Foundations of Diplomacy

Course review:

Would you like to develop your skills in practical diplomacy, as well as profit from an intensive programme of English language training at Oxford University? Our long-established and highly successful Foundations of Diplomacy Course offers you this unique opportunity and would be ideal for you if…

• you are a graduate
• you are a new entrant to the profession
• you wish to apply for a Master's course at a leading UK University
• you are intending to follow a career in diplomacy
• you would like to develop expertise in practical diplomacy
• you would like to boost your English language proficiency
• you need to develop your language & academic writing skills
• you work for or intend to work for an international organisation

This 6-month intensive programme consists of:

• An academic module (Diplomacy & International Relations)
• An English language module

Native or near native English-speaking students

We also accept applications for the Pre-Masters in Foundations of Diplomacy from students with native or near native-speaker proficiency in English. In such cases, the English language module is waived and students follow an additional academic module. Students may choose from a wide range of lectures in international relations, politics, law and history which allows them to study an area (or areas) of specific personal interest in depth. Please contact us for more information.

Diplomacy & International Relations

Experience a rigorous and intellectually stimulating programme of study taught by both academic tutors and former senior British diplomats.

Your academic subject classes (approx 6 contact hours) include:

• Diplomacy in Practice
• Leadership in Action
• Current International & Economic Affairs
• International Relations since the Cold War
• European Integration
• European Politics from 2000-2011
• Skills for Public Diplomacy
• Diplomatic Simulations

You will also benefit from the following study visits to London:

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• A diplomatic mission

Diplomacy Guest Lectures

You will benefit from series of guest lectures with prominent speakers including former ambassadors, serving diplomats, leading academics and representatives from major international organisations. Recent guest lectures have included:

• The Western Balkans: lessons and challenges for the EU
• International law
• President Obama & US foreign policy
• Russian in NATO's New Strategic Concept
• Iran and the West
• Disarmament diplomacy
• Drug trafficking and criminal gangs
• Issues in climate change
• Terrorism and counter-insurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan

You will also be encouraged to attend additional lectures in diplomacy and international relations delivered by eminent academics, politicians and international authors.

English Language

A team of highly experienced and well-qualified expert language tutors will help you rapidly improve your language skills and media interview techniques.

Your English classes (approx.10 contact hours per week) are:

• English for Diplomacy
• Business English
• Listening skills
• Speaking skills
• Presentation skills for Diplomats
• Grammar in Use

You will also maintain a personal language portfolio in which you will set individual learning objectives, as well as record and monitor your progress and achievements throughout the year. You will work on this with your English language tutor.

Course books and materials

All course books and study materials for both academic and English language modules are included in your course fees.