Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy is a four-year degree programme that equips students with advanced analytical tools and substantive knowledge to understand and address complex global challenges.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 223,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 892,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 194,600 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (Plus) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 8 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Early Childhood Strategist, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers contemporary global systems, diplomatic theory and practice, international law, foreign policy analysis, international political economy, conflict studies, regional integration, research methods, media and international affairs, and sustainable international development.
Students develop competencies in diplomatic analysis, negotiation, conflict resolution, policy evaluation, research design, cross-cultural communication, and international protocol. The programme combines lectures, seminars, research projects, and a mandatory three-month internship in the final year.
Graduates pursue careers as diplomats, foreign service officers, policy analysts, international organisation officers, NGO programme coordinators, political advisors, researchers, and international business consultants. They find employment in government ministries, embassies, international organisations, NGOs, research institutions, and multinational corporations.
The programme is offered at Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Technical University of Kenya, Mount Kenya University, Zetech University, and Riara University. Public university fees range from KSH 135,000 to KSH 153,000 per year, while private university fees range from KSH 105,000 to KSH 174,000 per year.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, following KUCCPS cluster subject requirements. The programme is grounded in strong training in research design and methodology, distinguishing it from traditional international relations programmes.
What you study
10 subjects- Contemporary Global System
- Diplomatic Theory and Practice
- International Law
- Foreign Policy Analysis
- International Political Economy
- Conflict Studies
- Regional Integration
- Research Methods
- Media and International Affairs
- Sustainable International Development
Modules
12 in the programmeContemporary Global System
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to the structure and dynamics of the contemporary international system, including major powers and institutions.
Introduction to Diplomacy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of diplomacy, including diplomatic history, types of diplomacy, and diplomatic protocol.
International Relations Theory
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Theoretical frameworks for understanding international relations, including realism, liberalism, and constructivism.
International Law
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Principles of international law, including treaties, state sovereignty, and international dispute resolution mechanisms.
Foreign Policy Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of foreign policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in selected countries.
International Political Economy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of the interaction between politics and economics in the international system, including trade and finance.
Conflict Studies and Peace-Building
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of conflict dynamics, causes, and peace-building strategies in international affairs.
Regional Integration in Africa
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of regional integration processes in Africa, including the EAC, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
Research Methods in International Relations
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Research design and methodology for studying international relations, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
Media and International Affairs
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Role of media in shaping international relations, public diplomacy, and global public opinion.
Kenya's Foreign Policy
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Analysis of Kenya's foreign policy, diplomatic history, and role in regional and international affairs.
Internship and Research Project
Year 4Semester 29 creditsCore
Three-month internship in a diplomatic mission, international organisation, or NGO, plus a research project on an international relations topic.
Specialisations
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Study of diplomatic practices, foreign policy formulation, and bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
International Security and Conflict Management
Examination of security challenges, conflict dynamics, and peace-building strategies in global affairs.
International Political Economy
Study of the interaction between politics and economics in the international system, including trade, finance, and development.
Regional Integration and African Studies
Study of regional organisations and integration processes, with emphasis on East Africa and the African continent.
Media and International Affairs
Examination of the role of media in shaping international relations, public diplomacy, and global public opinion.
Sustainable International Development
Study of sustainable development challenges and strategies in the international context, including the SDGs.
A day as a student
A typical day combines theoretical study with practical analysis of global affairs. Morning sessions cover diplomatic theory, international law, or contemporary global systems, while afternoons focus on seminars, diplomatic simulations, and policy analysis exercises. Students engage in case studies on current international issues, group discussions, and research methods workshops. Guest lectures by diplomats, policy analysts, and international organisation professionals complement classroom learning. A three-month internship in the final year provides hands-on experience in diplomatic missions, international organisations, or NGOs.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Programme offered at multiple universities providing institutional choice and competitive fees. | Diplomatic careers require passing competitive foreign service examinations. |
| Strong emphasis on research design and methodology, distinguishing it from traditional IR programmes. | Private university fees vary significantly, from KSH 105,000 to KSH 174,000 per year. |
| Mandatory three-month internship provides practical experience in diplomatic and international settings. | International organisation positions often require postgraduate qualifications and experience. |
| Kenya's role as a regional diplomatic hub with UN headquarters creates demand for graduates. | Programme requires strong interest in global affairs and continuous awareness of current events. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 241 social sciences coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN BA Intl Studies 223,000/yr, KU 153,000/yr (KUCCPS). MKU 105,000/yr, Riara 194,600/yr.
Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. Universities offer internal bursaries for needy students.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University Internal Bursaries
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
University Internal Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at respective universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KACE with two principal passes and a subsidiary pass; OR a degree from a recognised university; OR KCSE mean grade C- with a Diploma from a recognised institution; OR equivalent qualifications recognised by the university Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 8 institutionsIncluding Technical University of Kenya, Zetech University, Riara University.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Zetech University, Riara University.
Including Technical University of Kenya, Zetech University, Riara University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, policy briefs, and seminar presentations during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations covering diplomatic theory, international law, and global affairs.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original research on an international relations and diplomacy topic.
Internship Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Assessment of three-month internship performance, including supervisor evaluation and written report.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), the statutory body responsible for quality assurance and regulation of university education in Kenya.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesForeign Service Officer
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Serves in Kenyan embassies and consulates, handling diplomatic relations and consular services.
Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Analyses international policy issues for government, think tanks, or research institutions.
NGO Programme Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 95,000
Coordinates programmes in international NGOs focusing on development, humanitarian, or advocacy work.
International Organisation Officer
Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Works in international organisations such as the UN, AU, or EAC in programme or administrative roles.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000
Conducts research on international relations and diplomacy topics for universities or think tanks.
Political Affairs Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 85,000
Supports political analysis and reporting in government, embassies, or international organisations.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as diplomats, policy analysts, international organisation officers, and NGO programme coordinators. Demand is moderate with Kenya's role as a regional diplomatic hub.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
- TVET Competency AssessorEducation14Low exposure
- Vocational Workshop InstructorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Office
ProductivityPrimary
Productivity suite for policy briefs, research papers, and diplomatic correspondence.
SPSS
Statistical analysisPrimary
Statistical analysis software for quantitative research in international relations.
LexisNexis
Research database
Legal and news research database for international law and policy research.
Google Scholar
Research database
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature on international relations.
EndNote
Reference management
Reference management software for organising sources and citations in research papers.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
International relations and diplomacy only leads to careers in embassies.
Graduates work in diverse fields including NGOs, international business, research, journalism, and government policy.
The programme is purely theoretical with no practical application.
The programme includes diplomatic simulations, a mandatory three-month internship, and policy analysis exercises.
Diplomacy is only about attending formal events and protocol.
Modern diplomacy involves trade negotiation, conflict resolution, development cooperation, and public diplomacy.
The programme has limited job opportunities in Kenya.
Kenya hosts numerous embassies, UN agencies, and international NGOs, creating demand for diplomacy graduates.