Learning objectives

The Master in Advanced Public and Cultural Diplomacy for International Relations (MAPCD) is the first, at the European level, to combine four different fields of study: 

• Public Diplomacy and International Relations; 
• Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy for the global reputation of Countries and Cities; 
• Global Communication for the engagement of worldwide audiences;
• Business Diplomacy.

Studying Public and Cultural Diplomacy means understanding the increasing role of non-State actors in international affairs, as well as the strategic influence of the arts and digital media in foreign policy. 
The Master’s ambition and goal is to train not only skilled professionals with multidisciplinary competences for the challenging scenarios we are facing today, but most of all, “Citizens of the World” with a vision and a commitment to create bridges across cultures for dialogue and peace building.

Structure of the Master

The Program consists of 3 teaching modules, each including different subjects and lectures from top scholars and professionals, related to the main theme. Each module includes field visits to Ministries, International Cultural Institutes, International Organisations, Cultural Events and Museums, Historical and Art Sites.

1st Level | Global Issues in International Relations

• Global Governance and International Relations
• Democracy and the Rule of Law
• Global Politics in a Shifting world order
• Issues in International Economics and Sustainability
• The Geopolitics of Energy Transition

2nd Level | Public and Cultural Diplomacy

• Public Diplomacy and Global Engagement
• Contemporary Diplomacy: challenges and the need for new Tools
• Intercultural  Communication in Public Diplomacy
• Civic Diplomacy and Civic Engagement
• Cultural Diplomacy: Comparative approaches, Actors and Genres
• Creating Global Reputation Value
• Nation Branding and Strategic Narratives
• City Diplomacy
• International Cultural Policies
• Cultural Diplomacy for Reconciliation

3rd Level | Digital and Business Diplomacy

• Digital Diplomacy: New media in the New Public Diplomacy
• Social Media Strategies and Global Communication Strategies
• Business Diplomacy: Corporate Strategies in the Global Environment

4th Level | Soft Skills Workshops and Final Project Work

In addition to the core courses, workshops and hands-on activities enable students to improve their personal and professional skills and better qualify themselves to face the job market. Some examples here below: 

• Teambuilding
• Developing Fundraising Skills
• Project Management
• Data Management
• Tools for Cultural Planning

At the end of the Master, students must produce an original Project Work scientifically based on one of the courses of the curriculum, with the help of a Supervisor chosen among the Faculty.

5th Level | Internship
After in-class educational sessions, starting from May 2025 all students will undertake their professional training with an internship that offers them the invaluable opportunity to strengthen the competences acquired during the courses.5th Level | Internship
 

Assessment and Diploma

A 1st level Specializing Master’s Degree issued by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italian Law D.M. 509/99) will be granted at the end of the Master’s course upon achievement of at least 60 ECTS credits, gained through the attendance to all the Master's activities and positive evaluations. All the Master’s activities (exams, internship, project work) must be carried out.