Diplomatic Academy of London

The University and PCL established itself as one of the leading UK academic institutions offering courses and training programmes for overseas government officials and groups nominated by various ministries.

In keeping with this tradition, a unique postgraduate course in Diplomatic Studies and Practice was introduced in 1980. It attracted members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Court of St James's as well as diplomats from various Ministries for Foreign Affairs and officials from overseas government departments. The course was offered by the Diplomatic Academy of London which was an integral part of the University's School of Social and Policy Sciences [later the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages].

The Diplomatic Academy ran a wide range of post-experience courses and training programmes leading to the award of an MA Degree in Diplomatic Studies and MPhil/PhD by further research. Courses offered by the Diplomatic Academy of London were valued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, overseas Ministries for Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic Missions in London, international and regional organisations, multinational corporations and individual students for their relevance and focus on career development.

The Diplomatic course was a blend of academic studies and professional training. The Schools of Law, Languages, Communication, Social and Policy Sciences, Economic and Business Studies and the London Management Centre contributed to the academic disciplines. The professional aspects were covered by career diplomats, journalists, lawyers, politicians and senior officials from various government departments.

c.2003 the Diplomatic Academy was considered the largest academic institution in Europe which ran a wide range of post-experience courses and training programmes. It was awarded the title of Associate Member of the London Diplomatic Association. In the 2002 QAA the University was rated as an excellent institution in the teaching of Politics (diplomacy and international relations).

c.2003 The Diplomatic Academy's MA in Diplomatic Studies was run in both London and Paris. Students attending the University of Westminster Paris Centre had the opportunity to spend one semester in London. Paris students were entitled to use all the facilities of the Faculte Libre de Droit d'Economie et de Gestion de Paris.

The Diplomatic Academy closed c.2012. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office opened their own Diplomatic Academy in 2015.