Our training programmes
UNITAR POCI trains students all over the world working in many different capacities. All students receive the same course materials and are awarded equivalent Certificates of Completion. Read on to learn more about each programme.
Programmes for students currently serving on a UN peacekeeping mission
Students currently engaged at a United Nations peacekeeping mission have a special need for training. UNITAR POCI has several programmes just for these students:
- Integrated Distance Learning Programme (IDLP): Missions can provide training to their personnel by purchasing a bulk licence. Please contact UNITAR POCI for details. To see if your mission participates, speak with your Training Focal Point (TFP) or other administrator.
- Military Contingence E-Learning (MCEL): Provides courses at a discount to members of formed military contingents.
- United Nations Volunteer E-Learning (UNVEL): Provides courses at a discount to UNVs and Locally Hired Staff of a mission.
- International Staff E-Learning (ISEL): Provides courses to all other mission staff.
To find which of these programmes is available at your mission, visit unmissions.unitarpoci.org.
Individual enrolment
Individual students interested in studying peacekeeping and related topics can enrol in our courses, regardless of who they are or whether they are serving on a UN mission or not. Individual students pay a modest tuition fee for each course and enrol directly through this Web site.
E-Learning for African Peacekeepers (ELAP)
Sadly, the continent of Africa is home to many conflict zones in which competent peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts are of great importance. Our ELAP programme, funded by grants from the governments of Australia, Canada, Croatia, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, provides free training to military, police, and gendarmerie personnel who are citizens of African nations.
E-Learning for Latin American and Caribbean Peacekeepers (ELPLAC)
As Latin American countries invest more and more in peacekeeping, our ELPLAC programme, funded by a grant from the government of Canada, provides free training to military, police, and gendarmerie personnel who are citizens of Latin American and Caribbean nations.
Certificate of Training in Peace Support Operations (COTIPSO)
Students interested in a comprehensive programme of study may earn a Certificate of Training in United Nations Peace Support Operations. This programme is offered through a consortium that includes The United Nations Institute For Training and Research Programme of Correspondence Instruction (UNITAR POCI), The United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN DPKO), and several world-known universities and peacekeeping training centres. For complete details, please visit the COTIPSO page.
Distance Learning Programme for Nations (DLPN)
DLPN provides military personnel from the participating nation with valuable training in peacekeeping topics. To see if your nation participates, contact your ministry of defence. Please write to Ms. Marianne Wrightson for details.
Distance Learning Programme for Organisations (DLPO)
Governmental, inter-governmental, and non-governmental organisations interested in providing peacekeeping training to their personnel may purchase a site licence. DLPO allows large numbers of personnel to be trained at a low cost. Please write to Ms. Marianne Wrightson for details.
Programme for employees of non-governmental organisations
Employees and volunteers working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the fields of peacekeeping or humanitarian aid can enrol at a reduced tuition through our NGO programme.
Programme for Model UN students
University students who participate in Model UN can enrol in UNITAR POCI courses at a reduced tuition through our Model UN programme.