Diplomatic Studies PgDip

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 celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019 and its alumni occupy a large number of senior posts in the diplomatic field.

The DSP is a programme for professionals. It is specifically designed 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. A few non-diplomats with relevant academic background and professional experience are included. Members come from an extremely broad range of countries, and one of the attributes of the course is the extensive opportunity it offers to share and learn from peers' experiences and perspectives.