Foundations of Diplomacy Course 2026-2027



Overview

Step into the world of global diplomacy

Ready to shape international decisions, influence policy and build a career on the global stage? The Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master’s Course gives you a powerful and practical launchpad into the fast-moving world of diplomacy and international affairs. It also provides you with the academic preparation, subject knowledge and skills development to support success at Master’s level. The course is aimed at international students and for those who are new to the UK education system.

Across six intensive months, you’ll immerse yourself in a high-calibre academic programme that deepens your understanding of diplomatic practice while equipping you with the skills, confidence and professional standards expected at leading universities.

The course is suitable for students who have no previous knowledge of diplomacy, politics and international relations.

 

Experience diplomacy in action

Diplomacy isn’t just studied here—it’s lived. You’ll engage in dynamic, hands-on activities that transform complex global issues into meaningful real-world experience:

  • Navigate high-pressure diplomatic simulations that sharpen your judgement

  • Master the art of negotiation through interactive professional workshops

  • Gain insider perspectives on international politics during visits to embassies, ministries and think tanks in the UK and Austria

  • Learn from, and interact with, influential guest speakers

These experiences cultivate the mindset, presence and practical capabilities that define effective diplomats and international professionals.

 

Your bridge to postgraduate success

Designed to fast-track your academic and professional development, this course provides rigorous preparation for Master’s-level study at top universities. You’ll build a strong foundation in analytical thinking, academic writing and persuasive communication, whether you're completely new to diplomacy or looking to refine existing knowledge.

 

Is this course right for you?

You’ll thrive in this programme if you are:

  • Anticipating a future career in diplomacy or international affairs

  • Aspiring to join government ministries, NGOs or international organisations

  • Seeking a high-quality academic stepping stone towards a postgraduate degree

  • Ready to begin your journey into the world of global governance and diplomacy

 

Programme details

The course offers you a thorough grounding in diplomatic theory and practice, as well as introductory courses in international relations, political economy, politics and ideology, and public international law.

Your course begins with a dynamic one-week Academic and Cultural Orientation programme, followed by two 10-week terms.

 

Academic and Cultural Orientation Week (28 September - 02 October 2026)

To ensure you settle into university life at Oxford, our Academic and Cultural Orientation Week has been designed to offer you a smooth transition not only to your full-time academic studies, but also to help you integrate successfully into everyday life in the UK.

Here are some of the sessions you can expect:

  • Academic Expectations for International Graduate Students

  • Participate Effectively in Seminars and Tutorials

  • Critical Thinking and Independent Learning

  • Improve Your Personal Organisation and Productivity

  • Understanding Assessment: Tasks, Criteria, Marking, and Feedback

  • Social and Cultural Life at Oxford

 

Michaelmas Term (05 October - 11 December 2026)

Teaching will be delivered face-to-face in the Department's main building at Rewley House. Each week students can expect to receive lectures and smaller group seminars.

Please note that the mode of delivery for each class (detailed below) is liable to change at very short notice. 

You will take all of the classes below:

Academic and Diplomatic Practice Seminars

Advanced English Language Seminars

Students who are fluent in English will take ONE additional academic seminar or lecture instead of the Advanced English Language Seminars.

Academic Literacy Seminars

 

 

Hilary Term (11 January - 19 March 2027)

Teaching will be delivered face-to-face in the Department's main building at Rewley House. Each week students can expect to receive lectures and smaller group seminars.

Please note that the mode of delivery for each class (detailed below) is liable to change at very short notice.

You will take all of the classes below:

Academic and Diplomatic Practice Seminars

Advanced English Language Seminars

Students who are fluent in English will take ONE additional academic seminar or lecture instead of the Advanced English Language Seminars.

Academic Literacy Seminars

 

Individual Academic Tutorial

Each term you will have 6 one-to-one academic tutorials in international relations.

Individual Academic Writing Tutorial

Each term you will have a one-to-one weekly Academic Literacy tutorial which provides personalised writing support.

 

UK and international study visits

During your course, you will visit various organisations in London such as:

  • Diplomatic missions
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Cabinet Office
  • NGOs

 

Field trip to Austria

You will spend three days in Austria where you will visit a number of international agencies including:

  • Austrian Ministry for Foreign Affairs
  • British Embassy (Vienna)
  • Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Resolution (Stadtschlaining)

There is no additional fee for this visit which includes airport transfers (UK and Austria), flights, bed and breakfast accommodation and excursions. 

Course materials and teaching 

You will receive hard copies of prescribed coursebooks, and digital copies of all of the compulsory and recommended readings are available via the course learning site on Canvas. The cost of books and learning materials is included in your course fees.

Teaching will be delivered in the Department's main building at Rewley House in central Oxford. Please note that if, at any point, face-to-face teaching is not possible, classes will be delivered online.

 

Sample timetable

Please click here for a sample course timetable. Please note that the timetable is liable to change at very short notice.

Course fees 2026-27

The per person course fees are £16,950 and include the following:

  • All tuition
  • All key course textbooks and study materials
  • All-day UK field trips
  • Multi-day field trip to Vienna
  • Weekday morning teas/coffees

Digital Certification

Digital certificate

Successful students will receive a University of Oxford Certificate of Course Completion, as well as a digital certificate which can be added to your LinkedIn profile and social media networks.

Fees

Description Costs
Programme Fee £16950.00

Funding

We are unfortunately unable to offer any scholarships for the Foundations of Diplomacy Course 2026-27.

Assessment methods

Michaelmas term 2026

Three written assignments or two written assignments and one presentation.

Hilary term 2027

Two written assignments, a presentation, and a paired viva voce exam.

Application

How to apply 

Application deadline: 22 August 2026 (14:00 GMT).

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed application form
  • Referee contact details*
  • Copy of passport pages indicating citizenship
  • Personal statement (500 words max.)
  • Academic transcripts (if available)
  • CV
  • Passport-style digital photo
  • English Language Certificate (if applicable)
    • Oxford Test of English Advanced (Score of 130-140)
    • IELTS (Academic) (Minimum overall score of 6.5)

*We will not accept references that are sent as part of your application. We will contact references separately.

Your application will not be considered unless you provide all the documentation requested above.

When we have received your completed application form and all related documentation, you will be contacted by the Course Administrator who will advise you if you will be invited to the next stage of the selection process, an interview with the Course Director.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

View some of our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please email us at ipfd@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Selection criteria

Entry requirements

  • An undergraduate degree is recommended but not required
  • Applicants without a degree will be considered individually based on motivation, experience, and potential to benefit from the course
  • Evidence of English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers (IELTS Academic 6.5 or Oxford Test of English Advanced)

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 course administrator at ipfd@conted.ox.ac.uk.

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. Applicants should note that successful completion of the pre-Master's course does not guarantee progression to Master's degree courses at Oxford for which separate application is necessary.

Accommodation

Please note that course fees do not include accommodation. Although the Department is unable to provide long-term accommodation for students, we are very happy to share advice and suggestions to help you find suitable housing in Oxford. While securing accommodation is the student’s responsibility, we are always glad to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Please contact the course team at ipfd@conted.ox.ac.uk.

 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support