International volunteering diploma
Learn alongside your project, and get an internationally recognised qualification.
Ready to get a head start on your university application?
Earn a qualification while you volunteer abroad when you choose an accredited Diploma in International Volunteering.
We’ve partnered with the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies, experts in the international development field, to create four bespoke, Level 3 Diplomas specifically for Projects Abroad participants.
The diploma is online and can be completed at your own pace. In total, it’s 41 hours of work and you’ll have two years to complete it.
It’s divided into parts—to enhance your project experience and learning outcomes—which are completed before, during, and after your trip.
Getting started
To get started, simply choose from one of four specialist tracks to build your CV, gain new skills, and contribute to meaningful projects.
How does the diploma work?
You complete your diploma fully-online, and in your own time.
You will have two years to complete it and it takes approx. 41 hours to do.
Your course is completely interactive, allowing you to engage with other students throughout your learning journey.
- Delivery: Online
- Cost: $1,250
- Hours: 41 hours
- Available time to complete: 2 years
When you book, simply add your diploma alongside your project. Once you have paid, you’ll ne enrolled and you can start work right away.
Modules and Specialisms
The diploma is made up of five modules (we recommend completing 1 to 3 before you travel):
- Module 1: Prepare for your experience (4 hours)
- Module 2: Explore motivations (6 hours)
- Module 3: Complete specialist track (8 hours)
- Module 4: Complete your project (15 hours)
- Module 5: Reflect your experience (8 hours)
Choose from one of four specialisms:
- Global Health (exclusive to Projects Abroad)
- Marine Conservation
- Wildlife Conservation
- Global Citizenship
Your work will be reviewed by an external examiner, meeting the criteria required by the United Kingdom’s Department of Education.
Frequently asked questions
Which specialist track is right for me?
A specialist diploma is your passport to personal growth. It’s a great way to show universities and employers that you are passionate and committed to a particular area of study or career.
Our specialist tracks let you tailor your learning to align with your personal aspirations and professional goals. This means you’ll gain the skills and experience you crave, empowering you to shape your future.
Here are the four specialist tracks you can choose from:
Global Health (Exclusive to Projects Abroad):
With our Global Health Diploma, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of health priorities, the factors that influence them, and how care is delivered around the world, including the barriers communities can face in accessing health.
Explore key issues like infectious diseases, nutrition, water and sanitation, and maternal and child health. Develop a foundation in public health covering the basics of epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.
You’ll also learn the fundamentals of community health and receive the essential information you need to make a positive, ethical contribution during your Projects Abroad programme
Marine Conservation:
If you love the ocean and its inhabitants, this diploma is for you. You’ll learn how to protect vulnerable marine species, participate in research projects, and work alongside local communities to promote sustainable tourism.
When you complete this diploma, you’ll be well-placed for a career in marine biology, eco-tourism, or sustainable fishing, and become a well-informed advocate for protecting sea life.
Wildlife Conservation:
If you’re passionate about protecting animals and their habitats, this diploma is for you. You’ll work with experienced conservationists, participate in research projects, and contribute to conservation efforts.
You’ll gain the skills for a career in wildlife management, eco-tourism, or animal welfare, and join the fight to secure the survival of crucial species.
Global Citizenship:
This course is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of complex global issues. You’ll learn to engage with diverse communities and work with organisations to create positive change, focusing on social, economic, and environmental development.
This diploma will open doors to a wide range of careers, including international development, education, and sustainability. You may even follow in the footsteps of our other graduates by joining NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations.
What are the benefits of the Diploma?
Volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to build skills and gain experience. By studying for your diploma alongside it, you’ll get academic credit to back up your practical work.
Key benefits at a glance:
- Increased inter-cultural competence, an important feature of any modern work environment
- An affordable way to get internationally recognised academic credit towards university courses
- Stand out to employers with an international diploma on your CV
- Choose from four exciting specialisms
- Learn about the social, economic, political, and religious aspects of volunteering abroad
- Complete your studies from anywhere in the world, before, during, and after your project
Module outline
In order to gain the Diploma in International Volunteering, you must complete orientation and pass five modules:
Orientation Module: A four-hour introduction to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
- Module 1 – Preparing for an International Volunteering Placement: Discover the culture of the country you’re visiting and learn your responsibilities as a volunteer.
- Module 2 – Reviewing and Reflecting on Your Selection as an International Volunteer: Understand the skills, characteristics, and motivations of a volunteer.
- Module 3 – Special Interest Study: Develop your core knowledge of either Marine Conservation, Wildlife Conservation, or Global Citizenship.
- Module 4 – Undertaking an International Volunteering Placement: Identify and successfully complete volunteer activities during your placement.
- Module 5 – Reflecting on an International Volunteering Placement: After returning home, reflect on what you’ve learned and experienced.
How does academic credit work?
The International Volunteering Diploma is a level 3 diploma, accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN) in the UK.
The NOCN is regulated by Ofqual (the regulator of qualifications in England) and other UK government bodies, ensuring the quality and standards of its qualifications.
While the course is based in the UK, all credits are transferable internationally regardless of where you are from and what university or college you attend.
The NOCN Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering is a 41 credit (TQT) of 410, including 173 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
In Europe, this qualification would equal 20-21 academic credits.
It is the equivalent of 16 UCAS Points in the UK. In the US, this qualification would be equal to 9 academic credits.
Because every institution is different, we recommend checking with your academic advisor (or similar) to learn more about how academic credit works, and can be transferred.