1. Introduction to Corporate Governance:

1. Definition and importance of corporate governance.
2. Historical development and evolution of corporate governance.
3. Theoretical frameworks and models of corporate governance.

2. Corporate Governance Structures:

1. Board of Directors: roles, responsibilities, and composition.
2. Board committees (e.g., audit, compensation, and nominating/governance committees).
3. Shareholders and their rights.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework:

1. Corporate laws and regulations.
2. Compliance and corporate governance standards (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Dodd-Frank Act).
3. International corporate governance principles (e.g., OECD principles).

4. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility:

1. Ethical considerations in corporate governance.
2. The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
3. Sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

5. Risk Management and Compliance:

1. Risk assessment and management.
2. Internal controls and risk mitigation strategies.
3. Compliance with regulations and reporting.

6. Financial Reporting and Transparency:

1. Financial statement analysis.
2. Auditor independence and transparency.
3. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

7. Shareholder Activism and Proxy Voting:

1. Shareholder activism and engagement.
2. Proxy voting and shareholder resolutions.
3. Institutional investors and their influence on corporate governance.

8. Corporate Governance in Different Jurisdictions:

1. A comparative study of corporate governance practices in various countries.
2. Cross-border corporate governance issues.

9. Case Studies and Best Practices:

1. Analysis of real-world corporate governance failures and successes.
2. Best practices in corporate governance.

10. Corporate Governance in Specific Industries:

1. Tailored content for specific industries (e.g., financial services, healthcare, technology).

11. Corporate Governance in the Digital Age:

1. The impact of technology and digital transformation on corporate governance.

12. Capstone Project or Internship:

1. Practical application of corporate governance principles through a project or internship.

13. Emerging Trends and Issues:

1. Exploration of contemporary issues in corporate governance, such as AI in governance, diversity and inclusion, and corporate governance in a post-pandemic world.

14. Corporate Governance and Sustainability:

1. Integrating sustainability principles into corporate governance practices.

15. Ethics and Integrity in Governance:

1. Fostering a culture of ethics and integrity within organizations.

The diploma program also includes guest lectures by industry experts, group projects, and discussions on recent corporate governance scandals and their implications. Students may be required to complete a research paper or a final examination as part of the assessment. The program typically spans two years.