 He studied classics and English at Selwyn College, Cambridge, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968; as per tradition, this was promoted to a Master of Arts (MA (Cantab)) degree in 1972.From 1968 to 1973, Stevens worked as a senior management trainee for British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and in 1972 and 1973 as second secretary for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.After Cambridge, Stevens studied at Ripon Hall, Oxford, where he gained a diploma in theology.