MBA International Relations and Diplomacy — Study Online from Ottawa, Canada

Advance your global impact without leaving Ottawa. Delivered in exclusive partnership between the University of Cumbria and Robert Kennedy College, the MBA International Relations and Diplomacy empowers you to master the forces shaping policy, diplomacy, and international business—fully online, on your schedule, from your current home city.

Whether you aim to lead negotiations, craft policy, guide corporate strategy across borders, or build coalitions for humanitarian action, this MBA equips you with a rigorous, internationally applicable skill set. Learn alongside a truly global cohort, guided by distinguished faculty, while you continue to live, work, and thrive in Ottawa, Canada.

Awarded a British degree recognised internationally

Gain the credibility that comes with a British master’s degree. The MBA you earn is respected worldwide, opening doors across public service, international organisations, NGOs, and multinational enterprises. Its international orientation makes it a compelling credential wherever your career takes you.

The programme emphasises analytical rigour, strategic leadership, and evidence-based decision-making—competencies valued by employers across borders and sectors. From policy think tanks to global companies, the degree signals your readiness to engage complex international challenges with confidence and clarity.

Complete it 100% online in as little as 1 year

Your ambitions shouldn’t wait. With a focused and carefully structured learning journey, you can progress efficiently and graduate in as little as one year, all while continuing your professional and personal commitments in Ottawa.

Each module builds momentum through practical assignments and applied learning, helping you move from concept to capability swiftly—so you can translate insights into impact in real time.

No fixed log-in times—truly flexible study

There are no required live sessions at specific times. You study when it suits you—early mornings before a commute, evenings after work, or weekends dedicated to deep thinking—without compromising your responsibilities or lifestyle.

This asynchronous model respects your rhythm. It enables sustained focus when you’re most productive and uninterrupted progress even when your weekly schedule shifts.

Learn anywhere—mobile app with offline access

Your classroom travels with you. Study from home, a café near Parliament Hill, or while on the move. Our mobile app lets you download materials and watch lectures offline, so you can keep learning even without a steady connection.

From reviewing readings on a flight to refining an assignment on a train, the platform is designed for a modern, mobile life—helping you convert small pockets of time into meaningful progress.

Open-book assessments that mirror real-world practice

Instead of memorising answers for traditional exams, you’ll engage in open-book assessments that reward analysis, synthesis, and judgement. This mirrors the way professionals operate—consulting data, frameworks, and sources to reach robust decisions.

The result is deeper learning. You’ll practise how to interrogate complex problems, justify choices, and present persuasive, well-evidenced solutions—skills at the heart of leadership in diplomacy, policy, and global business.

Learn from globally educated faculty

Be mentored by tutors and faculty who have graduated from world-renowned institutions, including Oxford, Harvard, EPFL, the University of Basel, and Washington University in St. Louis. Their diverse academic and professional experiences infuse the classroom with rich perspectives and practical insight.

Faculty guidance helps you bridge theory and application—connecting international relations models to contemporary geopolitical trends, and translating diplomatic strategies into actionable leadership approaches.

A global cohort and alumni making impact

Join a diverse student body from over 130 countries. Our alumni work with international organisations such as the United Nations, ICRC, The World Bank, WFP, FAO, World Vision, JCI, Seneca College, Lakehead University, Manulife, Google, Microsoft, Intel, Samsung, Tencent, Siemens, and Sony.

Learning with peers who bring perspectives from every continent challenges assumptions and sharpens your worldview. You’ll graduate with a vibrant, supportive network—an asset that extends far beyond your studies.

Flexible fees—spread payments over up to 18 months

Invest in your future with a plan that fits your present. Our fees can be paid in up to 18 monthly interest-free instalments, helping you manage cash flow while you advance your qualifications.

This approach enables you to focus on learning and career growth without delaying your goals, aligning financial flexibility with academic ambition.

Ottawa, Canada: Strengthen your career at the heart of policy and global business

Ottawa’s unique role as Canada’s capital creates unparalleled proximity to international policy and diplomacy. With federal departments and agencies—such as those focused on foreign affairs, trade, security, and development—your studies can complement opportunities to engage with policy environments, diplomatic missions, and advisory bodies. The MBA’s strategic, analytical, and negotiation-oriented curriculum prepares you to contribute effectively to initiatives with global scope.

Beyond government, Ottawa hosts NGOs, research institutes, and advocacy organisations that intersect with humanitarian action, sustainable development, and human security. The ability to assess complex stakeholder landscapes, build coalitions, and translate global frameworks into implementable programmes is directly relevant to roles across these sectors.

Ottawa’s innovation economy—from established technology firms to rapidly scaling ventures—operates across borders. Whether supporting market entry strategies, managing international partnerships, or navigating regulatory environments, the programme equips you with the diplomatic fluency and cross-cultural intelligence to drive outcomes in globally connected industries.

Ready to take the next step from Ottawa, Canada? Request our course catalogue and discover how this online MBA can help you lead with purpose and influence on a global stage.