Policy Formulation, Advocacy, and Educational Diplomacy
A practice-focused course for senior academics, heads of department, deans, senate/council members, academic administrators, and institutional policy leaders who must shape, negotiate, and advance education policy. It develops the craft of evidence-based policy formulation, the principles of negotiation and strategic advocacy, and the skills of educational diplomacy at national, pan-African, and global levels. Grounded in Africa's higher-education agenda — including Agenda 2063 and continental and UNESCO frameworks — the course equips participants to advance their institutions and Africa's interests on the world stage.
A practice-focused course for senior academics, heads of department, deans, senate/council members, academic administrators, and institutional policy leaders who must shape, negotiate, and advance education policy. It develops the craft of evidence-based policy formulation, the principles of negotiation and strategic advocacy, and the skills of educational diplomacy at national, pan-African, and global levels — grounded in Africa's higher-education agenda including Agenda 2063 and continental and UNESCO frameworks.
Instruction & Evaluation
Online / Asynchronous (Self-Paced with Faculty Mentorship)
Self-paced modular instruction with continuous continental access via the CAA Member Portal, supplemented by faculty moderation.
Continuous Assessment & Practical Portfolio
Continuous Assessment (30%) — policy-analysis and advocacy case studies and applied exercises (evidence-verified per the CAA CPD verification convention). Participation & Professional Conduct (30%) — seminar and negotiation/advocacy-scenario engagement. Capstone Reflective Assessment (40%) — a Policy Proposal and Advocacy/Diplomacy Plan (800–1,200 words) for a chosen education-policy issue in the participant's context, comprising a policy brief, a negotiation/advocacy strategy, and a diplomacy/engagement plan. Credential: Certificate of Completion in Policy Formulation, Advocacy, and Educational Diplomacy (2 CPD credits).
What You Will Master
- Analyze the education-policy environment and policy cycle within higher-education institutions and national education systems, including the role of key stakeholders.
- Draft clear, evidence-based, implementable education policies, policy briefs, and position papers aligned to institutional and national priorities.
- Apply negotiation principles and strategies to advance institutional and educational interests.
- Design and execute strategic advocacy campaigns for institutional and policy change.
- Engage in educational diplomacy at national, pan-African, and global levels, advancing African interests and cooperation.
4 Modules
Foundations of Education Policy and the Policy Cycle
Establishes the conceptual and systemic foundations of education policy. Introduces the types and levels of education policy, walks through the full policy cycle, and orients participants to the stakeholders and policy environment of higher education. Grounds policy in evidence and links it to regulatory and accreditation frameworks.
3 Lessons
Policy Writing and Analysis
Builds the craft of policy itself. Teaches policy-analysis frameworks, the structure of policy documents and policy briefs, and how to write clear, implementable provisions. Covers position papers, consultation processes, and policy coherence, quality, and accountability.
3 Lessons
Negotiation and Advocacy
Develops the interpersonal and strategic skills of advancing institutional and educational interests. Teaches negotiation principles, interests vs. positions, coalition building, and strategic advocacy campaigns. Covers communication with decision-makers, media, public opinion, ethics, and handling opposition.
3 Lessons
Educational Diplomacy and Pan-African/Global Engagement
Connects policy and advocacy to the diplomatic and international dimension. Examines education as a tool of diplomacy, pan-African cooperation frameworks (Agenda 2063, CESA), cross-border mobility, qualification recognition, and representing African interests internationally.
3 Lessons
Weekly Topics
Ready to enrol in LMA305?
Access this course, study modular pedagogical frameworks, and earn verified CPD credits through the CAA member portal.
54 AU NATIONS • CONTINENTAL RECOGNITION • SOVEREIGN FACULTY REGISTER
