Oxford Pre-Masters Courses Brochure 2012-2013

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Pre-Master’s Courses 2012/2013Advanced Diploma in British & European StudiesFoundations of Diplomacy

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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)

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Pre-Master’s Courses advanced Diploma In British & European Studies Foundations Of Diplomacy

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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)

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A warm welcomeadvanced Diploma In British & European Studies Foundations Of Diplomacy

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Advanced Diploma in British & European Studies

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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.

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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


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


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.

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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


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


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.


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.

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Foundations of Diplomacy Course

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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.

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Michaelmas Term 2012


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


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.

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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


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


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.

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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)

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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

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Oxford Pre-Masters Courses Brochure 2012-2013

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