1 Pre-Master’s Courses 2013/2014
Advanced Diploma in British & European Studies Foundations 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?
A unique learning experience
Course benefits
Global Reputation: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world with an unparalleled academic reputation.
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.
Expert tutors
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.
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.
‘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.’
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)
‘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.’
3 Pre-Master’s Courses
advanced Diploma In British & European Studies Foundations Of Diplomacy
4 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. Pre-sessional programme
Living in Oxford
College membership
Your pre-sessional course is intended as the first step on your journey to becoming a confident, independent and resourceful Master’s student. It offers you a unique academic, cultural and social orientation programme which introduces you to Oxford’s unparalleled learning and study resources, provides you with contextual study skills practice and helps you develop successful self-management strategies.
Oxford offers students a wide variety of accommodation options which can include:
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:
Academic Life êêLearn about the history and traditions of the University êêLearn how to access library and IT facilities êêDevelop academic writing and study skills Everyday Life êêFamiliarize yourself with Oxford êêCollege welcome events êêLearn about living in Britain êêOpen a bank account êêArrange a bus pass Social Life êêWalking tours of Oxford êêA welcome reception and lunch êêA visit to London êêJoin university and college societies êêAttend Freshers’ Fair
êêCollege (in-College and in properties across Oxford) êêUniversity (single rooms and flats) êêPrivate (flat-share, flats and houses) As soon as a student has been offered a place on one of our courses, we provide information on both University and private accommodation options. We let you know how to apply for University accommodation and how to go about arranging private accommodation. Although many of our students are offered college accommodation, we are unable to guarantee availability because of the high demand. Please note that accommodation costs are not included in your course and college fees. For 2013-2014, you should budget £125 (approx.) per week for accommodation and £110 (approx.) per week for food, transport and entertainment. Students should note that whilst we are happy to advise on where to look for accommodation, it is ultimately a student’s responsibility to make their own living arrangements in Oxford. For more detailed information on accommodation options, please visit www.conted.ox.ac.uk/198.
êêCommon Room êêDining Hall êêLibrary (some offer 24-hour access) êêIT facilities êêCafé/Coffee shop êêGym & sporting facilities êêTV room and bar Students have enjoyed associate memberships to Green Templeton, Keble, Kellogg, Linacre, Mansfield, Merton, Queen’s, Regent’s Park, St. Anne’s, St. Cross, St. Hilda’s, St. Hugh’s, Somerville, 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: judith.arneil@conted.ox.ac.uk
5 A warm welcome
advanced Diploma In British & European Studies Foundations Of Diplomacy
6 THE BENEFITS OF AN OXFORD PRE-MASTER’S COURSE
7 At oxford, we take a holistic approach to your intellectual and personal development. We appreciate that learning takes place through various channels including active participation in seminar and tutorial discussion, as well as more informally outside the classroom or lecture theatre environment.
Preparing you for success
Independent Learning Skills
Academic Writing skills
Graduate success in the UK depends on many factors including a high degree of proficiency in academic English and the mastery and active synthesis of an integrated platform of non-linguistic skills, abilities and knowledge. These include independent inquiry, critical and analytical thinking and intercultural awareness.
From day one, we will teach you how to think independently. You will learn how to:
You will benefit from a weekly academic writing class, as well as from a weekly individual academic writing tutorial. This will teach you how you might use your reading in your writing and allow you rapidly to improve your study and writing skills and enable you to receive ongoing personalised feedback on the development of your academic writing and critical thinking skills.
You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning through the acquisition of new skills for self-management and will learn how to work effectively in teams. You will also be encouraged to benefit from the unique resources and opportunities offered by a world-class university.
Academic and Personal Support Whether you are studying overseas for the first time or have already studied in the UK, we offer you a first-rate academic and personal support network to help you to get the most from your time at Oxford. You will benefit from regular contact with your tutors, course director and programme administrator, as well as from a college attachment which will enable you to make the most of opportunities for formal and informal interaction with peers and academics in a vibrant and intellectually stimulating international learning community. Throughout your course, you will learn about social behaviour, customs and values in the UK and will also explore ways of enhancing your intercultural communication skills.
êêdevelop effective self-management skills êêprioritise tasks and structure your own learning êêmake optimal use of your time and resources êêidentify your preferred learning style êêreflect positively on your learning êêempower yourself through increased personal mastery
Critical Thinking Skills We will introduce you to the expectations of graduate work in the UK by helping you practise and develop your critical thinking skills on an ongoing basis to enable you to: êêfind and evaluate reliable sources of evidence êêdevelop a questioning approach to your reading êêevaluate differing viewpoints objectively êêrecognise assumptions êêidentify flaws in an argument êêdevelop effective analysis and argument You will also develop and improve your academic reading skills in order to analyze, reflect, evaluate, and synthesize the different types of texts you read in an efficient and effective manner.
To help you monitor your personal progress in both areas, your essays will be returned to you in duplicate. One will contain feedback on your academic performance in terms of argument, critical thinking and research and the other will offer detailed analysis of your English language writing skills in an academic context. You will then discuss both sets of feedback with your tutor and establish personal learning objectives to advance your critical thinking and academic writing skills.
Transferable Skills Our pre-Master’s course will equip you with valuable transferrable skills which can be used beyond university and which are also highly valued by employers. These include: êêcommunication skills êêorganisational skills êêinterpersonal skills. êêIntercultural communication skills êêpresentation skills
8 Advanced Diploma in British & European Studies
9 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
Course structure
English Language Module
The course is ideal for you if you….
Students take two modules: Academic (British and European Studies) and English language.
Academic Writing
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 2013-2014 These are £15,910 (your fees comprise a course and a college fee).
Academic Module - European Studies Political, Economic & Social History of Britain The Face of the Nation? British Politics Today British Society Today English Literature 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 European Art Extended Academic Essay/Academic Tutorials In 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 oneto-one tutorials.
Contemporary Britain in Focus: Reading Contemporary Britain in Focus: Listening English Grammar Speaking Skills Word Study Writing Skills Weekly Academic Writing 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 refer to our website for any course changes and updates.
10 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 academic writing tutorials, as well as guest lectures. The timetables below give an indication of a typical study week. Michaelmas Term 2013 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9.15 am
Academic Writing
Individual 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 Project Europe
Art History
British History since 1918
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Reading Skills
Listening Skills
English Grammar
Word Study
Academic Tutorial
2.00 pm
Hilary Term 2014 Monday 9.15 am
Academic Writing
10.45 am
Break
11.15 am
British Politics
12.45 pm
Lunch
2.00 pm
Individual Tutorial
British Society Today
Art History
European Integration
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Academic Writing
English Grammar
IELTS Practice
English Literature
Speaking Skills
IELTS Practice
Trinity Term 2014 Monday 9.15 am 10.45 am
Break
11.15 am
English through Contemporary Poetry
12.45 pm
Lunch
2.00 pm
European Politics 2000-2013
British Cinema
Friday
Individual Tutorial
Academic Tutorial
11 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.
Pre-sessional Course 2013
Hilary Term 2014
Trinity Term 2014
23 September - 4 October
13 January - 14 March
21 April – 20 June
Michaelmas Term 2013
Academic Module
Academic Module
History of Art 2
English Literature
British Society Today
Contemporary European Politics 2000-2014
The Face of the Nation? British Politics Today
From Heritage to Cool Britannia: British Cinema since the ‘80s
7 October - 13 December
Academic Module Political, Social and Economic History of 20th Century Britain History of Art 1 Religion in Britain Today
EU Integration Assessment: 3 x 1,500-word essays on any THREE of the above courses
Project Europe? A History of Unity (& Division) 1792-1992 Assessment: 2 x 1,500-word essays on any TWO of the above courses
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 2
English Language Module
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Reading 2*
Academic Writing 3
English Language Module
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Listening 2*
IELTS Test Practice
Academic Writing 1
Speaking Skills 2
English through Contemporary Poetry
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Reading 1
Word Study 2
Speaking Skills 3*
Contemporary Britain: Focus on Listening 1*
English Grammar 2
English Grammar 3*
Speaking Skills 1
Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay for ’Academic Writing 2’ AND work totalling no more than 2,000 words for courses marked *.
Assessment: Work totalling no more than 2,500 words for courses marked *.
Word Study 1* English Grammar 1* Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,500 words for courses marked *.
12 Foundations of Diplomacy Course
13 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. About the course
Study Modules
The course assumes no previous knowledge of (or experience in) diplomacy/international relations and would be perfect for you if you...
You take two modules: Academic and English language.
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.
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: êêContemporary US Politics êêDiplomacy in Practice êêDiplomatic Simulations êêInternational Relations êêEuropean Integration êêEuropean Politics 2000-2014 êêLeadership in Action êêPolitics and Ideology êêSkills for Public Diplomacy English Language Highly experienced and well-qualified expert language tutors help you rapidly improve your language skills and media interview techniques. Your English classes will include: êêEnglish for Diplomacy êêAcademic Writing êêReading Skills êêSpeaking Skills êêPresentation Skills êêEnglish Grammar êêWeekly Individual Tutorial êêListening Skills êêIELTS 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 course, 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 SOCA: Dealing with Drug Trafficking and Criminal Gangs Asia from a European Perspective How to be an ambassador You will also be encouraged to attend additional lectures delivered by eminent academics, politicians and well-known authors.
14 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 2012-2013 we welcomed students from Brazil, Canada, China, D.r. Congo, France, India, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Uk, Ukraine & Usa. Michaelmas Term 2013 Monday
Tuesday
9.15am
Academic Writing
English for Diplomacy
10.45am
Break
11.15am
Diplomacy in Practice
12.45pm
Lunch
2pm
International Relations
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
English Grammar
Listening Skills
Individual Tutorial
Skills for Public Diplomacy
Speaking Skills
Reading Skills
EU Integration
Politics & Ideology
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9.15am
Academic Writing
English for Diplomacy
Speaking Skills
Individual Tutorial
Listening Skills
10.45am
Break
11.15am
Diplomacy in Practice
English Grammar
Reading Skills
Leadership in Action
IELTS Practice
12.45pm
Lunch Diplomatic Simulations
European Politics 2000-2013
Contemporary US Politics
Hilary Term 2014
2pm
15 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.
Pre-sessional Course 2013
Hilary Term 2014
Native English-speaking Students
1-4 October
13 January – 28 March
Michaelmas Term 2013
Academic & Diplomatic Practice Module
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 5,000 words:
7 October – 13 December
Academic & Diplomatic Practice Module Diplomacy in Practice 1 International Relations Skills for Public Diplomacy
Diplomacy in Practice 2 European Politics since 2000 Leadership in Action Diplomatic Simulations Contemporary US Politics
Politics & Ideology EU Integration
Assessment 2 x 2,000-word essays
Assessment 2 x 2,000-word essays
1 x viva voce examination 1 x diplomatic presentation
1 x diplomatic presentation 1 long vacation ‘Diplomacy in Practice’ task English Language Module Academic Writing 1 English for Diplomacy 1 Speaking Skills 1 Reading Skills 1 Listening Skills 1 English Grammar 1 Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,000 words
Michaelmas Term: As above plus one additional essay of 2,500 words. Hilary Term: As above plus one additional essay of 2,500 words.
Study Visits You will also benefit from the following study visits to London: Foreign & Commonwealth Office A Diplomatic Mission in London
English Language Module
Houses of Parliament
Academic Writing 2
Cabinet Office
English for Diplomacy 2 Reading Skills 2 Speaking Skills 2 Listening Skills 2 IELTS Test Practice Assessment: Work totalling no more than 3,000 words
Scholarships We regret that we are currently unable to provide any scholarships for our pre-Master’s courses .
Fees 2013-2014 These are £14,700 (your fees comprise a course and a college fee).
16 YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
17 We appreciate that you need to know that a course is exactly right for you, so are always pleased to answer your questions by email or over the phone. You are also most welcome to visit us at any time.
FAQs If you are considering applying for an Oxford pre-Master’s course in 2013, you will naturally have many questions to ask. We thought that you might find it helpful if we highlighted our responses to students’ most frequently asked questions. Also, if you visit our website at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/198 you’ll find many more questions and answers. If, by any chance, you have a question that does not appear in our FAQs, we’d be delighted to answer it so please feel free to email us at judith.arneil@conted.ox.ac.uk Is there a ‘typical’ pre-Master’s student? Not really. Our students come from different walks of life; from recent graduates to working professionals. Most are between the ages of 21 and 35. Which countries do students come from? For 2012-2013, our students come from Brazil, Canada, China, D.R. Congo, France, Japan, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Ukraine, UK and USA. What is the average class size? Class size differs from course to course. In principle, there are no more than eight students in an English language class. For academic seminars and lectures the maximum class size is 25 though classes are often much smaller. For practical classes, there are normally no more than ten students in each group.
Can you give me advice on visas? The university has a special ‘Student Information and Advisory Service’ which deals specifically with all student visa enquiries and which can give you up-to-the-minute information. Do I have to arrange my own college attachment? There is no need for you to arrange your own college attachment as we do this for you. I already have a Master’s degree. May I still apply for a place on a pre-Master’s course? Yes. Many of our students already hold Master’s degrees. My English is fluent. Do I have to take the English language module? If you have been educated in English, have recently completed a university degree that was taught entirely English or have an overall IELTS score of at least 7.5, you will not be required to follow the English language module. Instead, you will be required to follow a number of lecture series in the Central University. What happens after I submit my application? As soon as we receive your application, we get back in touch to arrange a telephone interview with you at a mutually convenient time. After your interview, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course or about studying at Oxford.
When will I find out the result of my application? We accept applications on a rolling admissions basis, so you may submit your application at any time before 28 June 2013. We will normally contact you about one week after your telephone interview with our decision. Can I pay my fees in instalments? Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange payment of fees by instalment. Is it possible to visit the University before making a pre-Master’s course application? Absolutely. If you would like to arrange a visit to the Department, we would be delighted to see you. Visits can normally be arranged throughout the year. Can you put me in touch with former preMaster’s course students? Yes. Many of our former students have said that they would be pleased to communicate with prospective students. At which universities have former preMaster’s students gone on to study for Master’s Degrees? In the last few years, our students have gone on to study for Master’s degrees at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Bath, King’s College London, LSE, St Andrews and Warwick.
18 How to Apply
advanced Diploma In British & European Studies and Foundations Of Diplomacy
19 Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies Pre-Master’s Course
Foundations of Diplomacy Pre-Master’s Course
To apply for a place on the Advanced Diploma in British and European Studies Course, follow this simple four-step process.
To apply for a place on the Foundations of Diplomacy Course, follow this simple four-step process.
1. Download and complete the course application form at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/200
1. Download and complete the course application form at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/198
2. Email us: êê your completed application form êê copies of your university certificates êê copies of your university transcripts
2. Email us: êê your completed application form êê copies of your university certificates êê copies of your university transcripts
3. Post us: êê Two recent passport photos
3. Post us: êê Two recent passport photos
4. Ask a referee to complete and email us the reference form available at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/200
4. Ask a referee to complete and email us the reference form available at www.conted.ox.ac.uk/198
Course Dates 2013-2014
Course Dates 2013-2014
Pre-sessional 23 September – 4 October
Pre-sessional 1 – 4 October
Michaelmas 7 October – 13 December
Michaelmas 7 October – 13 December
Hilary 13 January – 14 March
Hilary 13 January – 28 March
Trinity 21 April – 20 June
Fees* 2013 -2014
Fees* 2013 -2014
Course Fee: £13,354
Course Fee: £12,144
College Fee: £2,556
College Fee: £2,556
Total Fees: £15,910
Total Fees: £14,700
*Please note that your fees DO NOT include accommodation or meals.
*Please note that your fees DO NOT include accommodation or meals.
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 28 June 2013.
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 .
Contact us Tel:
+44 (0)1865 270451
Email:
judith.arneil@conted.ox.ac.uk
Fax:
+ 44 (0)1865 270314
Address:
Pre-Master’s Courses University of Oxford OUDCE 1 Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JA
‘…A brilliant experience! I was taught by ambassadors, ministers and distinguished academics. Where else would I get an opportunity like this?’
‘Really useful…amazing professionalism and a privilege to learn from experts in the field…The library facilities were amazing.’
‘An unforgettable, stimulating and enriching experience.’
‘A wonderful academic experience. I’ll never forget it.’
For more information, please contact: Tel: Email: Website: Skype: Fax: Address:
+44 (0)1865 270451 judith.arneil@conted.ox.ac.uk www.conted.ox.ac.uk oxfordcourses + 44 (0)1865 270314 Pre-Master’s Courses, University of Oxford, Department for Continuing Education, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA, UK
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