How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
University
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.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
Work
If you already work in the Civil Service, you can apply to join the Diplomatic Service, depending on your skills and experience.
Volunteering
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.
Direct Application
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.
Other Routes
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.
Further information
You can find out more about working in the Diplomatic Service through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Civil Service Careers.