Diplomatic Academy of Vienna


The Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, abbreviated to DA, is a postgraduate professional school based in Vienna, Austria, with focused training for students and professionals in the areas of international affairs, political science, law, languages, history and economics..
The school confers Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas upon its graduates. It is an affiliate member school of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs in Austria. The Diplomatic Academy's current director is Ambassador Emil Brix, an Austrian diplomat and historian.

History

The academy was originally commissioned for establishment by Empress Maria Theresa in 1754 as "The Oriental Academy", for the purpose of training young diplomats to represent the Habsburg Empire abroad. The school was renamed multiple times and reorganized over the centuries, and it eventually gained independent public institution status in 1996. Given its roots, the Diplomatic Academy claims to be the oldest school of its kind, one that is dedicated to professional foreign affairs training.

Academics

The academy offers graduate degrees only. Students may choose to pursue a two-year program that leads towards either a Master of Advanced International Studies or a Master of Science in Environmental Technology and International Affairs degree.
The MAIS program is run in conjunction with the University of Vienna, while the MSc ETIA courses are offered in partnership with the Technical University of Vienna. A one-year "Diploma Programme" is also available to postgraduates.

Directors of the academy

A number of prominent figures in politics, economics and law have associations with the Diplomatic Academy: