Objectives
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 Foundations of Diplomacy Course (formerly Junior Diplomats Training Course) offers you this unique opportunity and would be ideal for you if...
...you are a new entrant to the profession
...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 would like to learn more about diplomacy and international relations
...you need to develop your language & academic writing skills for postgraduate study
This, six-month, programme consists of:
An academic module (Diplomacy & International Relations)
An English language module
The Foundations of Diplomacy Course is a highly intensive six-month course which is taught over two ten-week terms. Classes run from October to March each year.
Diplomacy & International Relations Module
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
Current International & Economic Affairs
Diplomatic Simulations
International Relations since the Cold War
European Integration
British Politics from Thatcher to Cameron
European Politics 2000-2012
Public Speaking for Diplomats
You will also benefit from the following study visits to London:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
A foreign embassy
English Language Module
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
English for Business & Economics
International Newsroom listening skills
Speaking skills
Presentation skills
Use of English
English for Academic Study
Click here for full information on each of the above classes.
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.
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 been given on the following :
The Western Balkans:lessons and challenges for the EU
International Law
President Obama & US Foreign Policy
Directions in Russian Foreign Policy
Britain, America and Empire in the 20th Century
Disarmament Diplomacy
Sweden’s Experience of the EU Presidency
Encounters between East and West
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.
Course books and materials
All course books and study materials for both academic and English language modules are included in your course fees.
The Foundations of Diplomacy Course aims to encourage you to...
...develop your expertise in practical diplomacy
...deepen your knowledge of European and international affairs
...enhance your professional and academic English communication skills
...develop assured effective presentation skills
...engage successfully in interviews with the media
Assessment methods
Assessment for the Foundations of Diplomacy Course consists of continuous assessment in the form of coursework assignments and seminar presentations for both English and academic subjects.
Teaching Resources, Methods & Study Support
Our teaching and learning facilities are first class with modern tutorial and seminar rooms, libraries and reading rooms, and dedicated student IT facilities.
You will have access to the University’s Language Centre and to the unrivalled resources of the world famous Bodleian Library
Your tutors will adopt a range of teaching methods that will include lectures, group discussion, critical thinking and problem-solving tasks, role play and simulation in order to encourage independent learning and to develop your intellectual and analytical skills.
Native or Near Native English-speaking Students
We also accept applications for the Foundations of Diplomacy Course 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 chose 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. For more information on this option please contact us.
