Introduction to British Diplomacy

Online Course

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Future Learn

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Introduction to British Diplomacy

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
Reviews & Experiences

What is the course about?

Introduction to British Diplomacy

The course Introduction to British Diplomacy is an online class provided by Foreign & Commonwealth Office through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Gain a deeper insight into the work of the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its diverse global workforce.

Course description

Explore British diplomacy at home and abroad
2 weeks

Designed and developed by the Diplomatic Academy of the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), you’ll explore the inner workings of the FCO and learn how the UK diplomatic system works at home and abroad. You’ll discover how a wide range of government departments work internationally with the FCO and learn about the function of Embassies and High Commissions.
As you get an introduction to the legal and historical frameworks of diplomacy, you’ll develop your understanding of the UK’s work abroad.
You’ll also learn more about the FCO’s staff support processes and development opportunities.

How the FCO works: inside King Charles Street (headquarters) and cross-Whitehall coordination
How the UK overseas network functions: the role of Embassies and High Commissions
Diplomacy Demystified: the legal framework for diplomacy, theoretical approaches and what diplomats actually do (e.g. reporting, negotiating and representing)
How the FCO supports its staff through associations and networks (e.g. BAME and FCO Women) and development opportunities: including honest accounts of what works and what doesn’t

How the FCO works: inside King Charles Street (headquarters) and cross-Whitehall coordination
How the UK overseas network functions: the role of Embassies and High Commissions
Diplomacy Demystified: the legal framework for diplomacy, theoretical approaches and what diplomats actually do (e.g. reporting, negotiating and representing)
How the FCO supports its staff through associations and networks (e.g. BAME and FCO Women) and development opportunities: including honest accounts of what works and what doesn’t

Identify the main characteristics of the UK’s diplomatic network including the role of Directorates and the importance of cross-Whitehall coordination
Assess the varied role of Embassies, High Commissions and other Posts in promoting UK interests abroad including consular and political work
Explore the legal and historical framework of diplomacy and what diplomats actually do
Discuss how the FCO supports its employees and encourages diversity including through the important role of staff associations

This course has been designed as an introduction to the UK’s diplomatic network for any job applicants (UK or overseas), for new starters at any level, and for existing UK government employees moving into international roles or going on an overseas posting for the first time.
However, this course will be suitable for anyone interested in the inner workings of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
The FCO promotes the United Kingdom’s interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe.
Diplomatic Academy
Ensuring we all have the knowledge and expertise we need to represent the UK and pursue the national interest.

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Prerequisites & Facts

Introduction to British Diplomacy

Course Topic

Politics & Society

University, College, Institution

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

Introduction to British Diplomacy

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / Foreign & Commonwealth Office you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Introduction to British Diplomacy

provided by Future Learn

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