Pre-Master's Course - Foundations of Diplomacy 2015-2016

University of Oxford Pre-Master's Course - Foundations of Diplomacy Course

The University of Oxford Foundations of Diplomacy Course is a unique, full-time, six-month pre-Master's course that combines both academic and practical studies in diplomacy and international relations with an intensive English language programme. The course assumes no prior knowledge of diplomacy or international relations. It is an intellectually demanding, stimulating and challenging academic experience that will equip students with a thorough appreciation of contemporary diplomatic practice in relation to the rapidly-changing global environment. Students will find the course fast-paced and demanding, as well as personally and professionally enriching.

It is an ideal course for graduates in any discipline who:

• have limited or no experience in the field of diplomacy
• would like to develop expertise in practical diplomacy
• would like to deepen their knowledge of international relations
• intend to follow a career in diplomacy or with an international organisation
• need to boost their professional and academic English language skills
• would like to take a Master's degree course at a leading British university

Course Content

The course comprises an academic and a language module. Students benefit from a high amount of contact teaching time. A typical study day starts at 0915 and ends at 1530, during which students take up to three 90-minute classes and work in small study groups. Students also make study visits to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and to foreign embassies in London. In 2015 we are also excited to introduce a European field trip to Vienna.

Academic Module

• Issues in Contemporary Diplomacy
• Diplomacy in Practice
• Public Diplomacy
• European Integration
• European Politics since 2000-2015
• Foundations of Public International Law
• Diplomatic Simulations
• Politics & Ideology

English Language Module

• Diplomatic & Professional Communication Skills
• Academic Literacy
• Reading Skills
• English Grammar
• Presentation Skills
• Listening & Speaking Skills
• IELTS Practice

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. Students have access to the University’s Language Centre and to the unrivalled resources of the world famous Bodleian Library.

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 intellectual and analytical skills.

• You will receive a minimum of 15 contact teaching hours each week
• You will follow academic lectures & attend seminars
• You will actively participate in communicative English language classes
• You will receive a weekly one-to-one English language tutorial
• You will be expected to record your progress in an individual language portfolio

Tutorials

All students receive a weekly individual language tutorial.

Assessment

Students will be expected to submit a total of six academic essays (three per term) in addition to short language related tasks and presentations. There are no exams.

Certification

Students will receive a University of Oxford Certificate of Attendance as well as a full breakdown of marks achieved in academic and language modules.

Course Fee: £13,885

College Fee (optional): £2,848

The above course fee includes:

• All tuition
• All course books and materials
• Study visits to London and Vienna.
• Morning refreshments (tea/coffee)

Please note that the above fees do not cover accommodation costs which are in the region of £150 per week.

Entry Requirements

• A good first degree
• A minimum IELTS score of 6.5

Scholarships

Please note that, at present, we are unable to offer any scholarships for this course.

How to apply

We accept applications on a rolling admissions basis which enables students to apply at any time before 29 June 2014. Full details of how to apply can be found on our website.

http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/198

More Information

We would be pleased to answer any of your questions. Please contact us by email or by phone