Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Development and International Security
<p>The Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Development and International Security is a postgraduate programme offered by Daystar University through the School of Arts and Humanities. The programme integrates three critical areas of global governance: diplomatic practice, development studies, and international security, preparing graduates for complex careers in international affairs.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 220,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 441,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 220,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of N/A (Postgraduate) or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Cybersecurity Data Lawyer, at 9 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, equipping students with knowledge of diplomatic protocols, development theory, security studies, and the intersections between these fields. Students develop competence in policy analysis, international negotiation, conflict management, and development planning within a security context.
Core areas of study include diplomatic theory and practice, international development, security studies, conflict resolution, international law, foreign policy analysis, development economics, and research methods. The programme emphasises the interconnectedness of diplomacy, development, and security in the contemporary global system, particularly in African contexts.
Daystar University is a private Christian university with campuses in Athi River and Nairobi. The School of Arts and Humanities offers programmes in international relations, diplomacy, peace studies, and security studies, with a commitment to values-based education and Christian principles.
The programme is designed for both recent graduates and professionals seeking careers in diplomacy, development agencies, security organisations, and international NGOs. Students complete coursework across trimesters and a research thesis, with the programme typically completed over two years of full-time study.
Graduates are prepared for careers as diplomats, development consultants, security analysts, policy advisors, international civil servants, and conflict resolution specialists in government, international organisations, NGOs, and private sector organisations engaged in international affairs.
Skills Required
- Diplomatic Theory and Practice
- International Development
- Security Studies
- Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
- International Law
- Foreign Policy Analysis
- Development Economics
- Policy Analysis
- International Negotiation
- Research Methods in International Studies
Key Subjects
- Diplomatic Theory and Practice
- International Development
- Security Studies
- Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
- International Law
- Foreign Policy Analysis
- Development Economics
- Policy Analysis
- International Negotiation
- Research Methods in International Studies
Certifications
- UNITAR Diplomatic Training Certification
- African Diplomatic Studies Association Membership
Specializations
Diplomatic Practice
Focuses on diplomatic theory, protocol, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, and the practical skills needed for diplomatic representation and negotiation.
International Development
Examines development theory, aid architecture, poverty reduction strategies, and the role of diplomacy in promoting sustainable development.
International Security
Covers security studies including conflict prevention, peacekeeping, terrorism, arms control, and human security in the international system.
Conflict Resolution
Focuses on negotiation, mediation, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction in conflict-affected regions, with emphasis on African contexts.
Development Diplomacy
Examines the intersection of diplomacy and development, including aid negotiation, development partnerships, and South-South cooperation.
Security and Development
Explores the relationship between security and development, including security sector reform, governance, and development in fragile states.
African Regional Integration
Focuses on diplomatic and development aspects of African regional integration, including AU, EAC, and IGAD frameworks.
Human Security
Examines human security approaches including protection of civilians, humanitarian intervention, and the responsibility to protect doctrine.
What you study
10 subjects- Diplomatic Theory and Practice
- International Development
- Security Studies
- Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
- International Law
- Foreign Policy Analysis
- Development Economics
- Policy Analysis
- International Negotiation
- Research Methods in International Studies
Modules
10 in the programmeDiplomatic Theory and Practice
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the theory and practice of diplomacy including diplomatic history, types of diplomacy, embassy operations, and the role of diplomats in international relations.
International Development Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers major theories of international development including modernisation, dependency, world systems, and human development approaches, with application to African contexts.
International Security Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines security studies including traditional and non-traditional security threats, conflict prevention, peacekeeping, terrorism, and human security.
International Law and Organisations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers international legal frameworks including treaties, diplomatic law, human rights law, and the role of international organisations in governance.
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines conflict resolution theory and practice including negotiation, mediation, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction in African contexts.
Development Economics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers economic aspects of development including poverty, inequality, trade, aid, and the economic dimensions of security and diplomacy.
Foreign Policy Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the formulation and implementation of foreign policy, including domestic influences, decision-making processes, and comparative foreign policy analysis.
Security and Development Nexus
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Explores the relationship between security and development, including security sector reform, governance in fragile states, and development in conflict-affected regions.
Research Methods in International Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in diplomacy, development, and security studies.
Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a topic at the intersection of diplomacy, development, and international security, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Specialisations
Diplomatic Practice
Focuses on diplomatic theory, protocol, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, and the practical skills needed for diplomatic representation and negotiation.
International Development
Examines development theory, aid architecture, poverty reduction strategies, and the role of diplomacy in promoting sustainable development.
International Security
Covers security studies including conflict prevention, peacekeeping, terrorism, arms control, and human security in the international system.
Conflict Resolution
Focuses on negotiation, mediation, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction in conflict-affected regions, with emphasis on African contexts.
Development Diplomacy
Examines the intersection of diplomacy and development, including aid negotiation, development partnerships, and South-South cooperation.
Security and Development
Explores the relationship between security and development, including security sector reform, governance, and development in fragile states.
African Regional Integration
Focuses on diplomatic and development aspects of African regional integration, including AU, EAC, and IGAD frameworks.
Human Security
Examines human security approaches including protection of civilians, humanitarian intervention, and the responsibility to protect doctrine.
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending lectures on diplomatic theory, development studies, or international security at Daystar University's School of Arts and Humanities. Students engage in seminar discussions on contemporary global challenges, participate in negotiation simulations, and analyse case studies of diplomatic interventions in development and security contexts. The programme includes guest lectures from practising diplomats and development professionals. Students also participate in research projects examining the intersection of diplomacy, development, and security in African contexts. Those in the thesis phase conduct independent research on topics such as regional integration, conflict prevention, or development partnerships.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Unique interdisciplinary programme combining diplomacy, development, and security, reflecting the interconnected nature of contemporary international affairs. | Private university fees are significantly higher than public university alternatives for similar programmes. |
| Offered at Daystar University, which has a strong reputation in arts and humanities education with a values-based approach. | The programme requires evidence of devotion to Christ, which may exclude non-Christian applicants. |
| Available in both full-time and part-time modes, accommodating working professionals. | Daystar's trimester system means higher annual costs compared to semester-based programmes at other universities. |
| Daystar offers a 15% discount on tuition for eligible students, reducing the financial burden. | Only one institution offers this specific programme, limiting choice and comparison. |
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
Maseno ~118.4K/yr. UoN proxy. Daystar 220.8K/yr (offers course). MKU 131.1K/yr.
Daystar University offers financial aid and scholarships for postgraduate students demonstrating academic merit and financial need. HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. The university also provides a 15% discount on tuition for eligible students.
Funding options
Daystar University Financial Aid
HELB Postgraduate Loan
Daystar University Scholarships
Scholarships
3 recordedDaystar University Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 100,000
Daystar postgraduate students demonstrating academic merit and financial need, applied for through the financial aid office.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Daystar University Scholarship
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
Outstanding postgraduate students with exceptional academic performance and demonstrated financial need.
Scholarships you could apply for
2 usable where it is taught- Chevening Scholarships Kenya
Closes 30 November 2026FullUK Government
Full masters in UK
- AfDB Japan Scholarship Program
Closes 28 February 2027FullAfrican Development Bank
Full graduate study abroad
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Applicants must provide evidence of devotion to Christ and sufficient mastery of English (TOEFL score of 500 or equivalent for non-Anglophone applicants). The programme admits students before the beginning of each semester.
When it next starts
Taught at 2 institutionsIncluding Strathmore University, Daystar University.
Including Strathmore University, Daystar University.
Including Strathmore University, Daystar University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, policy analysis papers, negotiation simulations, seminar presentations, and research assignments conducted throughout each trimester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-trimester examination covering course content, including essay questions, policy analysis, and case study analysis.
Negotiation Simulation
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment of negotiation and diplomatic skills through simulated diplomatic scenarios involving development and security dimensions.
Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a topic at the intersection of diplomacy, development, and international security, assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Professional certification
UN training institute providing diplomatic training certification. Certification recommended for career advancement in international diplomacy.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by Daystar University, a chartered private Christian university, through its School of Arts and Humanities.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
6 rolesDiplomat
Low demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000
Serves as a foreign service officer representing Kenya abroad, managing bilateral relations and diplomatic communication with a development and security perspective.
Development Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Consults on development programmes for international organisations, NGOs, and government agencies, applying diplomatic and security knowledge to development work.
Security Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Analyses security threats and risks for government agencies, international organisations, or private sector companies, with expertise in development-security linkages.
Policy Advisor
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 280,000
Advises government officials, international organisations, or NGOs on policy at the intersection of diplomacy, development, and security.
International Civil Servant
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Works in international organisations such as the UN, AU, or EAC, managing programmes that bridge diplomacy, development, and security.
Conflict Resolution Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 280,000
Facilitates conflict resolution and peacebuilding in conflict-affected regions, working with peacebuilding organisations and international bodies.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as diplomats, development consultants, security analysts, policy advisors, and conflict resolution specialists in government, international organisations, and NGOs.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Cybersecurity Data LawyerLaw9Low exposure
- Early Childhood StrategistEducation10Low exposure
- Special Needs EducatorEducation10Low exposure
- Career Guidance CounselorEducation11Low exposure
- In-House CounselLaw11Low exposure
- Adolescent Mentorship OfficerSocial Sciences14Low exposure
- Early Literacy SpecialistEducation14Low exposure
- STEM Laboratory EducatorEducation14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for research in international studies, analysing survey data, conflict data, and development indicators.
NVivo
SoftwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing policy documents, interview data, and diplomatic communications in research.
LexisNexis
Software
Legal research database for accessing international law materials, treaties, diplomatic documents, and legal precedents.
World Bank Open Data
Software
Open data platform providing development indicators, economic data, and statistics for research on development and security topics.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
This programme is just a combination of unrelated subjects.
The programme is deliberately designed to address the interconnected nature of diplomacy, development, and security in contemporary international affairs, reflecting how these fields operate together in practice.
You need to work in government to use this degree.
Graduates work in international organisations, NGOs, development agencies, private sector companies, and academia, applying their skills across multiple sectors.
The Christian foundation of Daystar limits the programme's scope.
The programme covers secular international relations theory and practice comprehensively, with Christian values providing an ethical framework rather than limiting academic content.
International security studies only covers military topics.
The programme covers comprehensive security including human security, environmental security, economic security, and non-traditional security threats alongside traditional military security.
Development studies is separate from diplomacy.
The programme specifically examines how diplomatic practice shapes development outcomes, including aid negotiation, development partnerships, and South-South cooperation.
This degree has limited career prospects compared to a pure international relations degree.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme actually broadens career options, qualifying graduates for roles in diplomacy, development, security, and conflict resolution simultaneously.