Students on the MSc Diplomacy and International Security programme visited Brussels recently for a series of high-level diplomacy engagements. The visit offered students a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the practice of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy at the heart of European and transatlantic policymaking.

The group was welcomed to the British Ambassador's Residence for a series of talks with diplomats working across a range of institutions and policy areas. Students engaged with representatives from the British Embassy, the UK Mission to the EU, the UK Mission to NATO, and the Scottish Government EU Office, gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary diplomatic practice and international cooperation.

At the Lithuanian Permanent Representation to the EU, students were hosted by programme alumnus Mr Povilas Lazdauskas, now serving as a Lithuanian diplomat. Mr Lazdauskas shared valuable insights into Lithuania's priorities and preparations for its upcoming Presidency of the EU Council. As a member of the Council's Working Party on the United Kingdom, he also offered a fascinating perspective on the day-to-day processes and negotiations involved in EU policymaking. The opportunity to be hosted by a former student was especially meaningful and inspiring for the cohort.

The visit also included engagements with EU institutions. At the Council of the European Union, students toured the building and took part in a session designed specifically for the MSc cohort, providing valuable insight into the Council's role, diplomatic negotiations, and the EU's foreign and security policy processes.

Programme Director Dr Rogelia Pastor-Castro commented: "It was wonderful to see such strong engagement from our students, who asked thoughtful and insightful questions throughout the visit. I am very grateful to British Ambassador Anne Sherriff for agreeing to the visit. Having previously worked with Ambassador Sherriff, it was a pleasure to reconnect and to see the excellent range of speakers that her team had brought together for our students. We are also extremely grateful to all the speakers who gave their time so generously to share their expertise and experiences with us."

Students have shared their highlights from the visit on social media. One student wrote: "Last week was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my MSc Diplomacy and International Security journey! I always tell people that one of the main reasons why I joined this programme was because of its focus on employability by offering practitioner engagement."

• For further information on the MSc Diplomacy and International Security, please visit the programme website
• Read our interview with Diplomacy and International Security graduate Povilas Lasdauskas