Diploma in National Security and Strategy
The Diploma in National Security and Strategy is a specialised programme that equips students with knowledge and analytical skills in national security policy, strategic studies, defence management and international security. Offered at the National Defence University of Kenya through the National Defence College, the programme prepares senior military officers and civil servants for higher responsibilities in national security direction and management.
The short answer
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ 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 1 institution.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
The curriculum covers national security strategy, defence policy, strategic studies, international relations and security, intelligence studies, crisis management, conflict resolution, geopolitics, military strategy, security sector governance, terrorism and counter-terrorism, cybersecurity policy, economic security and research methods. Students develop analytical and strategic thinking skills for security policy formulation.
Kenya faces complex security challenges including terrorism, border insecurity, cyber threats and regional instability. The programme responds to the need for senior personnel equipped with strategic-level knowledge to direct and manage national security affairs, supporting Kenya's national security architecture.
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, case studies, strategic simulations, research projects, study tours, guest lectures from security practitioners and a research thesis. Students engage with contemporary security challenges through scenario-based learning and strategic analysis exercises.
Graduates serve in senior national security roles within the Kenya Defence Forces, National Intelligence Service, National Police Service, Ministry of Defence and other government security agencies. They can also progress to a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy at NDU-K.
Prospective students should be senior military officers or equivalent civil servants nominated for strategic-level security training. The programme is designed for professionals already serving in security-related capacities.
What you study
8 subjects- National Security Strategy and Defence Policy
- Strategic Studies and Military Strategy
- International Relations and Global Security
- Intelligence Studies and Crisis Management
- Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Asymmetric Warfare
- Geopolitics and Regional Security
- Security Sector Governance and Cybersecurity Policy
- Research Methods and Security Strategy Research Project
Modules
6 in the programmeNational Security Strategy and Defence Policy
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers national security strategy formulation, defence policy development, security architecture, civil-military relations and national security decision-making processes.
Strategic Studies and Military Strategy
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Covers strategic theory, classical and modern strategic thought, military strategy, deterrence, asymmetric warfare and contemporary strategic challenges.
International Relations and Global Security
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers international relations theory, global security architecture, alliances, regional security complexes, Great Power competition and international security organisations.
Intelligence Studies and Crisis Management
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers intelligence theory, intelligence cycle, intelligence analysis, crisis management, decision-making under uncertainty and strategic warning.
Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Geopolitics
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Covers terrorism studies, radicalisation, counter-terrorism strategies, geopolitics, regional security in Africa, Horn of Africa security dynamics and border security.
Security Sector Governance and Research Project
Year 1Semester 26 creditsCore
Covers security sector governance, cybersecurity policy, economic security, research methods and a security strategy research project assessed through a thesis and oral defence.
Specialisations
Defence Strategy
Focuses on military strategy and defence planning for senior military officers.
Intelligence and Security
Specialises in intelligence analysis and security operations for intelligence professionals.
Counter-Terrorism
Focuses on terrorism studies and counter-terrorism strategies for security practitioners.
Regional Security
Specialises in geopolitics and regional security dynamics for diplomatic and security roles.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on national security strategy or geopolitics, followed by a seminar discussion on contemporary security challenges. Afternoon sessions may include a strategic simulation exercise, a case study on crisis management, or a guest lecture from a senior security practitioner. Students also work on research projects and prepare strategic analysis papers.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme is offered at Kenya's premier defence institution, providing unique access to security expertise and networks. | The programme is restricted to nominated senior military officers and civil servants, not open to general public enrolment. |
| Graduates can progress to a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy at NDU-K. | The programme is only available at one specialised institution. |
| The programme addresses Kenya's complex security challenges with strategic-level training. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
The fine print
Military institution (NDU-K/NDC); fees not publicly available for civilian enrollment.
The programme is typically government-sponsored for nominated military officers and civil servants. International participants may be sponsored by their respective governments.
Funding options
Government Sponsorship
Scholarships
1 recordedGovernment Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Nominated senior military officers and civil servants sponsored by their respective government agencies
Scholarships you could apply for
3 usable where it is taught- 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
Nominated senior military officers (rank of Colonel and above) or equivalent civil servants, or holders of a relevant bachelor's degree with security sector experience.
When it next starts
Taught at 1 institutionIncluding National Defence University - Kenya.
Including National Defence University - Kenya.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment
Written examination40% of the mark
Mid-course and end-of-module written assessments covering national security strategy, intelligence studies and geopolitics.
Strategic Analysis Papers
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of strategic analysis papers, policy briefs and case study presentations on contemporary security challenges.
Security Strategy Research Project
Project30% of the mark
A research project on a national security topic, assessed through a written thesis and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the National Defence University of Kenya through the National Defence College.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesSecurity Policy Analyst
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Analyses security threats, develops policy recommendations and supports national security decision-making in government agencies.
Defence Strategic Planner
Low demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Develops defence strategies, plans military operations at strategic level and supports defence policy formulation in the Kenya Defence Forces.
Intelligence Analyst
Low demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 320,000
Analyses intelligence data, produces strategic assessments and supports national security intelligence operations.
Security Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 400,000
Provides security advisory services to government agencies, international organisations and private sector on national security matters.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates serve in senior national security roles within the Kenya Defence Forces, intelligence services, police and government security agencies.
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
National security studies is only for military personnel.
National security and strategy programmes also train civil servants, intelligence analysts, policy makers and security sector professionals, not only military officers.
National security is only about military defence.
National security encompasses economic security, cybersecurity, food security, environmental security and human security, alongside traditional military defence.
This programme is widely available at many universities.
The Diploma in National Security and Strategy is offered exclusively at the National Defence University of Kenya, a specialised defence institution.
Security studies has no civilian career applications.
Graduates apply their strategic analysis skills in government policy, intelligence, diplomacy, security consulting and international organisations.