Pre-Master's Course in Diplomacy 2017-2018
Our Foundations of Diplomacy Course is an academically challenging, full-time pre-Master's level course taught over six months and is open to applicants with no previous knowledge of the field of diplomacy/international relations.
The course aims to equip you with a thorough grounding in diplomatic theory and practice and offers a number of introductory courses in areas such as international relations, political economy, politics and ideology and international public law. It also seeks to introduce you to the expectations of graduate work in the UK by helping you practise and develop your critical thinking skills to enable you to find and evaluate reliable sources of evidence, develop a questioning approach to your reading and to evaluate differing viewpoints objectively.
Course structure
In addition to the Academic and Practical Module (below), students whose first language is not English and who have an IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 are required to take the English Language Module (below).
Students who are native speakers of English or who have a high degree of fluency in the language (IELTS 7.5 and above) are required to take the Academic and Practical Module, as well as the Personalised Academic Study Option (below) each term.
Academic and practical module
All students take all of the classes below over two terms.
- Diplomacy in Practice
- International Relations
- The Political Economy of European Integration
- The Challenges of European Politics in the 21st Century
- Politics and Ideology
- Foundations of Public International Law
- Diplomatic Simulations
- Skills for Public Diplomacy
English language module
The classes below are taught over two terms.
- Diplomatic & Professional Communication Skills
- English Grammar
- Academic Literacy (academic writing and research skills)
- Critical Thinking Skills
Personalised academic study option
Students who have been exempted from the English Language Module must choose ONE academic course of study from a wide range of options in areas such as international relations, politics, philosophy, law and history from the University's varied undergraduate lecture programme. You will be required to submit an assignment of 2,500 words each term on your chosen option.
UK and international study visits
During your course you will visit the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the Cabinet Office and a number of diplomatic missions in London. At the end of your first term, you will participate in an international three-day field trip to Vienna where you will visit the United Nations, the OSCE and the Austrian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. You will also participate in a number of briefings by senior diplomats.
Costs of the UK and Vienna study visits are included in your course fees.
Term dates 2017-18
- Academic and Cultural Orientation Week (25 - 29 September)
- Michaelmas Term 2017 - (2 October - 15 December)
- Hilary Term 2018 (8 January - 23 March)
Who may apply and what are we looking for?
We welcome applications from native speakers of English, as well as from international students whose first language is not English.
Graduate applicants
If you are intending to apply for admission to a Master’s degree on successful completion of the course you should hold a good first degree in any subject.
Non-graduate applicants
We welcome applications from those with a strong interest in the fields of diplomacy, politics and international relations who may have no formal qualifications but who would like to follow an intellectually stimulating and engaging interdisciplinary course. Importantly, we are looking for a high level of commitment, as well as the capacity for intellectual growth and development. Admission will be based on information provided in the application form and at interview. We may also ask you for evidence of written work. If you have any questions concerning your suitability for admission and would like to discuss your interest in the course with us, please contact our programme administrator at ipfd@contedox.ac.uk or call us on 01865 270451.
Course aims
The Foundations of Diplomacy Course aims to help you develop your expertise in practical diplomacy, deepen your knowledge of European and international affairs and rapidly improve your academic writing skills.
Certification
Successful students will receive a University of Oxford Certificate of Course Completion.
Assessment methods
Academic Assessment Requirements
In Michaelmas term you will be required to prepare three assignments and in Hilary Term you will be required to prepare four assignments. These may take the form of an essay, a report or brief, or a presentation.
Accommodation
We are happy to provide students with advice on finding suitable accommodation in Oxford. However, students should be aware that it is ultimately their own responsibility to secure accommodation.
Course fees
The per person course fees for the six-month programme are £14,730. Please note, however, that the fee does not include accommodation.
College fees (optional)
The possibility of applying for associate college membership is available to you and is £2,015. For further details, please contact the Programme Administrator, Daniel Fisk, at ipfd@conted.ox.ac.uk.
Scholarships
We are, unfortunately, unable to offer any scholarships for the Foundations of Diplomacy Course 2017-18 at present.
How to apply
You should email us:
- your completed application form
- a personal statement of 500 words (max.)
- a copy of your university/college transcript(s)
- a copy of your IELTS (Academic) Test certificate (if applicable). You must have taken an IELTS Test before submitting your application.
In addition to the above, please post/courier us original copies of the following:
- Original University/College transcript(s)
- IELTS (Academic) Test Certificate (if applicable)
- Two passport-sized photos
The deadline for applications is 30 June 2017.
When we have received your completed application form and all related documentation, you will be contacted by the Course Administrator who will arrange a telephone interview with the Course Director.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/foundations-of-diplomacy-pre-masters-course