Foundation level IR learning programs

The Diplomatic Academy delivers international engagement learning to enable Australian Government officials to represent Australia’s interests when working internationally. 

Our core, foundation-level learning offerings include our hugely popular Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These 4-week, self-paced courses provide you with a comprehensive introduction to key foreign policy, multilateral, development and international engagement concepts. 

These interactive courses require approximately 6 hours of study each week. 

Understanding Australia’s Foreign Policy 

This course will deepen your understanding of the complex foreign policy environment and how to be agile and adaptable in advancing Australia’s interests internationally. You’ll develop a clear sense of the international and domestic operating environments in which foreign policy is developed and delivered; and the role you play in working across government to deliver good policy. This is a collaborative and interactive online learning experience.  

This course will take place from 4 March to 29 March in the first half of 2024.

Enrol in the next session today or register your interest in a future session. 

Foundations of International Development 

In a region where 22 of our 26 nearest neighbours are developing countries, it’s essential all officials representing Australia understand the development context. This course explains the critical role international development relationships play in effective statecraft, details key development concepts, explores the challenges of working in development countries and provides you with tools to operate successfully.  

Course dates: 

• 6 May to 31 May 
• 11 November to 6 December 

Enrol in the next session today or register your interest in a future session. 

Working as a Multilateral Diplomat 

This course is for Australian officials who want to understand Australia’s global governance priorities and the diplomatic tools available to deliver strong outcomes for Australia in multilateral settings. You will expand your knowledge and the range of skills needed to pursue Australian policy priorities multilaterally. You will learn multilateral tradecraft skills such as drafting instructions, delivering compelling interventions, analysing multilateral texts for Australia’s interests, and designing advocacy strategies, as well as the theatre, strategies and rules of multilateral negotiations.  

Working as a Multilateral Diplomat will take place from 14 October to 9 November. 

Enrol in the next session of this course today or express your interest in a future session. 

For more information 

To find out more, visit Lumi, our learning management system. 

If you don’t have a Lumi account, you will need to create one with your .gov.au email address.