholders, prepare briefings, communicate positions and assist with negotiations, while upholding principles of professionalism, neutral analysis, respect for diversity and international good practice. The emphasis is on applied skills, policy literacy and communication, not on political activism or partisan campaigning.

This diploma is vocational and non-regulated. It does not confer diplomatic status, privileges or immunities; does not qualify learners as legal practitioners or international lawyers; and does not authorise them to represent any state or organisation in official negotiations. Such responsibilities remain with appointed officials and qualified professionals operating under constitutional, legal and institutional mandates. The programme does not promote or endorse any specific political party, ideology or government.

Why This Course is Important?

Issues such as security, trade, climate, migration, development and health demand informed professionals who understand how international systems function and how policies are communicated.
Ministries, NGOs, international organisations and global companies rely on policy officers, analysts, public-affairs specialists and programme coordinators who can work across cultures and institutions.
Professionals must be able to frame issues clearly, communicate responsibly, manage relationships, and support negotiation processes while respecting ethical and legal boundaries.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

Explain core concepts in diplomacy, public affairs and international relations, including the roles of states, international organisations and non-state actors.
Analyse international developments and policy issues at an introductory–intermediate level using basic frameworks of foreign policy and geopolitics.
Contribute to policy briefing, speech notes, talking points and public-affairs materials under the guidance of senior practitioners.
Apply principles of strategic communication, media engagement and stakeholder relations in a professional, non-partisan and ethically responsible manner.
Demonstrate awareness of international law and global governance structures at conceptual level, escalating legal questions to qualified experts.
Support meetings, delegations, events and negotiations through protocol awareness, preparation, note-taking and follow-up documentation.
Operate effectively in multicultural, multi-stakeholder environments, showing diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality and professional conduct.

Target Audience

Individuals in or aspiring to roles such as Junior Policy Officer, Public-Affairs Officer (support level), International Relations Assistant, Programme/Project Officer, Communications Officer, NGO/INGO Officer or Government Liaison Support.
Staff in ministries, embassies, consulates, regional and international organisations, NGOs, development agencies, research institutes and corporate public-affairs or CSR teams.
Graduates from political science, international relations, law, economics, communications, area studies, social sciences or related fields seeking a more applied, practice-oriented qualification.
Professionals from adjacent fields (e.g. journalism, corporate relations, education, humanitarian work) who need stronger diplomacy, IR and public-affairs literacy.

Entry Requirements

A recognised higher secondary qualification, diploma, or equivalent, preferably with prior study in social sciences, humanities, law, economics or communications
Demonstrated interest in international affairs, public policy, diplomacy or global governance
Proficiency in English (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent recommended) to engage with policy documents, academic texts and professional communication tasks

Programme Structure & Modules

Module 1 – Foundations of Diplomacy & International Relations

Core concepts and theories at awareness level:
State sovereignty, power, national interest, cooperation and conflict.
Key actors in the international system:
States, international and regional organisations, NGOs, corporations and civil society.
Forms of diplomacy:
Bilateral, multilateral, economic, public and cultural diplomacy at conceptual level.
Global governance awareness:
How international institutions coordinate responses to shared challenges.
Continuity and change in world politics:
Historical perspective at a high level and contemporary trends (non-partisan).
Roles within diplomatic and IR ecosystems:
Where early-career professionals contribute at support and analytical levels.

Module 2 – Foreign Policy, Geopolitics & International Cooperation (Awareness Level)

Foreign policy objectives and instruments:
Security, economic, cultural and development dimensions at conceptual level.
Geopolitical awareness:
How geography, resources, alliances and regional dynamics influence state behaviour (non-partisan, analytical).
Multilateral diplomacy and negotiation contexts:
International conferences, summits and working groups at awareness level.
International cooperation on cross-border issues:
Climate, health, migration, trade, cybersecurity and development (overview).
Risk, crisis and conflict-sensitivity awareness:
Recognising sensitivities and the importance of balanced, responsible communication.
Policy-briefing skills:
Structuring concise background notes and options for decision-makers.

Module 3 – Public Affairs, Strategic Communication & Media Engagement

Public affairs in governmental and organisational contexts:
Supporting interface with parliaments, stakeholders, partners and communities.
Strategic communication principles:
Audience analysis, message framing, channels and feedback.
Working with media (awareness level):
Press releases, statements, key messages and media briefings under direction.
Digital and social-media awareness:
Professional use for institutional communication, reputation management and listening.
Narrative and storytelling in public affairs:
Structuring compelling but responsible narratives around policies and initiatives.
Ethics and neutrality:
Distinguishing professional institutional communication from partisan campaigning.

Module 4 – International Law Awareness, Global Governance & Policy Instruments

International law awareness (non-specialist):
Concepts of treaties, customary international law and international organisations’ legal personality at conceptual level.
Human rights and humanitarian norms (awareness):
Basic understanding of how these frameworks inform policies and diplomacy, without legal advice.
Global and regional institutions:
Awareness of structures, mandates and typical functions of international organisations and regional bodies.
Policy instruments and tools:
Resolutions, declarations, communiqués, action plans and memoranda of understanding at awareness level.
Compliance, implementation and monitoring (conceptual):
From commitments to practice; role of civil services, agencies and partners.
Limitations of mandate and role:
Understanding what early-career professionals can and cannot do in legal or quasi-legal processes.

Module 5 – Negotiation, Mediation Support, Protocol & Intercultural Competence

Negotiation principles at awareness level:
Interests vs positions, preparation, options and outcomes.
Supporting negotiation and mediation processes:
Briefing packs, agendas, note-taking, minutes and follow-up actions.
Diplomatic protocol and etiquette:
Precedence, forms of address, seating, flags, ceremonies and visits at conceptual level.
Intercultural communication:
Cultural lenses, verbal and non-verbal communication, building trust and avoiding misunderstandings.
Official visits, missions and events:
Planning, logistics awareness and stakeholder coordination in a support role.
Personal conduct and confidentiality:
Professional behaviour in sensitive, high-level environments.

Module 6 – Policy Analysis, Project Management Awareness & Professional Practice

Basic policy-analysis tools:
Problem definition, stakeholder mapping, option development and simple impact analysis at vocational level.
Evidence-informed decision support:
Using data, reports and consultations responsibly.
Project-cycle awareness:
Identification, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in international or public-affairs projects.
Results and reporting:
Logical structuring of reports, briefing notes and progress updates.
Career development in diplomacy and public affairs:
Role types, skill profiles and long-term learning pathways.
Professional ethics and safeguarding:
Impartiality, transparency within mandate, respect for diversity and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Awarding Body

Whitestone International College of Innovation

United Kingdom

Qualification Type

International Diploma – Vocational Qualification

(Industry-aligned qualification issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, UK)

Assessment & Certification

Assessment Methods Include:

Written assignments on foundations of diplomacy and IR; foreign policy, geopolitics and cooperation; public affairs and strategic communication; international-law and governance awareness; negotiation, mediation support and protocol; and policy analysis, project awareness and professional practice.
Applied tasks such as drafting briefing notes, key messages, short policy summaries, media statements (non-partisan) and meeting records.
Scenario-based exercises requiring learners to analyse international situations, map stakeholders and propose balanced, professional communication approaches within ethical boundaries.
Presentation and communication assessments evaluating clarity, neutrality, respect and professionalism.
Final Capstone Project: Policy Brief & Public-Affairs Strategy for an International Issue, with a structured written report and/or presentation.

To obtain the diploma, learners must successfully complete all module assessments and the capstone project in line with Whitestone’s academic standards.

Certification:

On successful completion, participants will be awarded:

Whitestone International Diploma in Diplomacy, Public Affairs & International Relations Issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, United Kingdom

Benefits of Attending

Provides a robust, practice-oriented foundation in diplomacy, public affairs and international relations for early and aspiring practitioners.
Equips learners to support policy, communication and programme work in ministries, international organisations, NGOs, research institutes and global companies.
Enhances employability in roles such as Junior Policy Officer, Public-Affairs/Communications Officer (support level), International Relations Assistant, Programme/Project Officer or Government/Institutional Liaison Support, subject to employer requirements.
Helps organisations strengthen policy analysis, communication quality, international engagement and coordination through staff with sound conceptual understanding and professional behaviours.
Creates a strong platform for further study in International Relations, Diplomacy, Public Policy, Global Governance, Development Studies, Human Rights or related disciplines, and for progression towards postgraduate degrees and specialised professional training, where entry criteria are met.

Industry Alignment

The programme reflects widely recognised principles of diplomatic, public-affairs and international-relations practice, including:

Emphasis on balanced analysis, respectful dialogue, accurate communication and ethical conduct.
Focus on multilateral, multi-stakeholder collaboration for addressing complex international issues.
Recognition that effective professionals combine conceptual understanding, practical communication skills, cultural sensitivity and institutional discipline.

£2000

£ 0

Industry-focused programmes with global standards.
Practical skills for real-world success.
Academic excellence with career-ready outcomes.

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Progression & Academic Pathways

Graduates of the Whitestone International Diploma in Diplomacy, Public Affairs & International Relations may:

Progress to higher-level diplomas or degrees in International Relations, Diplomacy, Public Policy, Global Governance, Security Studies, Development Studies, International Law (where entry criteria are met) or related social-science fields.
Enhance their suitability for roles in ministries of foreign affairs and other government departments, embassies and missions, regional and international organisations, NGOs and INGOs, think-tanks, research institutes and corporate public-affairs or CSR departments, subject to recruitment requirements and competitive selection.
Use this diploma as a structured foundation for additional professional development, such as short courses in diplomatic practice, public-policy analysis, mediation support, humanitarian action, development cooperation or specialised regional/sectoral training, in line with institutional frameworks, national regulations and employer expectations.

Together We Learn, Together We Grow

At Whitestone, we believe in collaborative learning where students and faculty grow together through knowledge and experience. Our supportive community fosters teamwork, innovation, and shared success.

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London, united kingdom

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