Key facts

Overview

Certificate in Diplomatic Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Studies
leading to a Master of Studies in Diplomatic Studies

The University of Oxford offers a postgraduate course of studies in diplomacy. The Oxford University Foreign Service Programme (FSP) has for many years brought together diplomats in early-to-mid career for a course lasting a full academic year, from early October to late June. Its graduates now occupy a large number of senior posts in the international field. In October 2012, the Oxford University Foreign Service Programme will enter its 44th year. Most FSP members are established diplomats proposed for the course by their governments, who return to their practical career work after the course is over. They must have a good honours degree and specific experience of working in the international field which will enable them to contribute to as well as benefit from the programme. It is sometimes possible to include a few non-diplomats with suitable background, personal qualities and working experience.

Description

The course content of the Certificate and Diploma is specifically designed to give established diplomats in early-to-mid-career the opportunity to derive maximum benefit from a year studying diplomacy in its contemporary context, giving special attention to the changes associated with globalization and the skills that are required of diplomats in the 21st century. There is a very wide geographical spread of membership on the course. Substantial benefit is derived from the exchange of experience among participants.

Members who successfully complete the curriculum and the year-end examinations receive the Oxford University Certificate in Diplomatic Studies. Those who during the first term volunteer and are accepted for the diploma option, which requires in addition the completion of a substantial research project, qualify for the Oxford University Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Studies.

Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Studies in the academic year 2013/2014 will be eligible to complete a Master of Studies in Diplomatic Studies on a part-time basis in the academic year 2014/2015.

More senior diplomats, instead of following the full normal curriculum, may apply to carry out during part or all of the academic year full-time research into an agreed relevant subject proposed by them as Visiting Fellows. They are then closely associated with the course and participate fully in the year's events.

For shorter term courses and courses for more junior diplomats click here.

FSP Contacts

About FSP

Content of the year, methods of study

The core curriculum focuses on the academic study of International Politics; International Trade and Finance; and Public International Law; and a range of talks and practical exercises on aspects of current Diplomatic Practice. Stress is laid on national and regional issues relevant to countries and regions from which participants come. Instruction is carried out through lectures, seminars and tutorials. Members are also encouraged to attend the numerous lectures and seminars relevant to their interests held elsewhere in the University in addition to the obligatory FSP curriculum.

As part of the Diplomatic Practice element, study visits are made in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

More information on the ground covered by the curriculum included in a normal year's programme is given here together with an outline programme for the academic year 2013/14.

Languages

The working language of the course is English. Participants are accepted only if they can demonstrate that they possess the necessary English language skills.

One of the major gains from membership of Oxford University Foreign Service Programme, even for those who come from English-speaking countries, is the opportunity it provides to build up and polish to a very high and sustained standard of effectiveness and fluency their command of the English language, the major diplomatic language in today's world. FSP therefore provides, as a central part of the Certificate and Diploma course, advanced English language training alongside media techniques.

It is, however, important to stress that students are accepted to study at postgraduate level at Oxford only if they can demonstrate that at the beginning of their course they already possess, or can by then acquire, a high standard of English in reading, writing, speaking and listening. If this is not assured, experience has shown that students who are otherwise excellent waste much of their limited time in Oxford. Candidates for the Certificate course whose mother tongue is not English are therefore required to take an internationally accredited language test, normally the British Council TOEFL or IELTS test, obtaining a TOEFL score of 600 or an IELTS score of 7. Admission to the Diploma requires a TOEFL score of 630 or an IELTS score of 7.5.

Sometimes, where there is special reason to justify it, supplementary English tuition in the UK can be provided through the British Council in the months immediately preceding the course, to enable candidates who are very close to the level required to reach it and benefit fully.

The resources of the University language centre are fully available to FSP members interested in learning or improving their knowledge of other languages.

College membership, accommodation and tuition fees

Once accepted by Oxford University Foreign Service Programme for the Certificate/Diploma course, each participant in the programme becomes a full member of both the University and one of the Colleges of the University. College membership is one of the most prized advantages of Oxford life. The college will normally provide the member's accommodation. The cost of the 2013/14 Certificate/Diploma course, which covers the University fee and the cost of study tours and dinner lectures, will be £15,910, subject to final confirmation. In addition there will be a college fee of between £2,500 - £2,800 plus accommodation and other living costs. Students continuing to the Master of Studies in 2014/15 will pay a further fee equivalent to about 50% of the 2014/15 Certificate/ Postgraduate Diploma fee.

Programme details

Selection criteria

Scholarships

Scholarships may be available under various schemes. The deadline for applications to these schemes is usually in the autumn, so early action is recommended. Applications for British Chevening Scholarships should be made to the relevant British diplomatic mission (see also http://www.fco.gov.uk/) search Chevening Scholarships". Applications for awards from other international agencies should be addressed to those agencies.

Apply for this course