Diplomatic service officer
Represent the United Kingdom in another country, develop UK foreign policy and assist British citizens when they are abroad.
Also known as: diplomat
About the job
What it's like
You would represent the United Kingdom in another country and help develop UK foreign policy. You’d assist British citizens if they have serious problems when they're abroad.
You would work for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) either in the UK or abroad.
You would promote and protect British interests and citizens overseas. You’d give advice and support to Governmemt ministers to develop UK foreign policy.
You could have political, commercial or consular responsibilities.
This means you might:
report on political and economic developments in other countries
represent the United Kingdom to a foreign government and media
help UK companies to trade overseas
encourage foreign companies to invest in the UK
help British citizens in other countries
handle visa applications from people who wish to come to the UK
Your day-to-day work would depend on your role. For example:
policy officers research issues and help to develop policy and strategy
executive assistants draft letters, handle accounts and invoices, and provide clerical support
administrative assistants provide clerical support
If you are a UK-based policy or operational officer, you might be responsible for one country or geographical area. Or you could work on a specific foreign policy issue that affects many countries.
Hours
You will normally work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, when overseas, your hours and conditions may vary according to the culture and climate of your host country. Some jobs may involve being on call 24 hours a day.
Travel
When you first start work with the FCO you would spend between 18 months and three years in London, before your first posting overseas. Most overseas postings last between three and four years.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- taking responsibility
- self awareness
- reliable
- respecting
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- networking
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business
Cantonese
Economics
English
French
German
Italian
Mandarin
Modern Studies
Politics
Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies - RMPS
Spanish
Urdu
Modern Languages
To gain entry as an operational officer at level B3, you usually need a degree (SCQF Level 9/10). If you have a second-class honours degree (SCQF Level 10) in any subject you can enter through the Civil Service Fast Stream (recruits between September and November each year).
To join the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as a diplomatic economist, you need to apply through the Fast Stream scheme. You must have, or expect to gain, a 2:1 degree or postgraduate degree in economics (SCQF level 10/11) or an economics-linked degree, where at least fifty percent of the course is focused on economics.
To enter a degree usually require Highers and National 5 qualifications or relevant college or work-based qualifications at SCQF Level 6 or above.
With qualifications at SCQF Level 7 or above, such as Advanced Higher or HNC/HNDs, you may be eligible for Advanced Entry to second or third year of some degrees.
Some universities have integrated masters courses combining degree and postgraduate study into one five-year programme.
It's also possible to enter this role as an existing civil servant without a degree. You can join the civil service in entry level jobs, or through their apprenticeship scheme.
The civil service offers six fast-track apprenticeship schemes, lasting around 18 months. These are open to anyone with suitable school level qualifications or equivalent.
It helps to have an aptitude for learning languages.
The FCO is particularly interested in applications from those who can communicate in languages such as:
Cantonese
Mandarin
Japanese
Korean
Arabic
Farsi
Experience of living or working abroad can be helpful.
To be a British citizen (those with dual nationality may apply) who have been a resident in the UK for at least two out of the last 10 years.
Have, or expect to have, a 2:2 degree or higher in any subject.
Existing civil servants can apply without a degree.
Exceptions to this rule, such as having served overseas with HM Forces or worked with UK Government, are listed on the FCO website.
You will have to take tests and attend an interview. You will have to go through medical and security checks. The application process can take up to a year.
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