The aim of this degree, which runs from October to June of the following year, is to provide high quality graduate training in debates about the institutions and processes of diplomacy, multilateralism, regional integration and global governance. The degree seeks to prepare students for careers in diplomacy and/or the regional and transnational institutions of international governance such as international and non-governmental organisations, and private sector firms interacting with these institutions. The degree also provides the basis for future doctoral studies.

Course Content

Students are required to take one of the following two foundation courses that meet through Fourth Week Trinity Term:

• Global Governance or
• Diplomatic Practice

They are required to take a mandatory two-term course (that meets in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms) in:

• Research Methods for the Social Sciences

And students will choose two 8-week options from the following list of choices:

• Global Governance of Innovation
• Global Financial Governance
• International Economic Integration
• International Relations of the Developing World
• Multi-level Governance and Regional Integration
• Political Economy of Institutions and Development
• Political Economy of Intellectual Property
• Politics of Non-governmental Organisations

As an alternative to one of their option choices students may choose, with the permission of the faculty member offering the course, a course from a selection of options available to MSc students from other postgraduate programmes in the Oxford Department of International Development. In the academic year of 2009/10, such available additional options include:

• History and Politics of South Asia
• International Diplomacy
• Migration and Development
• Power and Punishment: Creating Social Order in Africa
• Rural Societies and Politics

Students are examined in all of these courses and options, and are also required to conduct supervised research and prepare a 10,000 - 12,000 word dissertation to be delivered towards the end of Trinity Term.

Entry Requirements

A student wishing to read for the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy has first to be admitted by the Admissions Committee of the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy, and then by a College. At least a good upper second class honours degree in a social science is normally required. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first class degree or equivalent (such as 3.8 GPA in the USA, or 1.33 in Germany). It is possible for students who have not specialized in a social science to read for the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy. It is essential for students to apply early and respect the deadlines. Please refer to the Graduate Studies Prospectus (http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/gsp) for information on gathered field deadlines.

Active diplomats seeking admission should apply early and should not wait for Chevening funding candidacy or other funding to be awarded or confirmed. Active diplomats compete for admission on equal terms with students who read for the degree as preparation for a diplomatic career, or a career with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector firms, or as preparation for doctoral studies in the social sciences.

Applications

Applications should be made to the Graduate Admissions Office, The University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD. An application form and detailed information about postgraduate study at Oxford is available on the University of Oxford website (http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/gsp). The final date for applications is 12 March 2010, but because places are limited candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible (see also below on scholarships).

Scholarships

Full information about possible funding sources is available at the University of Oxford website (see above). In most cases scholarship applications need to be made in Autumn 2008.

Fees

Full information on fees can be obtained through the Graduate Studies Prospectus (http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/gsp/finance/). All students should make adequate provision to cover their fees and expenses for the entire period of the expected study.

Further Information

For further information, contact:-

The Graduate Student Administrator
Department of International Development
Queen Elizabeth House
3 Mansfield Road
Oxford OX1 3TB

E-Mail: admissions@qeh.ox.ac.uk

• MSc GGD Course Guide 2009-10 (PDF Format)
• MSc GGD Programme Specification (PDF Format)