Diplomats represent the United Kingdom abroad, working to promote British interests, manage diplomatic relations, and protect UK citizens overseas. Their work includes negotiating treaties, supporting British businesses, providing consular services, and reporting on political and economic developments in their host countries. Diplomats work for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and are often posted to embassies, high commissions, and consulates in countries around the world. The path to becoming a diplomat usually involves a competitive entry process and often starts with the Civil Service Fast Stream, particularly the Diplomatic Service stream. Skills in communication, languages, problem-solving, and adaptability are highly valued in this career.
Entry-level diplomats, such as Fast Streamers in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), typically start at around £28,000 to £32,000 per year.
Senior diplomats and ambassadors can earn upwards of £65,000 to £120,000 annually, depending on their role and posting.
The FCDO employs around 17,000 staff globally, with approximately 4,000 based in the UK and the remainder in embassies and consulates worldwide.
Consular Officers assist British citizens abroad with services such as issuing emergency passports, providing assistance in emergencies, and helping with legal or medical issues.
Political Attachés specialise in analysing and reporting on political developments in a specific country, supporting the ambassador in building diplomatic relationships.
Trade Policy Advisers focus on negotiating trade agreements, supporting British businesses overseas, and promoting UK trade interests in international markets.
Work hard at school and aim for high grades in subjects like English, history, and languages.
Diplomatic roles are highly competitive, so achieving good grades at GCSE and A Level is important. Subjects such as English, history, politics, and modern foreign languages (like French, Spanish, or Mandarin) are particularly useful. These subjects will help you develop core skills like communication, analysis, and cultural understanding.
Complete a degree in a relevant subject, such as international relations, politics, law, or languages.
Most diplomats have a university degree. Popular choices include international relations, politics, law, economics, or modern languages. Some universities offer courses with a year abroad, which can provide valuable international experience. In the UK, you can apply to university through UCAS.
Learn and practise foreign languages to enhance your communication abilities.
Language skills are highly valued in diplomacy. You could study a language at school or university, take evening classes, or even learn through online courses. The FCDO values proficiency in languages such as Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and French.
Gain experience through internships, volunteering, or work placements related to international affairs.
Look for opportunities with organisations such as the FCDO, international charities, think tanks, or political bodies. Internships and work experience can help you develop useful skills, grow your professional network, and show your commitment to a diplomatic career.
Submit an application for the Diplomatic Service Fast Stream, the main graduate entry route.
The Diplomatic Service Fast Stream is a competitive graduate programme run by the Civil Service. You will need to complete online tests, interviews, and assessment centres. The programme offers structured training and the chance to experience different roles, both in the UK and overseas.
Develop your skills in leadership, communication, and analysis to succeed in the selection process.
The selection process assesses your ability to handle complex situations, communicate clearly, and work as part of a team. You can develop these skills through extracurricular activities, volunteering, or leadership roles at university or in your community.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Diplomat. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Diplomat and a Diplomatic Service officer both primarily represent their country's interests abroad, engaging in diplomatic negotiations and fostering international relations. They require similar qualifications, including strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and diplomatic expertise, making these careers closely aligned.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a degree before applying to join a graduate training scheme. Most subjects are accepted.
The Summer Internship Programme and the Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme, offer undergraduates an insight into working in the Civil Service.
You'll usually need:
If you already work in the Civil Service, you can apply to join the Diplomatic Service, depending on your skills and experience.
It will help when applying for jobs if you have some relevant work and life experience. For example, a proven interest in other countries and culture, international relations or a foreign language.
You can apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this role.
To join as a diplomatic administrative officer you'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). If you apply to become an operational or policy officer, you'll usually need A levels or equivalent qualifications.
You can find out more about entry to these roles from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
If you're a graduate with at least a lower second class degree, you can apply to the Diplomatic Service Fast Stream programme, which leads to senior management posts in the service.
You can also apply through the Government Economic Service Fast Stream to join the Diplomatic Service as an economist. You'll need an upper second class degree in an economics-related subject to do this.
You can find out more about working in the Diplomatic Service through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Civil Service Careers.
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