1
Pre-Master’s Courses 2012/2013Advanced Diploma in British & European StudiesFoundations of Diplomacy
2
The University of Oxford’s pre-master’s courses are ideal for international graduates and working professionals who would like to prepare for entry to master’s degree courses at leading british universities.
Why study at Oxford?
Global Reputation: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world with an unparalleled academic reputation.
Valued Qualifications: Recognised and valued by institutions and employers worldwide.
Quality of Teaching: Your course will prove both academically challenging and intellectually rewarding.
Personal Attention: Individual weekly tutorials and a high degree of personal attention throughout your course.
College Membership: Associate membership of one of Oxford’s 38 Colleges enables you to engage with academics and fellow students within a friendly, intellectual and social community.
Modern Study Facilities: Access some of the finest library and study facilities in the world.
Perfect Location: Just an hour away from London, Oxford is one of Britain’s most glorious cities.
International Outlook: A truly international community with students from 138 countries.
A unique learning experience
The Oxford pre-Master’s courses are offered by the Department for Continuing Education and are taught at Rewley House in the heart of Oxford. Aimed at students who intend to pursue Master’s degree studies at leading British universities, they combine academic study across a number of disciplines with an intensive English language enhancement programme.
Our courses not only help students to communicate confidently and fluently in spoken and written English, but also to develop superior analytical, critical thinking and presentation skills. Students also learn how to engage successfully with peers and tutors in an intellectually stimulating international study environment.
Applicants should note that successful completion of our pre-Master’s course does not automatically guarantee progression to Master’s degree courses at Oxford for which separate application is necessary. Over the past few years, our students have gone on to take Master’s degrees at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, St Andrews, Warwick, and also at King’s College London and the LSE.
Course benefits
Expert tutors
Small class sizes
First class academic support
Individual weekly tutorials
Regular feedback
High degree of personal attention
Full pastoral support
World class library resources
All course books included in fees
All cultural visits included in fees
Internet access
Admission requirements
Good first degree in any subject
Minimum of IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent)
3
Pre-Master’s Courses advanced Diploma In British & European Studies Foundations Of Diplomacy
4
Pre-sessional programme
Academic Lifeêê Learn about the history and traditions of
the University êê Visit the Bodleian Library êê Learn how to access library and IT facilitiesêê Develop academic writing and study skills
Everyday Lifeêê Familiarize yourself with Oxfordêê College welcome eventsêê Learn about living in Britainêê Open a bank accountêê Arrange a bus pass
Social Lifeêê Walking tours of Oxfordêê A welcome reception and lunchêê A visit to Londonêê Join university and college societiesêê Attend Freshers’ Fair
Living in Oxford
As soon as a student receives an offer of a place, we help arrange suitable accommodation in Oxford. This can be:
êê Collegeêê Universityêê Private
Accommodation varies from college to college and can either be in the college itself or elsewhere in Oxford. College accommodation fills up very fast, so apply before late spring.
Please note that accommodation costs are not included in your course and college fees. For 2012-2013, you should budget £120 (approx.) per week for accommodation and £100 (approx.) for food, transport and entertainment.
College membership
Associate student membership of one of the University’s 38 colleges enables you to enjoy the unique social life of an Oxford college and to use a wide range of facilities which vary from college to college, but usually include:
êê Common Room êê Dining Hall êê Library (some offer 24-hour access) êê IT facilities êê Café/Coffee shop êê Gym & sporting facilities êê TV room and bar
Students have enjoyed associate memberships to Green Templeton, Keble, Kellogg, Linacre, Mansfield, Merton, Regent’s Park, St. Anne’s, St. Cross, St. Hilda’s, St. Hugh’s, Queen’s, Wadham and Wolfson Colleges.
Visit us
If you would like to visit the Department for Continuing Education to see our facilities for yourself and to ask us any questions, we would be delighted to welcome you at any time throughout the year. Please contact Judith Arneil to arrange a visit: [email protected]
To ensure you settle into university life, our pre-sessional programme has been especially 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.
‘A wonderful academic experience. I’ll never forget it.’ (Student, Azerbaijan)
‘I learned a lot and the experience in Oxford was definitely the turning point in my life...The Advanced Diploma course has given me a great advantage over other students on the Master’s course I’m now taking.’ (Student, Japan)
‘Fantastic experience....it’s a very enjoyable and beneficial course.’ (Student, China)
‘An unforgettable programme! The holistic combination of interesting classroom learning and exciting field trips made the subjects taught come alive. Overall a thoroughly recommended course!’ (Student, Singapore)
5
A warm welcomeadvanced Diploma In British & European Studies Foundations Of Diplomacy
6
Advanced Diploma in British & European Studies
7
A rigorous and intellectually stimulating programme taught through a wide range of academic subjects over three terms. The course is pitched at final year uk undergraduate level and leads to the award of an undergraduate advanced diploma in british and european studies.
About the course
The course is ideal for you if you…
graduated from a university outside the UK
need to rapidly improve your academic English skills
are looking for a challenging and stimulating pre-Master’s course
need to improve your critical thinking skills
would like to optimise your potential for success in a British university environment
intend to apply for a Master’s course in a subject that is different from your undergraduate degree
Do you already speak English fluently?We welcome applications from students with native or near native speaker proficiency in English. In such cases, the English language module is waived and you follow an additional academic module. You must (in addition to your academic course assignments) submit assignments totalling no more than 10,000 words, on your additional academic courses.
For more information on this option please contact us.
Fees 2012-2013
These are £15,150 (your fees comprise a course and a college fee).
Course structure
Students take two modules: Academic (British and European Studies) and English language.
Academic Module - British Studies
Political, Economic & Social History of Britain 1918-2012
British Politics from Thatcher to Cameron
British Society Today
Writing Now: Contemporary Literature in English
Religion in Britain Today
From Heritage to Cool Britannia: British Cinema since the ‘80s
British Art
Academic Module - European Studies
Project Europe? A History of Unity (& Division) 1792-1992
European Integration
European Politics 2000-2013
Extended Academic Essay/Academic TutorialsIn your second term, you will choose a topic of special interest to you for an extended essay which you submit at the end of the third term. You will also benefit from the support of an academic tutor who will advise you and supervise your work in weekly one-to-one tutorials.
English Language Module
Academic Writing
Contemporary Britain in Focus: Reading
Contemporary Britain in Focus: Listening
English Grammar
Speaking skills
Word study
Writing skills
Weekly individual tutorial
You will also maintain a personal language portfolio in which you will set individual learning objectives, as well as record and monitor your progress and achievements.
British Heritage & Culture During your year at Oxford University, to help you discover the real Britain, we include a series of study visits at no extra cost such as:
St Paul’s Cathedral
Contemporary play in London
Houses of Parliament
Ashmolean Museum
National Gallery
Shakespeare play in Stratford-upon-Avon
Please note that places visited may change from year to year.
8
Michaelmas Term 2012
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9.15 am Academic Writing Language Tutorial Reading Skills Listening Skills English Grammar
10.45 am Break
11.15 am Religion in Britain Speaking Skills Word Study
12.45 pm Lunch
2.00 pm Project Europe British Art British History since 1918
Hilary Term 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9.15 am Academic Writing Reading Skills Listening Skills English Grammar
10.45 am Break
11.15 am British Politics Language Tutorial Word Study Academic Tutorial
12.45 pm Lunch
2.00 pm British Society Today British Art European Integration
Trinity Term 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9.15 am Academic Writing English Grammar IELTS Practice
10.45 am Break
11.15 am English through Contemporary Poetry
21st Century English Literature
Speaking Skills IELTS Practice Language Tutorial
12.45 pm Lunch
2.00 pm European Politics 2000-2013 British Cinema Academic Tutorial
A typical day starts at 9.15 a.m. and ends at 3.30 p.m. during which you take up to three 90-minute classes. You also benefit from small study groups and individual weekly language tutorials, as well as guest lectures. The timetables below give an indication of a typical study week.
9
Pre-sessional Course 2012 24 September - 5 October
Michaelmas Term 2012 8 October - 15 December
Academic Module
Political, Social and Economic History of 20th Century Britain
History of British Art 1
Religion in Britain Today
Project Europe? A History of Unity (& Division) 1792-1992
Assessment: 2 x 1,500-word essays on any TWO of the above courses
English Language Module
Academic Writing 1
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Reading 1
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Listening 1*
Speaking Skills 1
Word Study 1*
English Grammar 1*
Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,500 words for courses marked *.
Hilary Term 2013 14 January - 15 March
Academic Module
History of British Art 2
British Society Today
British Politics from Thatcher to Cameron
EU Integration
Assessment: 3 x 1,500-word essays on any THREE courses
English Language Module
Academic Writing 2
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Reading 2*
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Listening 2*
Speaking Skills 2
Word Study 2
English Grammar 2
Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay for ’Academic Writing 2’ AND work totalling no more than 2,000 words for courses marked *.
Trinity Term 2013 22 April – 21 June
Academic Module
Writing Now: English Literature since 2000
Contemporary European Politics 2000-2013
From Heritage to Cool Britannia: British Cinema since the ‘80s
Assessment: 1x 2,000-word essay on any ONE course AND 1 x 4,000 - 5,000-word essay on an academic subject of your choice agreed with the course director.
English Language Module
Academic Writing 3
IELTS Test Practice
English through Contemporary Poetry
Speaking Skills 3*
English Grammar 3*
Assessment: Work totalling no more than 2,500 words for courses marked *.
Michaelmas Term: 1 essay of 3,500 words (max) or 2 essays of 1,750 words (max)
Hilary Term: 1 essay of 3,500 words (max) or 2 essays of 1,750 words (max)
Trinity Term: 1 essay of 3,000 words (max)
You are assessed throughout your course on a blend of classwork (including short written tasks and presentations) and longer essays. Upon successful course completion, you are awarded a University of Oxford Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies.
10
Foundations of Diplomacy Course
11
About the course
The course assumes no previous knowledge of (or experience in) diplomacy/international relations and would be perfect for you if you...
intend to pursue a career in diplomacy or international business
would like to develop expertise in practical diplomacy
need to boost your English language skills
are looking for an intellectually rigorous pre-Master’s course
need to improve your academic writing and research skills in English
have a first degree in a different field and intend to study for a Master’s degree in diplomacy/international relations.
Do you already speak English fluently?We welcome applications from students with native or near native speaker proficiency in English. In such cases, the English language module is waived and students follow an additional academic module. Students choose from a wide range of lectures in international relations, politics, law and history from the University’s varied lecture programme.
For more information on this option please contact us.
Study Modules
You take two modules: Academic and English language.
Academic: Diplomacy, Politics & International Relations You will experience a rigorous and academically demanding programme of study taught by both academic tutors and former senior British diplomats. This module offers a rich blend of both academic and practical classes which includes:
êê Diplomacy in Practice êê Diplomatic Simulations êê International Relations since the Cold War êê European Integration êê European Politics 2000-2013 êê Leadership in Action êê Skills for Public Diplomacy
English LanguageHighly experienced and well-qualified expert language tutors help you rapidly improve your language skills and media interview techniques. Your English classes will include:
êê English for Diplomacyêê Academic Writing êê Business Communicationêê Speaking skills êê Presentation skills êê English Grammar êê Weekly individual tutorialêê Writing for Businessêê IELTS Practice
You will also maintain a personal language portfolio in which you will set individual learning objectives, as well as record and monitor your progress and achievements throughout the year. You will work on this with your English language tutor.
Contemporary Diplomacy Seminars
During your first term, you will benefit from a series of guest lectures with prominent speakers including former ambassadors, serving diplomats, leading academics and representatives from major international organisations. Recent lectures have included:
The Western Balkans: lessons and challenges for the EU
International Law
Russian Foreign Policy and the International System
SOCA: Dealing with Drug Trafficking and Criminal Gangs
Disarmament Diplomacy
Asia from a European Perspective
The EU in post-conflict situations
Overseas Reporting as a Diplomatic Correspondent
You will also be encouraged to attend additional lectures delivered by eminent academics, politicians and well known authors.
This full-time pre-master’s course is taught intensively over six months. It combines academic study in diplomacy, politics and international relations with classes in practical diplomacy, public diplomacy and leadership and also offers a full programme of English language support.
12
Michaelmas Term 2012
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9.15am Academic Writing English for Diplomacy English Grammar Business English
10.45am Break
11.15am Diplomacy in Practice Speaking Skills Writing Skills for Business
English Language Tutorial
Skills for Public Diplomacy
12.45pm Lunch
2pm International Relations since the Cold War
EU Integration Contemporary Diplomacy Seminar
Hilary Term 2013
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9.15am Academic Writing English for Diplomacy Speaking Skills English Language Tutorial
Business English
10.45am Break
11.15am Diplomacy in Practice English Grammar Writing Skills for Business
Leadership in Action IELTS Practice
12.45pm Lunch
2pm Diplomatic Simulations
European Politics 2000-2013
You will have the opportunity to engage with peers from many different countries in practical seminars and lively discussion groups on a regular basis. In 2011-2012 we welcomed students from Canada, China, Germany, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Japan, New Zealand, Russia and Ukraine.
13
Pre-sessional Course 2012 3-5 October
Michaelmas Term 2012 8 October – 15 December
Academic & Diplomatic Practice Module
Diplomacy in Practice 1
International Relations since the Cold War
Skills for Public Diplomacy
Diplomacy Guest Speakers
EU Integration
Assessment
1 x 2,000-word essay on Diplomacy in Practice
1 x 2,000-word essay on IR
1 x diplomatic presentation
1 long vacation ‘Diplomacy in Practice’ task
English Language Module
Academic Writing 1
English for Diplomacy 1
Speaking Skills 1
Writing Skills for Business 1
Business English 1
English Grammar 1
Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,000 words
Hilary Term 2013 14 January – 30 March
Academic & Diplomatic Practice Module
Diplomacy in Practice 2
European Politics since 2000
Leadership in Action
Diplomatic Simulations
Assessment
2 x 2,000-word essays
1 x viva voce examination
1 x diplomatic presentation
English Language Module
Academic Writing 2
English for Diplomacy 2
Writing Skills for Business 2
Speaking Skills 2
Business English 2
IELTS Test Practice
Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,000 words
Students who have been exempted from the English Language Module must (in addition to the above academic assignments) submit assignments on their elective academic courses. The assignments must total 6,000 words:
Michaelmas Term: 1 essay of 3,000 words or 2 essays of 1,500 words
Hilary Term: 1 essay of 3,000 words or 2 essays of 1,500 words
Study Visits
You will also benefit from the following study visits to London:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
A foreign embassy
Houses of Parliament
Cabinet Office
Scholarships
We regret that we are currently unable to provide any scholarships for our pre-Master’s courses .
Fees 2012-2013
These are £13,990 (your fees comprise a course and a college fee).
You are assessed throughout your course on a blend of classwork (including short written tasks and presentations) and longer essays. Upon successful course completion, you are awarded a University of Oxford Certificate of Course Completion.
14
Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies Pre-Master’s Course
To apply for a place on the Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies Course, follow this simple three-step process.
1. Download and complete the 2012-2013 course application form at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/webfiles/BES_Application_Form_2012-2013.doc
2. Email us:êê your completed application formêê copies of your university certificates êê copies of your university transcriptsêê two recent passport photos
3. Ask a referee to complete and email us the reference form available at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/webfiles/BES_Reference_Form_2012-2013.doc
Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master’s Course
To apply for a place on the Foundations of Diplomacy Course, follow this simple three-step process.
1. Download and complete the course application form at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/webfiles/FD_Application_Form_2012-2013.doc
2. Email us:êê your completed application form êê copies of your university certificatesêê copies of your university transcriptsêê two recent passport photos
3. Ask a referee to complete and email us the reference form available at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/webfiles/FD_Reference_Form_2012-2013.doc
Application
We accept applications for our Pre-Master’s courses on a rolling admissions basis which means that you may submit your application at any time during the year.
Application Deadline
Application deadline for both courses is 29 June 2012.
Telephone Interview
When we have received your pre-Master’s course application documentation and letter of reference, we will get in touch with you to arrange a telephone interview with our course director. About a week after your interview, you will learn the outcome of your application..
More Information
For more information on our courses, please visit our website at www.conted.ox.ac.uk . If you prefer to speak to us, please call our pre-Master’s programme administrator, Judith Arneil on +44 (0)1865 270451. To email, write to [email protected]
‘A really top-notch course with a unique blend of theory and practice. Impressive library facilities and superb teaching in a friendly and supportive learning environment.’ (Student, Portugal) ‘The whole experience was amazing, but the best part of this course is its practical side: diplomatic exercises, real-time negotiations and communication skills.’ (Student, Romania)
‘...A brilliant experience! I was taught by ambassadors, ministers and distinguished academics. Where else would I get an opportunity like this?’ (Student, India) ‘Absolutely fantastic...brilliant classes...great lectures...exactly what we needed.’ (Student, Taiwan) ‘Really useful...amazing professionalism and a privilege to learn from experts in the field...The library facilities were amazing.’ (Student, Hungary)
15
How to Apply advanced Diploma In British & European Studies and Foundations Of Diplomacy
For more information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0)1865 270451
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.conted.ox.ac.uk
Skype: oxfordcourses
Fax: + 44 (0)1865 270314
Address: Pre-Master’s Courses,
University of Oxford,
Department for Continuing Education,
1 Wellington Square,
Oxford, OX1 2JA, UK
Designed by One Ltd | www.oneltd.co.uk | Images © Darrell Godliman