Web: https://tf.hu/sdp

Admission prerequisites

Prerequisites for Admission: Prospective candidates should hold a BA or BSc diploma in a relevant field within Sport Science or Humanities. Priority will be given to those with qualifications in disciplines such as International Relations, Sports Science, Business Administration and/or Economics, Communication, and Marketing. A minimum of 80 ECTS credits or their equivalent is required. A copy of the degree should be included as part of the application package.

Lack of criminal record is one of the entrance criteria that has to be proved by an official document issued by the official national authority, not older than 3 months.

Language Proficiency Criteria: Applicants must possess a minimum of B2 level proficiency in English or its equivalent. A robust and actively utilized command of the English language is imperative, while proficiency in additional languages is highly regarded and appreciated.

Competencies to consider for credit

Applicants seeking credit for their professional sport career or diplomatic career should highlight their relevant competencies. Additionally, candidates with an additional Bachelor's or Master's degree in fields related to Sport Science, Humanities, Economics, or other pertinent academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. Submission of a copy of their degree or diploma should be included in the application package. Furthermore, individuals who have pursued further related training, such as Leadership, Business Coaching, Project Management, and Communication, are also eligible for credit consideration. It is important to emphasize these qualifications in the application process to demonstrate a comprehensive and well-rounded background.

Registration deadline: 31 October, 2023. (23:59)

Please register and then submit your application at here.

Start date: January, 2023.

Partners

• Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Sports Diplomacy
• ILEPS, Cerny, France
• UNM GEO, Albuquerque, NM, USA
• Foro University, Rome, Italy
• Tesla University, Belgrade, Serbia
• Teqball Hungary

Training venue
Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS/ Magyar Testnevelési és Sporttudományi Egyetem) Alkotás út 42-28. H-1123 Budapest

+ internship venues

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Attitudes: Ideal candidates for the International Sports Diplomacy Postgraduate Specialisation Programme embody open-mindedness and flexibility, demonstrating a goal-oriented approach combined with an unwavering determination and strong work ethic. They exemplify helpfulness and maintain a positive attitude, while showcasing adept complex and critical thinking skills. Empathy and a deep respect for cultural diversity drive their interactions, and they engage in careful consideration of various perspectives. Candidates eagerly embrace learning, seeking to comprehend intricate correlations and accept institutional priorities. Their readiness to delve into challenging situations, coupled with an innate ability to integrate diverse sources of knowledge, positions them as a prime candidate for this transdisciplinary endeavor.
2. Knowledge: Embark on an enriching journey with our distinguished hybrid International Sports Diplomacy Postgraduate Specialisation Programme, thoughtfully crafted to deepen your grasp of the intricate interplay between international relations and sports governance. Through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing the foundational tenets of diplomacy, strategic planning, and diplomatic methodology, you will adeptly navigate the intricate terrain that bridges the sport industry, civil sector, and prevailing global trends. By delving into communication protocols, deciphering the dynamics of international sport organizations and events, and exploring the nuanced realms of legal and marketing aspects intrinsic to Sports Diplomacy, you will gain a holistic perspective. Upon the successful completion of SDP, you will possess a complex understanding of the fundamentals of diplomacy, strategic planning and diplomatic methodology, sports governance, sport industry and the civil sector in the international arena, global, regional and national trends shaping sports and diplomacy, protocol in international relations, responsibility over various forms of communication, understanding international sports organizations, relations and events, law and marketing relevant in SD, correlations between SD and society, as of inclusion and integration through sports for all/grassroots SD, awareness of sport media, and the basics of international sport events. Equipped with this knowledge, you will be well-prepared to actively contribute to international sport events, emerging as a catalyst for positive change in a world where Sports Diplomacy holds increasing significance. Join us in this educational odyssey, where you will emerge as a skilled advocate of Sports Diplomacy, poised to shape a more harmonious global landscape through astute insights and strategic acumen.
3. Skills: Completing a International Sports Diplomacy Postgraduate Specialisation Programme equips participants with a diverse skill set, ranging from effective communication and strategic planning to adept negotiation and creative problem-solving. Aspiring participants gain proficiency in decision-making and protocol adherence, enhancing their ability to navigate complex international scenarios. The program fosters expertise in rhetoric and institutional representation, empowering individuals for impactful media appearances and adept networking. Graduates emerge with an exceptional knack for organizing meetings and handling challenging situations, complemented by a refined aptitude for stress management and responsible media content creation.
4. Autonomy and responsibility: SDP graduates should fully understand both their responsibility for the institution they represent, and their individual sphere of action that entails large responsibility in various matters. They should be fully aware of the limitations of their position and at the same time be ready to act up to the fullest capacity they have to achieve the preset goals.
5. General competencies: Our comprehensive SDP offers a holistic approach to develop essential general competencies. Through engaging modules, you will master the art of negotiations, effective project management, diplomatic protocol, crisis management, assertive communication and written business communication. Additionally, you will broaden your horizons by gaining a more profound understanding of advocacy, accuracy, leadership, team spirit, management, thus you will be able to make sound judgments under uncertain conditions, while demonstrating team spirit and emotional intelligence.

This part-time hybrid program is highly practice oriented, interdisciplinary and diverse as for the array of professional areas covered. The international team of faculty and guest lecturers facilitates a unique blend of study experiences offered on various platforms: the hybrid format is to give the required flexibility for the participants to have more control over their study time periods, since the majority of the academic period is taught online, with synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods. The two-week on campus modules each term are essential to familiarize with specific in person competencies, such as communication and diplomacy practice. Through the extensive academic, diplomatic and sport administrational network of HUSS and its partner universities, students can enjoy great placement choices and multiple prospective study topics for their project that leads up to their final exam. The faculty members are engaged in both theoretical and practical approaches to Sport Diplomacy and all have substantial experiences in their specific area.

Core subjects

1. Diplomacy
   1. International Relations, Diplomatic Theory
   2. Diplomatic Practice
   3. A Historical Approach to SD in Central Europe
2. Sport in Society, Sport for All
3. International Sport Law
4. Public Administration and Policy
5. Global Sport Policy and Politics
   1. International Sport Organizations
   2. Global Sport Relations,
   3. International Sport Events
6. Grassroots Sports Diplomacy
7. Communication
   1. Negotiations
   2. Public Speaking and Media Presence
   3. Written Communication
8. Protocol, Event Management
9. Project Methodology, Fundraising, Marketing

Program structure

In Term 1, the program initiates with a comprehensive orientation during Week 1, focused on program introduction and preparatory guidance. Week 2 is dedicated to individual preparations, resource collection, course material acquisition, study strategy development, and the creation of individual program plans. Consultations for program and project planning are also conducted during this phase.

Weeks 3 to 6 feature a series of online contact classes, each lasting 90 minutes, complemented by 20-minute individual consultation sessions. Weeks 8 and 9 mark the commence of on-campus classes, followed by Weeks 10 and 11, which revert to an online format. Term 1 wraps up in Weeks 12 and 13 with exams.

Term 2 begins with an online review of Term 1 and an introduction to the curriculum for the following weeks. Weeks 2 to 10 consist of online contact classes, while Weeks 11 and 12 incorporate on-site classes, which are also accessible online. Weeks 13 to 15 are dedicated to internships, job shadowing, and project work. The program ends with a final examination or portfolio presentation in Week 16.

Curriculum (soon)

Rules and regulations: soon

Internship sites

Soon

Most professional athletes are highly successful in their respective sports; however, they might face major challenges when finding themselves in divers roles serving various organizations, companies, sport clubs and federations. The same applies to others closely associated with sports organizations: they may come from a plethora of backgrounds, for example economics, law and a wide range of other fields, but may not necessarily possess the sophisticated skill set of a sport diplomat essential for anyone working in international organisations, mega sport events, diplomatic missions, policy-making, or operative jobs.

This new and exciting international program in Sports Diplomacy (SDP), a one-year postgraduate hybrid program offered at the Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary, provides a powerful and valuable platform for those who wish to expand their skills and understanding of diplomacy, international relations, intercultural challenges, protocol, management and language skills required in the highly demanding fast-paced environment of sport federations and institutions.

Sports Diplomacy (SD) is “the conscious, strategic and ongoing use of sport, sportspeople and sporting events by state and non-state actors to advance policy, trade, development, education, image, reputation, brand, and people-to-people links.” (Stewart Murray)

Unlike other forms of diplomacy, sports diplomacy has no barrier because sports are a universal phenomenon, transcending linguistic, national, and cultural boundaries. Like the objectives of traditional diplomacy, true sportsmanship promotes friendship, respect, and tolerance, among other universal values. Therefore, using sports as a tool of diplomacy is organic and valuable in creating opportunities for peaceful coexistence between nations. 

What is sports diplomacy? >>>

See also >>>

SD in a recent TES-D policy report: 

• “involves representative and diplomatic activities undertaken by sportspeople on behalf of and in conjunction with their governments. (Murray and Pigman, 2014; Pigman, 2014)
• can also create alternate channels for diplomacy, allowing states to move beyond entrenched foreign-policy positions” (Murray and Pigman, 2014; Pigman, 2014)
• is “a form of public diplomacy that treats sport as an arena of diplomatic activity” (Kobierecki, 2017, based on Nygård and Gates, 2013)
• is a means (tool) of soft power: it represents the ability to attract and influence through culture or values (Nye, 1990)
• is an effective tool for cultural diplomacy, exchange diplomacy and advocacy for particular policies or ideas in the public mind abroad
• fosters the image and attractiveness of a country, region or city
• influences decision and policy making
• helps to achieve foreign-policy goals in ways that the public can understand 

Literature review of a scholarly and policy recources >>>

Further resources >>>

International Sports Diplomacy Postgraduate Specialisation Programme (SDP) - one-year postgraduate hybrid program

”Sports Diplomacy Specialist” (60 ECTs) program is particularly designed for those who work in international relations and sports: second-career professional athletes who take roles at sports federations, GOs and NGOs, diplomats who wish to develop their understanding of global sports affairs, and those who come from other areas of science, industry, culture and public administration with a desire to operate successfully in sport and diplomatic avenues. Since it is a practice-oriented program, those already facing challenges in the above areas will find the program helpful and valuable.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for the broad field of sports diplomacy related studies, by:

• Understanding conceptual and empirical framework of sports diplomacy within international and intergovernmental context
• Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills across sports diplomacy domain
• Critically review literature, integrating research and data and application of an analytical approach
• Accessing, collaborating, and adopting to diverse national, regional and international application of sports diplomacy
• Developing skills set to work in public administration, international, intergovernmental and multinational organizations and sports movement.

Completing this program enables the graduates to acquire and develop their diplomatic skills, their understanding of the complexities and correlations in global sports administration and industry, and to communicate successfully in international negotiations, events and other activities. Their capacity to organize diplomatic events, follow protocol, mediate conflicts and promote their nation, sport and organization is to grow substantially. They also expand their coping methods, proactivity, strategic thinking, empathy, integrity and sense of responsibility. Their knowledge of cultural, social and citizenship values will naturally increase. Primarily this program should enhance sports diplomacy related knowledge and skills, however, there are important auxiliary competencies the participants may develop, enabling them to improve their coping abilities with challenging situations in the international business and sports arena as well as their labor market value and opportunities. The capacity to handle business, intercultural and political situations, mediate, advocate and represent effectively is essential for those working on the threshold of sports and international relations, support sport industry, corporate entities, sport events, various national and international organizations.

Mission: At the International Sports Diplomacy Postgraduate Specialisation Programme, our mission is to empower individuals who are driven by the pursuit of success in the global sports arena. We are dedicated to provide specialized, area-specific interdisciplinary knowledge that serves as a catalyst for career development. Our aim is to offer unwavering support for national and international sport organizations, governmental (GOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) alike.

Vision: Our vision is to be the forefront provider of high-quality interdisciplinary training and academic support within the realm of sports-related organizations and events. We aspire to create an environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and advanced expertise in the dynamic world of sports diplomacy. By instilling a sense of responsibility and leadership, we envision contributing to the growth and sustainability of sports diplomacy on a global scale.

Values: At the core of our program are values that guide every aspect of our operations:

• Excellence: We are committed to uphold the highest standards of excellence in all our endeavors. Through rigorous academic training and comprehensive support, we enable participants to strive for and achieve potency.
• Respect and Inclusion: Mutual respect is the cornerstone of our community. We value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual's contribution is valued and celebrated. We believe in the power of inclusion to drive innovation and success. Our program is a platform where individuals from various walks of life come together to collaborate, learn, and grow.
• Commitment: Our team is deeply committed to the success of every participant. We are dedicated to providing unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship as they navigate their journey in the sports diplomacy arena.

Join us in this exciting journey of exploration, learning, and growth as we work together to shape the future of Sports Diplomacy. At the International Sports Diplomacy Postgraduate Specialisation Programme, we are not just fostering champions on the field, but also ambassadors of positive change in the world.