Foundational Diplomatic Program (FDP)
Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy
About the FDP
The Foundational Diplomatic Program is an intensive program delivered over one academic year and designed for candidates who aspire to become diplomats. The program is the final stage of the Entry Level Diplomatic Assessment (ELDA) and forms the candidates’ probation period. The program is divided between theoretical academic work and internal rotation internship within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing candidates with real-world experience from both political and administrative sectors. The program places substantial emphasis on applying the knowledge acquired in a diplomatic context, ensuring that candidates receive comprehensive training that aligns with the demands of a diplomatic career. Starting from the year 2025/2026 the program leads to the Qualification of Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy, placed at level 9 of the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
The Foundational Diplomatic Program aims to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and understanding of diplomatic studies, providing a historical background to the discipline, in addition to understanding its various types and applications as a modern practice, as well as the legal framework within which diplomats operate. The program also seeks to equip learners with practical skills in the diplomatic field. It explores the major developments and schools of thought in all relevant fields. It also provides emphasis on the theory and history of international relations and diplomacy in the Kingdom of Bahrain and equips the learners with in-depth understanding of the Kingdom’s foreign affairs within its regional and global contexts. The program also covers, through a specific work-based learning module, the main diplomatic skills and practices that a well-rounded diplomat will need in their profession.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Meeting the entry requirements of the Entry Level Diplomatic Assessment (ELDA)
- Successfully passing the Entry Level Diplomatic Assessment (ELDA)
Aims of the program
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of main theoretical framework of Diplomatic Studies
- Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the historical background and contemporary Bahrain Foreign Policy
- Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the main international law provisions related to the practice of diplomacy
Subject-specific skills
- Apply effective diplomatic communication skills
- Demonstrate deep understanding of the structure and practice operations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its departments
- Employ effective linguistic skills using different languages
Critical thinking Skills
- Critically analyze complex problems in international relations, world politics and diplomacy
- Employ professional level skills to interpret international phenomena and the evolution of international relations
General and Transferable Skills
- Use professional written and oral communication skills to convey information
- Practice effective protocol and professional skills to operate in a diplomatic environment
- Demonstrate diplomatic character and professional management skills
The Foundational Diplomatic Program
Diplomacy: Theory and Practice
International Relations, Geopolitics and Political Analysis
Bahrain History, Economy and Contemporary Studies
International Law and Human Rights
Diplomatic Skills and Character
Arabic for Diplomacy
Diplomatic Rotation
Foreign Language (third language)
TOTAL Credits: 41
NQF Credits: 112
NQF Level: 9
In their own words
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to apply?
- The applicant must be a Bahraini citizen
- 32 years of age or under
- The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree accredited in the Kingdom of Bahrain
- The applicant must hold one of the following English language proficiency certificates:
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 79
- CAE
- CPE
- GCSE or IGCSE English as a First or Second Language C/4
- IB English (standard or higher level) 4
- APTIS 169
- The applicant must be of good conduct
- The applicant must be fit and healthy
- Must not have been previously convicted of a felony.
- Must not have been dismissed, within the past three years, from service by a judicial ruling or a final disciplinary decision.
What are the stages of admission to the Foundational Diplomatic Program?
The stages of admission to the Foundational Diplomatic Program include a comprehensive assessment designed to identify applicants with the potential to pursue a career in diplomacy. Each stage serves a specific purpose and includes the following: Written Examinations, Psychometric Test, and Personal Interview.
What does the Arabic Language exam include?
The Arabic Exam ranks candidates according to their level of proficiency in the Arabic language. This exam is benchmarked with language proficiency frameworks, such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring accuracy in assessing and classifying candidates linguistically according to internationally recognized language proficiency standards. Candidates are given 75 minutes to conduct the exam.
What does the Bahrain History and Contemporary Affairs exam include?
This exam, written in Arabic, measures the extent of candidates’ familiarity with the most important milestones and events in the history of Bahrain. It also assesses the candidates’ understanding of the historical and modern context of Bahrain, and its impact on the country’s diplomatic relations in the region and the world. Candidates are given 90 minutes to take the exam, which includes a set of general questions, and a writing section on a related topic.(Sample Questions)
What does the International Relations exam include?
The International Relations exam, written in English, measures candidates’ ability to analyze questions related to international history and global affairs, and demonstrate their understanding of historical and current world events, perspectives related to international relations and familiarity with its terminology. Candidates are given 120 minutes to answer a wide range of multiple-choice and essay questions. (Sample Questions)
What does the General Knowledge exam include?
The General Knowledge exam, written in English, measures candidates’ knowledge of global events, the most important geographical areas, and their basic knowledge of global structure. The exam also addresses current affairs and is updated periodically to keep pace with the changing nature of the world. The exam also measures candidates’ ability to analyze and interpret global matters. Candidates are given 90 minutes to take the exam, which includes a set of general questions, and a writing section on a related topic. (Sample Questions)
What does the Personal Interview stage include?
Personal interviews are one of the stages of admission to the Foundational Diplomatic Program. This stage evaluates candidates in terms of communication skills, interpersonal abilities, as well as general knowledge and situational analysis across various scenarios. The interviews are conducted by a committee composed of academics and specialists in the diplomatic field to ensure that candidates are assessed by experienced and knowledgeable professionals in diplomacy.
What is the Foundational Diplomatic Program (FDP)?
The Foundational Diplomatic Program is an intensive program held over a period of one academic year (nine calendar months) leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy. The program is the final stage of the entry-level diplomatic assessment (ELDA) and constitutes the probation period for candidates. The program is divided into three terms, one of which represents the theoretical academic aspect of diplomatic work, the other focuses on diplomatic skills and character while the third period focuses on foreign languages and practical training in different departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which gives candidates real practical experience in both the political and administrative sectors. The program attaches great importance to the application of acquired knowledge in the diplomatic context, while ensuring that candidates receive comprehensive training that is consistent with the requirements of diplomatic work.
Questions Not Listed? Here's How to Get Support
For any further inquiries, please reach out to us at elda@mofa.gov.bh. We will respond within 2 working days.