Adeel Hussain (2023-24)
Student spotlight details
Adeel’s experience on the Diplomatic Studies Programme highlights, in his words, its reputation as the MBA for diplomats. He shares with us his key moments from the programme, including joining a cohort of 32 professionals from 23 countries – a group that brought together diplomats, civil servants, military officials, and journalists.
‘Before joining the Diplomatic Studies Programme (DSP), I worked at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), focusing on advanced manufacturing foreign direct investment (FDI). I was also part of the founding team of the British Office for Investment (OfI), a collaborative initiative involving DBT, HM Treasury, and Number 10. The OfI plays a strategic role across government in attracting and securing high-value investments.
‘After four years in the Civil Service, I was eager to transition into a career in diplomacy. My experience at DBT had offered me significant exposure to international engagement, particularly as trade and investment became central to the UK’s foreign policy following our departure from the European Union. This shift saw DBT colleagues assume more prominent roles within the UK’s diplomatic network, including as Trade Commissioners.
‘I was drawn to the Diplomatic Studies Programme for its comprehensive curriculum, covering diverse aspects of diplomacy such as public international law, international trade and finance and diplomatic practice. Originally established by the UK Foreign Office, the programme is highly regarded both domestically and internationally for its practical focus.
‘I vividly remember meeting the 32 members of my cohort on the first day, representing 23 countries. They were all mid-career diplomats, civil servants, military officials and journalists, reflecting the evolving nature of diplomacy and the increasingly diverse range of stakeholders involved in shaping international relations. This is one of the major benefits of the programme, you get to network with individuals in a similar field and learn from one another, I have often heard the DSP be referred to as an MBA for diplomats.
‘Each module was intellectually enriching, often led by distinguished experts in their fields. For instance, hearing lecturers recount their experiences in international law cases brought real-world relevance to the theoretical frameworks we studied. The dedication of the academic and administrative staff was extraordinary, and their care created a supportive and close-knit community. During times like Christmas, the DSP truly felt like a family away from home.
‘As one of only three British participants, I was keen to share British culture and history with my classmates. Early in the programme, I organised a visit to a Remembrance Sunday service and a three-day trip to Edinburgh. These experiences inspired a series of student-led lectures, where classmates shared insights into their countries’ cultures, economies and foreign policy priorities. This embodied the broader Oxford experience where learning often extends far beyond the lecture hall. The small city punches above its weight in attracting world leaders, academics and respected CEOs. It was sometimes hard to keep up with all the opportunities available.
‘Oxford is truly the city of opportunity, and the DSP supports students to get the most out of their year on the programme. A couple of us were keen to organise study trips to enable students to explore different governments’ development, economic and social goals. I went to one of the lecturers with this idea and he facilitated an introduction to an alumnus of the programme to help this idea materialise. Our group was then able to visit three countries, fully funded, over the summer and had an incredible learning and cultural experience. We have the amazing Paul Docherty to thank for that.
‘Students on the DSP are also incredibly collaborative and entrepreneurial, a classmate of mine from the US Military had approached me on organising a conference on Semiconductors. We jointly worked on this idea over the year and after submitting our dissertations we convened a three-day conference which brought together international experts, diplomats and government officials. We even had three Ministers of State attend, including the 19th US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs. The conference was a success, and we have decided to make it an annual event, this was again fully supported by the DSP Director and lecturers.
‘The connections forged during the DSP have lasting value. Many alumni find themselves working together in their respective roles across the globe. Shortly after the programme, a classmate from Peru was posted to the UK, and we collaborated on several matters. Alumni based in London also frequently reconnect, and it’s always a joy bumping into someone from the DSP network.
‘If you are reading this and thinking about applying to the Diplomatic Studies Programme then I urge you to apply, it will change your life because it definitely changed mine!’
