Diplo is pleased to announce a new call for applications for the following courses:

• Cyber-Security
• Online Privacy and Data Protection
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Infrastructure and Critical Internet Resources

Topics: The four courses offer in-depth (advanced) understanding on a wide range of topics. The courses form part of Phase II (Advanced Phase) of the IG online course.  A full list of topics for each course is available here.

Dates: The courses will take place from 13 June to 12 August 2011 and will be conducted online. 

Structure: Each course lasts for 8 weeks: an introductory week, followed by 6 weeks of intensive learning and knowledge sharing among participants. The courses take place in a web-based virtual classroom with Web 2.0 interaction tools (hypertext discussion tool, forums, message boards, real-time discussions, etc), allowing participants to complete most course activities whenever convenient within a given weekly schedule. The courses are based on studying and discussing textual materials under the guidance of experienced certified tutors and with the support of experts from various institutions. The courses conclude in week 8 with a narrative exam given to assess the level of understanding of issues covered. More on Course Structure...

Benefits: The rich blend of lecture texts, expert tutors, and online collaboration among class participants offers the best opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and training in Internet governance issues and ICT policy. Successful students will be awarded a DiploFoundation certificate for the respective course, and will be invited to join Diplo’s global Internet governance community with over 1,000 members. More on Benefits...

Requirements: The courses are flexible, yet intensive. We ask prospective participants to make sure they are able to dedicate at least eight hours per week throughout the learning phase. Participants are also required to have reading and writing skills in English sufficient to follow university-level materials and discussion, have basic awareness and interest in issues related to the Information Society, ICT and Internet governance, and have regular access to the Internet (dial-up connection is sufficient). More on Requirements...

Who can benefit? Are you involved in ICT policy, Information Society and Internet governance? Previous participants have included: 

• officials in government ministries and departments, regulatory authorities or institutions dealing with Information Society, Internet and ICT-related policy issues (e.g. telecommunications, education, foreign affairs, justice);
• postgraduate students, academics and researchers in the IG field (e.g. in telecommunications, electrical engineering, law, economics, development studies);
• civil society activists in the IG and Information Society fields;
• journalists covering IG issues; and
• individuals in Internet-business fields (e.g. ISPs, software developers).

Fees and Scholarships: Forty scholarships to take part in one of the courses (Cyber-Security, Online Privacy and Data Protection, IPR, and Infrastructure and CIRs) are available for applicants from ACP countries. The scholarships, which cover the course participation fee of €500, are funded under Diplo’s Capacity Development Programme for ACP countries, financed by the EU @CP-ICT Programme, 9th European Development Fund. 

To Apply: Please complete the application form for the appropriate course, at www.diplomacy.edu/registration. Applicants who require scholarships should check the appropriate box in the online application form. The deadline for applications is 24 May 2011, midnight GMT.

Contact: For any queries, e-mail acpinfo@diplomacy.edu