MSt in Diplomatic Studies

Programme details

The DSP embraces an interdisciplinary, holistic approach and all coursework links theory with practice and policy. To ensure maximum relevance to diplomatic practice, the formal curriculum is supplemented by practical workshops (inculcating skills such as communication, negotiation, crisis management, public speaking, and media interviews), simulations and field trips. Study tours have traditionally been regarded as a highpoint of the DSP, and several such visits are included in the course of the academic year; to embassies, government departments, international organisations and business and media institutions in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe.

The core curriculum is made up of a dissertation and four taught courses: Diplomatic Practice, International Politics, International Trade & Finance, and Public International Law. (More information about each of these components, is presented below). The taught courses run concurrently throughout the academic year, and the pedagogical approach includes an Oxford University mainstay, namely the use of tutorials. These small group discussions of course content are facilitated by academic staff, who guide the students through a series of formative assessments. Course content is further delivered by means of regular lectures and seminars.

Several non-core (extra-curricular) courses are also offered, to support students’ academic achievement: academic literacy, English language skills, and a course in research methodology. The latter is aimed at assisting students with development of their research proposals and to prepare them for their subsequent research.

Core (credit-bearing) components:

• Diplomatic Practice: The course reflects on the vocational, institutional, and contextual aspects of contemporary diplomacy. Course participants hone their analytical skills to assess geopolitical challenges in line with the interests of individual countries, organisations, and regions.
• International Politics: Focusing on key concepts in International Relations leading to central issues in world politics, with particular emphasis on theories and issues of International Politics and the evolving nature of foreign policy.
• International Trade & Finance: Covering the basics of international trade theory and macroeconomics, and focuses on such applied and political economy topics as trade liberalisation, globalisation, and international resource transfers.
• Public International Law: The course expounds the principles of international law and the processes of legal reasoning and applies this to current world problems ranging from the nature of international law to the use of force and conflict settlement.
• The Dissertation: The research component of the MSt involves a substantial, individualised research project. An academic supervisor is assigned to each candidate, who is then required to write a 15,000-word dissertation. The topic of their dissertation is the student’s own choice, provided that it fits into the subject field of diplomatic studies. Topics often reflect individuals’ prior (or projected future) specialisation and in some cases become the foundation for doctoral research.

Assessment

To complete the MSt students must pass all the core (credit-bearing) components of the programme.

The four taught courses (Diplomatic Practice, International Politics, International Trade & Finance, and Public International Law) are assessed by means of written exams at the end of the nine-month academic year (i.e. at the end of Trinity term). These exams account for two-thirds of the overall mark.

The 15,000 word dissertation is due three months after the exam (during September), and accounts for one third of the weighted total of the MSt.

Oxford college affiliation

As a matriculated postgraduate degree student, you will become a member of one of the University’s famous interdisciplinary colleges, enabling you to encounter new perspectives in your field or learn more about many other different subjects from fellow college members.

The collegiate system makes studying at Oxford a truly special experience. Oxford colleges are small, intimate communities, where you could find yourself absorbed in fascinating conversations with students and academics from a variety of disciplines at college seminars, dinners, and informal occasions. 

To find out more about Oxford University colleges, please consult the University's Graduate Admissions website.

Academic staff

Course Director: Dr Yolanda Spies

Current staff profiles

Fees and funding

Fees and costs

For information about the course fee and the cost of living in Oxford, please visit the Oxford University Graduate Admissions webpages for the MSt in Diplomatic Studies.

Scholarships

Many DSP students hold scholarships. The deadline for applications to external scholarship schemes is usually in September and November, prior to the application deadline, so early action is recommended.

Please see the Chevening website for information, eligibility, and how to apply for UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Chevening Scholarships. Alternatively, you may enquire at your local British diplomatic mission. Note the deadline for Chevening Scholarship applications usually falls earlier than the course application deadline.

Citizens of developing Commonwealth countries applying to the MSt in Diplomatic Studies are eligible for Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Scholarships – an award covering course fees and providing a stipend. Applicants should apply directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission via their website. Note the deadline for this scholarship falls earlier than the course application deadline, and applications should be submitted in November/December 2023 (exact date to be confirmed), for entry onto the course in 2024. Selection is expected to take place between June and July 2024.

Applications for awards from other international agencies should be addressed to those agencies.

The vast majority of Oxford University scholarships are awarded to applicants who submit their application by the January deadline. Those who apply before this date will be automatically considered for scholarships where they fulfil the eligibility criteria.

The University Fees and Funding page provides more information, including a search function for course-specific funding.

How and when to apply

Please visit the course page on the Oxford University Graduate Admissions website for entry requirements, selection criteria and how to apply.

Applicants whom are resident in low-income countries and low-middle income countries may have the application fee waived for this course. For further information, please contact the Course Administrator.

We strongly recommend that you apply by the January or March deadlines.  After the March deadline, the course will only stay open for that year's entry if places are still available. 

Remember that it can take a number of weeks to obtain all of the documents you need and prepare a competitive application. You should also allow your referees plenty of time to submit your references. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Contact us

If you have any queries about the Diplomatic Studies Programme or the application process, please call us on +44 1865 270455 or email us at dsp@conted.ox.ac.uk.

Student spotlights

Our alumni now occupy a large number of senior posts in the diplomatic field. Read a selection of student stories below or view all DSP student spotlights.