Programme

Diploma Programmes

Structured 6–9 month diplomas across SUM's eleven schools, at undergraduate and graduate level.

All programmes

13 diplomas from 10 of SUM's schools.

SUM's diploma programmes combine academic rigour with practical application, helping students navigate complex social, political, and professional environments. Each diploma runs for six to nine months and is delivered through flexible, accessible online learning by 136+ faculty and international partners.

School of Foreign Languages and Cultures

8 to 10 months

Diploma in English Language Teaching

A two-semester programme administered by the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures. Graduates can comprehend and apply the fundamental concepts and pedagogy of teaching English to speakers of other languages. The courses cover practical methods of language teaching, systems of language, techniques for teaching vocabulary and pronunciation, research methodology, lesson design, and a critical, reflective approach to practice teaching through peer learning.

Two semesters, 10 courses plus a pro-seminar, 26 to 27 credits

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School of Federalism and Peace Studies

8 months

Diploma in Federalism and Peace Studies

Equips young people across Myanmar with academic knowledge of federalism, peacebuilding and nation building, followed by hands-on experience as research fellows or interns. The programme also advocates and raises awareness on conflict and the peace process in Myanmar, contributing to the nation-building process.

Two semesters, 6 courses, 20 credits, including a capstone research project

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Law School

9 months

Diploma in Corporate Law

Equips aspiring legal professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in corporate law through coursework, an internship and legal writing. Developed by the Law School for law graduates, final-year students and junior lawyers, the programme covers corporate governance, commercial transactions and dispute resolution, preparing students to navigate complex corporate legal frameworks in Myanmar's evolving legal landscape.

Three trimesters, 4 courses plus an internship or thesis, 16 credits

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STEM School

9 months

Diploma in Computer Science

Designed for individuals aspiring to build strong careers in the fast-growing tech industry. The programme equips students with essential knowledge and practical skills in programming, software development, web technologies, database systems, network security and emerging areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, whether they plan to enter the workforce, enhance their skills or pursue further education.

Three semesters, 8 courses, 27 credits, ending with a capstone group project

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9 months

Higher Diploma in Computer Science

An advanced programme for students with foundational knowledge in computer science, offering a deeper exploration of core and emerging technologies: programming and data structures, database management, software engineering, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT and cloud computing. Graduates emerge with a strong technical skill set and the ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the global tech landscape.

Three terms, 9 courses, 30 credits, ending with a capstone and industry readiness course

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School of Economics and Management

7 months

Diploma in Public Policy

Equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand, analyse and shape public policy in Myanmar and beyond. The programme covers the policy-making process from analysis and development to implementation and evaluation, with a focus on democratic participation, human rights and social justice, preparing graduates for roles in government, non-profit organisations, policy research and community advocacy.

Two semesters, 9 courses, 20 credits, including an individual research project

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School of Social Science and Humanities

7 months

Diploma in International Relations and Global Affairs

Designed to give students the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of international relations and international politics. Through a rigorous curriculum taught by expert faculty, students gain a deep understanding of the political, economic and social dynamics that shape our world, preparing them for careers in government, non-profit organisations or the private sector.

Two semesters, 9 courses, 23 credits, plus a one-month research project

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School of Education

9 months

Diploma in Teaching

Intended for those with a keen interest in the teaching profession at elementary or secondary level. Teachers need to be competent in the philosophical, psychological and sociological foundations of education so they can help their students become well-rounded citizens. The programme equips teachers with critical knowledge and skills in teaching, built on those three foundations.

Three semesters, 8 courses, 16 credits

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School of Ethnic Languages and Cultures

6 months

Diploma in Kachin Social Studies

Part of a programme aimed at reviving the concept of desegregation by giving Burmese and other ethnic students the diverse backgrounds, history and politics of Myanmar's ethnic groups. It raises awareness of the misunderstood and under-appreciated nature of ethnic identities, builds cross-cultural knowledge of present-day problems, and gives ethnic people a platform to express their cultures both classically and contemporarily.

Two semesters, 7 courses plus a seminar series and a final report, 23 credits

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HE

School of Health

9 months

Diploma in Public Health Management in Crisis Settings

Equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to lead and manage public health responses in times of conflict and crisis, particularly within the Myanmar context. Developed in response to the collapse of Myanmar's public health and education systems after the 2021 coup and the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme focuses on crisis preparedness, emergency response, health system resilience and leadership in fragile settings, adapting global strategies to local realities.

Two semesters of coursework, 8 courses, plus a three-month capstone project, 30 credits

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Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Governance (IHRDG)

9 months

Diploma in Governance and Public Administration

Gives students a holistic understanding of the challenges facing administrators and leaders in the public sector, grounded in a historical overview of the theories and practices that shaped public administration as a profession and applied critically to the Myanmar context. Students learn about Myanmar's public sector from national to local level, budgeting, planning and governance reform, and core leadership skills such as project management, capacity building and applied research.

Three trimesters, 9 modules including an elective and an independent research project

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9 months

Diploma in Human Rights

Provides a holistic understanding of the mechanisms, systems and players that promote and protect human rights, based on a historical overview of the theories and practices that shaped contemporary human rights standards and their practical application. Students learn how these standards apply in the Myanmar context and study other human rights regimes around the world.

Two trimesters of coursework, 6 courses, followed by a three-month internship placement

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9 months

Diploma in Community Development

Targets young leaders from Myanmar who are passionate about social development and wish to take part in rebuilding the country in local communities. Designed for graduates who want to move back into their communities as better community development workers, or who want to broaden their knowledge and pursue postgraduate studies.

Three trimesters, 9 modules, ending with mentored final research projects

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