Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy
Format: Hybrid or Online
Programme Start Hybrid: 19 August 2025
Programme Start Online: 7 July 2025
Application Deadline Hybrid: 30 April 2025
Application Deadline Online: 30 June 2025
Programme Overview
The Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy (hybrid and online formats) is a graduate programme permitting students to specialize in the interface between international law and diplomacy. It will not only broaden students’ knowledge in the field of international law and its various foundational dimensions but will also equip them with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of diplomacy and related international careers.
During this programme – offered both in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format – students in this programme 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. These include dispute settlement and conflict resolution.
In addition, students will attend skills development and coaching sessions designed to support their professional careers and employability.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.
Click on the image below to see the full programme brochure.
Hybrid Programme Modules
Online Programme Modules
Field Visits
Admissions
Fees
Hybrid Programme Modules
Hybrid Programme Modules
The HYBRID Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy will be implemented both face-to-face in San José, Costa Rica on UPEACE’s campus, and online on UPEACE’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Course List:
- Foundation Course (UPEACE)
- Public International Law (UPEACE)
- United Nations System (UPEACE)
- International Human Rights Law (UPEACE)
- Universal Human Rights System (UPEACE)
- Law Related to Armed Conflict I (Ius ad Bellum) (UPEACE)
- Law Related to Armed Conflict II (Ius in Bello) (UPEACE)
- International Criminal Law (UPEACE)*
- Law of Treaties (UNITAR)
- International Environmental Law (UPEACE)*
- Transitional Justice (UPEACE)*
- International Law and Diplomacy (UPEACE)
- Regional Human Rights Systems (UPEACE)*
- World Politics (UPEACE)*
- International and Transnational Adjudication (UPEACE)*
- Globalization and Human Rights (UPEACE)*
- International Economic Law (UPEACE)*
- Human Rights Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation (UPEACE)*
- Maritime and Territorial Dispute Settlement (UPEACE)*
- Workshop on Negotiation and Mediation Skills (UPEACE)
- Law of International Organisations (UNITAR)
- Rule of Law (UNITAR)
- Independent Research Project (UPEACE)
* Optional Course
Hybrid M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy Calendar (2025-2027): click here.
Online Programme Modules
Online Programme Modules
The ONLINE Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy will be implemented online. All subjects will be hosted on UPEACE’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Course List:
- Public International Law (UPEACE)
- International Human Rights Law (UPEACE)
- Foundation Course (UPEACE)
- UN System (UPEACE)
- Law Related to Armed Conflict I (Ius ad Bellum) (UPEACE)
- Law Related to Armed Conflict II (Ius in Bello) (UPEACE)
- International Criminal Law (UPEACE)*
- Law of Treaties (UNITAR)
- International Environmental Law (UPEACE)*
- Transitional Justice (UPEACE)*
- International Law and Diplomacy (UPEACE)
- Globalization and Human Rights (UPEACE)*
- Regional Human Rights Systems (UPEACE)
- World Politics (UPEACE)*
- International and Transnational Adjudication (UPEACE)*
- International Economic Law (UPEACE)*
- Human Rights Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation (UPEACE)*
- Maritime and Territorial Dispute Settlement (UPEACE)*
- Workshop on Negotiation and Mediation Skills (UPEACE)
- Law of International Organisations (UNITAR )
- Rule of Law (UNITAR)
- Independent Research Project (UPEACE)
* Optional Course
Online M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy Calendar (2025-2027): click here.
Field Visits
Field Visits
Students admitted to the programme 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.
The five-day field trip(s) cost USD 1,500 each and include exclusive experiences such as visiting various international organizations, the ICRC museum in Geneva, the ICJ in The Hague, and engaging in networking sessions with diplomats, personnel from permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants working in international organizations, and representatives from civil society.
Scheduled for the summer, the confirmed dates for these optional field visits will be shared with interested students by UPEACE and UNITAR well in advance. Students have the flexibility to enrol in either the Geneva or The Hague visit individually, or they can choose to participate in both field trips to maximize their learning experience.
(*) Please note that the fellowship programme does not include travel, accommodation, food, or visa expenses. Please note that students should have a valid health insurance plan in place during their stay in Switzerland and/or The Netherlands.
Admissions
Fees
Costs
The cost for pursuing the Master of Arts in Development Studies in Hybrid Format is USD 13,000*, while the Online Format is USD 11,000. This includes tuition, administrative fees, and other associated costs. It is important to note that additional expenses, such as textbooks, accommodation, field visits, and living expenses, may not be covered in this figure.
Hybrid:
The cost for pursuing a HYBRID M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy is USD 13,000*. This includes tuition, administrative fees, and other associated costs. It is important to note that additional expenses, such as textbooks, accommodation, field visits and living expenses, may not be covered by this figure.
*UN staff will be eligible for a 20% waiver (2,600 USD). Therefore, UN staff will pay 10,400 USD. Furthermore, Costa Rican nationals and residents will be eligible for a 30% waiver (3,900 USD). Therefore, Costa Rican nationals and residents will pay 9,100 USD.
Online:
The cost for pursuing an ONLINE M.A. in International Law and Diplomacy is USD 11,000*. This includes tuition, administrative fees, and other associated costs. It is important to note that additional expenses, such as textbooks and field visits may not be covered by this figure.
(*) UN staff will be eligible for a 20% waiver (2,200 USD). Therefore, UN staff will pay 8,800 USD. Furthermore, Costa Rican nationals and residents will be eligible for a 30% waiver (3,300 USD). Therefore, Costa Rican citizens and residents will pay 7,700 USD.