Dr. Yolanda Spies

Associate Professor

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Biography

Yolanda Spies is an accomplished academic with significant experience in diplomacy and international relations. She directs the Diplomatic Studies Programme at Oxford University, having transitioned to academia in 2005 after an 18-year career as a South African diplomat. With a focus on diplomatic training and foreign policy analysis, her doctoral studies led to the design of a customized Master of Diplomatic Studies program at the University of Pretoria, which she directed in 2016. Spies has taught at various universities, including serving as an adjunct professor at Webster University in Accra, Ghana, and as an Associate Professor of International Studies at Zayed University in the UAE. Her research interests span several aspects of diplomacy, international organizations, law, and conflict resolution, with a particular emphasis on changing global power dynamics and African politics. Spies’ interdisciplinary work has been reflected in her publications, including 'Global Diplomacy: International Society' and 'Global South Perspectives on Diplomacy,' both released in 2019.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Oxford

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Politics, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, Philosophy or Sociology
Application Checklist
  • Three academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (1,000 words)
  • Two academic essays (2,000 words each)
Specialization Notes

Department of Politics and International Relations - Higher Level English requirement.