Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies is a four-year degree programme offered by the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi.

The curriculum covers international relations theory, diplomatic studies, international law, global governance, foreign policy, international political economy, conflict and security studies, regional integration, research methods, and international development.

Students develop competencies in diplomatic analysis, policy evaluation, research design, cross-cultural communication, conflict assessment, and international protocol. The programme uses a blended learning approach combining face-to-face instruction with Open, Distance, and E-Learning (ODeL).

Graduates pursue careers in foreign service, diplomatic missions, international organisations such as the United Nations and African Union, international NGOs, government security agencies, international humanitarian agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector in international business.

The programme is offered exclusively at the University of Nairobi through the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies. Classes run during evening hours on a full-time basis, with intakes in January and September.

Accreditation is provided by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with a minimum of C in English, following University of Nairobi entry requirements. The programme also offers credit transfer and exemptions for up to one-third of taught course units from recognised institutions.

Duration: 4 Years
Public, up to: Ksh 223,000
Private, up to: Ksh 199,200
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

International Relations Theory
Diplomatic Studies
International Law
Global Governance
Foreign Policy
International Political Economy
Conflict and Security Studies
Regional Integration
Research Methods
International Development

Modules

12 in the programme

Introduction to International Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of international studies, including key actors, structures, and dynamics of the international system.
Theories of International Relations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Major 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.
Diplomatic Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of diplomatic theory, practice, protocol, and the evolution of diplomacy in international relations.
Foreign Policy Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of foreign policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in selected countries.
International Political Economy
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of the interaction between politics and economics in the international system, including trade and finance.
Conflict and Security Studies
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examination of conflict dynamics, security challenges, and peace-building strategies in international affairs.
Global Governance and International Organisations
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of global governance structures and the role of international organisations in managing global affairs.
Regional Integration in Africa
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of regional integration processes in Africa, including the EAC, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
Research Methods in International Studies
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Research design and methodology for studying international issues, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
International Development and Human Rights
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of development challenges, human rights frameworks, and humanitarian action in the international context.
Research Project
Year 4Semester 29 creditsCore
Final-year research project involving original research on an international studies topic and a written dissertation.

Specialisations

Diplomacy and Foreign Service
Study of diplomatic practices, foreign policy, and bilateral and multilateral relations for careers in foreign service.
International Security and Conflict
Examination of security challenges, conflict dynamics, and peace-building in the international system.
International Political Economy
Study of the interaction between politics and economics in global affairs, including trade and development.
Regional Integration and African Studies
Study of regional organisations and integration processes, with emphasis on East Africa and the African continent.
International Development and Human Rights
Study of development challenges, human rights frameworks, and humanitarian action in the international context.

A day as a student

A typical day combines theoretical study with practical analysis of global affairs. Evening sessions cover international relations theory, diplomatic studies, or international law, while seminars focus on case studies, policy analysis, and research methods. Students engage in group discussions on current international issues, diplomatic simulations, and research projects. The blended learning approach includes online components through the university's LMS alongside face-to-face instruction. Guest lectures by diplomats, policy analysts, and international organisation professionals complement classroom learning.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenya's premier university with strong academic reputation.
Blended learning approach combines face-to-face instruction with online learning for flexibility.
Evening class schedule accommodates working professionals and students with daytime commitments.
Programme offers credit transfer and exemptions for prior learning from recognised institutions.

Against it

Programme is offered at only one university, limiting institutional choice.
Annual fees of KSH 223,000 are relatively high for a public university programme.
Evening-only class schedule may not suit students preferring daytime study.
International organisation positions often require postgraduate qualifications and experience.

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 courses

Public153k to 223k

153k at Kenyatta University223k at University of Nairobi

Private105k to 199k

105k at Mount Kenya University199k at Daystar University

Annual 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, Daystar 199,200/yr.

Government-sponsored students receive fee subsidies through KUCCPS. HELB loans are available for eligible students. University of Nairobi offers bursaries for needy students.

Funding options

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
KUCCPS Government Sponsorship
University of Nairobi Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government subsidyKenyan
Kenyan students who meet KUCCPS cluster cut-off points for University of Nairobi.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
Government loanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities. Must demonstrate financial need.
University of Nairobi Bursaries
University bursaryKenyan
Registered students demonstrating financial need at the University of Nairobi.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+ (Plus)
Alternative entry: KCSE mean grade C+ with minimum C in English; OR KCE Division III with credit pass in English and a Diploma from a recognised institution; OR KCSE C plain with minimum C in English and a Diploma; OR KCSE C- with minimum C in English and a certificate and Diploma; OR A level certificate with at least two Principal Passes; OR holder of a degree from a recognised university.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Regular written tests, essays, assignments, and seminar presentations during the semester.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Two-hour written examinations at the end of each semester, governed by University of Nairobi Senate regulations.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Final-year research project involving original research on an international studies topic and a written dissertation.

Accreditation

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.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Foreign Service Officer
Low demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Serves in Kenyan embassies and consulates, handling diplomatic relations and consular services.
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.
NGO Programme Officer
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Manages programmes in international NGOs focusing on development, humanitarian, or advocacy work.
Policy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 90,000
Conducts research on international issues for think tanks, research institutions, or government.
Security Agency Analyst
Low demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000
Analyses international security issues for government security agencies.
International Business Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 110,000
Advises companies on international business operations, trade, and cross-cultural engagement.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in foreign service, diplomatic missions, international organisations, and NGOs. Demand is moderate with Kenya's role as a regional diplomatic hub.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

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 studies.
Google Scholar
Research database
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature on international studies.
UoN Library E-Resources
Research database
University of Nairobi digital library providing access to academic journals and databases.
EndNote
Reference management
Reference management software for organising sources and citations in research papers.

Certifications

Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Industry links

Common misconceptions

International studies is the same as international relations.
While related, international studies takes a broader multidisciplinary approach encompassing diplomacy, development, human rights, and cultural studies.
The programme only leads to diplomatic careers.
Graduates work in diverse fields including NGOs, security agencies, international business, research, and education.
Evening classes mean the programme is part-time.
The programme runs on a full-time basis with classes scheduled during evening hours to accommodate working professionals.
International studies has limited relevance in Kenya.
Kenya hosts numerous embassies, UN agencies, and international NGOs, creating strong demand for international studies graduates.