Diplomatic Studies PgDip

About the course

The Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme (DSP), formerly known as the Foreign Service Programme (FSP), is a one-year programme of mixed academic and vocational study of diplomacy and related subjects.

Diplomatic Studies Programme

The Diplomatic Studies Programme comprises.

PGDip in Diplomatic Studies, a nine-month full-time course (October to June)
MSt in Diplomatic Studies, a twelve-month full-time course (October to September).

The Diplomatic Studies Programme aims to equip each of its members with the knowledge and skills required for diplomacy in today and tomorrow’s world, and the confidence on which to base a successful diplomatic career within a foreign ministry, international organisation or elsewhere. The programme draws upon a tradition of more than half a century of academic excellence in preparing its alumni to occupy a large number of senior posts in the diplomatic and other political fields.

The DSP is a programme designed primarily for professionals. It is best suited for early- to mid-career diplomats, and a large proportion of its members are established diplomats, who return to their diplomatic careers after the course. Some are nominated by their Foreign Ministries to attend. Non-diplomats with relevant academic background and professional experience are also encouraged to apply. Members come from an extremely broad range of countries, and one of the attributes of the course is the extensive opportunities it offers to share and learn from peers’ experiences and perspectives.

Assessment

The course is assessed by year-end examinations.

Graduate destinations

Many DSP/FSP alumni have progressed to senior positions in their respective diplomatic services, elsewhere in government and international organisations, or more widely in the international field.