Certificate in International Relations
The Certificate in International Relations provides foundational knowledge in international affairs, diplomacy, global governance, and foreign policy. Students learn the principles of international relations, diplomatic practice, global political systems, international organisations, and Kenya's foreign policy. The programme is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, or as a pathway to further studies in international relations.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 36,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 36,500 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 72,000 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of D+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 1 year, full-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Adolescent Mentorship Officer, at 14 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students develop competencies in understanding international relations theory, diplomatic protocol, global governance structures, international law basics, political analysis, and research skills. The curriculum covers international relations fundamentals, diplomacy and foreign policy, international organisations, global security, international political economy, and research methods. Analytical and communication skills are developed through seminars and project work.
Kenya plays a significant role in regional and international affairs, hosting the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and numerous international organisations in Nairobi. Kenya's diplomatic engagement in the East African Community, African Union, and global forums creates demand for personnel with international relations knowledge. NGOs, think tanks, and corporate organisations operating across borders also require staff with foundational understanding of international affairs.
The programme combines classroom lectures with seminar discussions, case studies, and project work. Students analyse current international events, participate in model diplomacy exercises, and research international relations topics. Teaching methods include lectures, group discussions, case study analysis, research assignments, and presentations.
Graduates find employment as research assistants, programme assistants, or administrative staff in diplomatic missions, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and corporate offices dealing with international affairs. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in international relations, diplomacy, or political science. Some graduates use the qualification to support careers in journalism, business, or public administration.
This programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in global affairs, diplomacy, or international work, as well as individuals already working in related fields who seek formal qualification. The programme is also suitable for professionals in business, media, or civil society who wish to understand international relations concepts.
What you study
10 subjects- International Relations Theory
- Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
- International Organisations
- Global Security and Conflict
- International Political Economy
- International Law Basics
- Kenya's Foreign Policy
- Research Methods in International Relations
- Political Analysis
- Communication and Protocol
Modules
8 in the programmeInternational Relations Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational theories of international relations including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and Marxism, and their application to understanding global politics.
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Diplomatic practice and foreign policy covering diplomatic protocol, types of diplomacy, foreign policy formulation, and Kenya's foreign policy objectives.
International Organisations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
International organisations covering the United Nations system, African Union, East African Community, World Bank, IMF, and their roles in global governance.
Global Security and Conflict
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Global security issues covering conflict, peace and security, terrorism, arms control, peacekeeping, and security challenges in Africa and the Horn of Africa.
International Political Economy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
International political economy covering global trade, finance, development, globalisation, and the economic dimensions of international relations.
International Law Basics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Fundamentals of international law covering sources of international law, state sovereignty, international treaties, human rights law, and international humanitarian law.
Research Methods and Political Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Research methods for international relations covering qualitative and quantitative methods, political analysis, policy analysis, and academic writing.
Communication, Protocol and Capstone Project
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Diplomatic communication and protocol, professional writing for international affairs, and a capstone research project on a contemporary international relations topic.
Specialisations
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Focus on diplomatic practice, foreign policy analysis, protocol, and Kenya's international engagement.
International Development
Focus on development issues in international relations, including aid, trade, and global development frameworks.
Global Security
Focus on security studies, conflict analysis, peace and security in Africa, and international security frameworks.
A day as a student
A typical day involves morning lectures on international relations theory or diplomatic practice, followed by afternoon seminar discussions analysing current global events. Students participate in group discussions, research assignments, model diplomacy exercises, and presentations on international affairs topics. Guest lectures from practitioners may supplement classroom learning.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Nairobi hosts numerous international organisations and diplomatic missions, creating local opportunities for IR graduates. | Direct employment in diplomacy typically requires degree-level qualifications and competitive selection processes. |
| Provides a pathway to diploma and degree programmes in international relations, diplomacy, and political science. | The field is competitive with limited entry-level positions compared to business or technology fields. |
| Knowledge is transferable across government, NGO, private sector, and media careers. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility. |
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
Private: MKU 72K, Finstock 46K/yr. Public: Kisii Univ 36.5K/yr (kisiiuniversity.ac.ke).
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies
Scholarships you could apply for
6 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
- 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
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE D+ (Plus) or equivalent recognised by PIU Senate.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Pioneer International University, Management University of Africa, Kisii University.
Including Pioneer International University, Management University of Africa, Kisii University.
Including Pioneer International University, Management University of Africa, Kisii University.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination40% of the mark
Regular CATs evaluating understanding of international relations theory, diplomacy, and global governance.
Research Assignments and Presentations
Project30% of the mark
Research assignments, seminar presentations, and analytical papers on contemporary international relations topics.
End of Semester Examinations and Capstone
Written examination30% of the mark
Final examinations and a capstone research project demonstrating analytical and research competencies.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
PIU is chartered by CUE. The programme is offered under the School of Development and Strategic Studies.
Pioneer International University is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered under the School of Development and Strategic Studies.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesResearch Assistant
Low demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 55,000
Supports research on international affairs topics in think tanks, research institutions, and policy organisations, conducting literature reviews and data collection.
Programme Assistant (International NGO)
Moderate demandKsh 22,000 to Ksh 60,000
Supports programme implementation in international NGOs, assisting with coordination, reporting, and administrative functions for cross-border programmes.
Diplomatic Mission Assistant
Low demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 65,000
Provides administrative support in diplomatic missions and consulates, assisting with protocol, correspondence, and event coordination.
International Business Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 55,000
Supports international business operations in companies engaged in cross-border trade, assisting with international market research and business communication.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as research assistants and programme assistants in diplomatic missions, international organisations, and NGOs, with opportunities for progression to diploma and degree programmes.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Correctional CounselorSocial Sciences15Low exposure
- Child Protection OfficerSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- CriminologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Human Rights InvestigatorSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Social GerontologistSocial Sciences16Low exposure
- Community Resilience SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
- Gender Integration SpecialistSocial Sciences17Low exposure
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
International relations is only for people who want to be diplomats.
International relations knowledge is valuable in NGOs, international organisations, journalism, business, and civil society, not just diplomatic careers.
You need to work for the government to use international relations skills.
International relations skills are used in private sector, NGOs, think tanks, media, and international organisations operating in Kenya.
International relations is just about politics.
International relations encompasses economics, law, security, development, environmental issues, and cultural relations between nations.
A certificate in international relations cannot lead to employment.
International organisations, NGOs, and diplomatic missions in Nairobi employ certificate holders as research and programme assistants, particularly for administrative and support roles.