A diplomat represents the United Kingdom in other countries and at international organisations, working to promote British interests and protect UK citizens abroad. They engage in negotiations, manage relationships between the UK and other nations, and provide advice to government ministers. Diplomats may be posted to British embassies, high commissions, or consulates around the world, and often move between countries every few years. The role requires strong communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness skills, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to new environments. Typical duties include attending meetings, reporting on political and economic developments, organising visits or events, and resolving issues affecting UK nationals overseas.
The average salary for a UK diplomat ranges from £28,000 to £70,000, with senior positions, such as Ambassadors, earning upwards of £100,000.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) employs approximately 5,000 staff in the UK and overseas, with around 1,400 working in diplomatic roles.
Diplomats generally work standard office hours, but may need to work evenings or weekends, especially during international crises or events.
A consular officer helps citizens with issues such as lost passports, legal problems, and emergencies while they are abroad.
A political affairs officer monitors and analyses political developments in a host country and reports back to the UK government.
A trade attaché promotes British business interests abroad by supporting trade negotiations and helping UK companies export goods and services.
Aim for high grades in subjects such as English, History, Politics, Modern Languages, or Economics.
Diplomats require excellent communication and analytical skills. Subjects like English and History help you develop these abilities, while learning a foreign language is highly valued. Focus on achieving strong grades at GCSE and then choose relevant A Levels to keep your options open for university.
Complete an undergraduate degree, ideally in a relevant field such as International Relations, Law, Languages, Politics, or Economics.
Most diplomats hold at least an undergraduate degree. Some roles may require postgraduate study. Consider universities with strong international relations or language departments. Participation in extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations or debating societies can also be beneficial.
Learn one or more foreign languages to a high standard.
Proficiency in languages such as French, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, or Spanish is highly valued in the diplomatic service. You can take language modules at university, enrol in evening classes, or use language learning apps. Demonstrating your ability to communicate across cultures will strengthen your application.
Undertake internships, placements, or volunteering roles with organisations involved in international affairs.
Look for opportunities with charities, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, or government departments. Summer internships with the FCDO or participation in international exchange programmes can provide valuable insights and help you build a network in the field.
Submit an application to the UK Civil Service Fast Stream, specifically for the Diplomatic Service scheme.
The Diplomatic Service Fast Stream is a competitive graduate training programme. The application process typically involves online tests, assessment centres, and interviews. Prepare by researching the selection criteria and practising competency-based interview questions.
If successful, complete the required training and undertake your first posting, often in the UK or at a British embassy abroad.
Training covers areas such as international law, protocol, security, and cross-cultural communication. Your first postings will help you gain practical experience and prepare you for more senior diplomatic roles in the future.
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 typically works within the diplomatic service to represent and manage relations between countries, often requiring a deep understanding of international affairs, negotiation skills, and cultural awareness. This closely aligns with the role of a Diplomatic Service officer, who performs similar functions as a professional diplomat within government foreign service departments.
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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