Social Sciences

Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy

The Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by Kenyatta University and Mount Kenya University. The programme provides advanced training in international relations, diplomatic practice, and global affairs, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, and foreign policy analysis.

The programme combines theoretical foundations of international relations with practical diplomatic skills, covering foreign policy analysis, international law, diplomatic protocol, negotiation, and global governance. Students examine the dynamics of international cooperation and conflict from both African and global perspectives.

Core areas of study include theories of international relations, diplomacy and foreign policy, international law, international political economy, conflict and security studies, African diplomacy, and research methods. The curriculum emphasises the interplay between theory and practice in diplomatic engagement.

At Kenyatta University, the programme is offered through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences with full-time, part-time, and digital learning modes across multiple campuses including Main, City, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Embu. Mount Kenya University offers the programme through its School of Social Sciences with digital learning options.

The programme accommodates working professionals in government, international organisations, security agencies, and the private sector. Students can choose between thesis and project paper options depending on their career goals and research interests.

Graduates are prepared for roles as diplomatic service officers, foreign policy analysts, international organisation staff, political advisors, and international development consultants. Kenya's position as a diplomatic hub hosting the UN Office at Nairobi and numerous international organisations enhances career opportunities.

Skills Required

Diplomatic Theory and Practice
Foreign Policy Analysis
International Negotiation
International Law
Diplomatic Protocol
International Political Economy
Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Research Methods in International Relations
African Diplomacy
Global Governance

Key Subjects

Theories of International Relations
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
International Law
International Political Economy
Conflict and Security Studies
Diplomatic Protocol and Negotiation
Research Methods in International Relations
African Diplomacy
Global Governance
International Organisations

Certifications

Foreign Service Academy Certification
International Studies Association Membership

Specializations

Diplomatic Practice and Protocol

Focuses on the practical aspects of diplomacy including diplomatic protocol, consular services, negotiation techniques, and diplomatic communication.

Foreign Policy and Strategy

Examines the formulation and implementation of foreign policy, strategic studies, and the role of state and non-state actors in international affairs.

International Security and Conflict Management

Covers security challenges, conflict dynamics, peacekeeping operations, and conflict resolution mechanisms in the international system.

International Political Economy

Analyses the intersection of politics and economics in international relations, including trade, finance, development, and globalisation.

African Diplomacy and Regional Integration

Focuses on African diplomatic traditions, regional integration processes, and Africa's role in the international system.

Global Governance and Multilateralism

Studies the architecture of global governance, multilateral institutions, and the role of international organisations in managing global challenges.

International Development Cooperation

Examines international development frameworks, foreign aid, sustainable development, and the role of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Diplomacy and Media

Explores the intersection of diplomacy and media, including public diplomacy, strategic communication, and the role of media in international relations.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 268,500
Private, up to: Ksh 260,065
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Theories of International Relations
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
International Law
International Political Economy
Conflict and Security Studies
Diplomatic Protocol and Negotiation
Research Methods in International Relations
African Diplomacy
Global Governance
International Organisations

Modules

10 in the programme

Theories of International Relations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major theoretical approaches to international relations including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theories.
Diplomacy and Foreign Policy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers diplomatic theory and practice, foreign policy formulation, and the role of diplomacy in managing international relations.
International Law
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers principles of international law including treaties, state responsibility, diplomatic law, and international dispute resolution.
International Political Economy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analyses the interaction of politics and economics in the international system, including trade, finance, and globalisation.
Conflict and Security Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines security challenges, conflict dynamics, terrorism, and peacekeeping operations in the international system.
Diplomatic Protocol and Negotiation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers diplomatic protocol, consular practice, negotiation techniques, and diplomatic communication in bilateral and multilateral settings.
Research Methods in International Relations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in international relations and diplomatic studies.
African Diplomacy and Regional Integration
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines African diplomatic traditions, regional integration processes, and Africa's role in the international system.
Global Governance and International Organisations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Studies the architecture of global governance, the UN system, international financial institutions, and multilateral frameworks.
Thesis or Project Paper
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis or project paper on an international relations and diplomacy topic, assessed through submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Diplomatic Practice and Protocol
Focuses on the practical aspects of diplomacy including diplomatic protocol, consular services, negotiation techniques, and diplomatic communication.
Foreign Policy and Strategy
Examines the formulation and implementation of foreign policy, strategic studies, and the role of state and non-state actors in international affairs.
International Security and Conflict Management
Covers security challenges, conflict dynamics, peacekeeping operations, and conflict resolution mechanisms in the international system.
International Political Economy
Analyses the intersection of politics and economics in international relations, including trade, finance, development, and globalisation.
African Diplomacy and Regional Integration
Focuses on African diplomatic traditions, regional integration processes, and Africa's role in the international system.
Global Governance and Multilateralism
Studies the architecture of global governance, multilateral institutions, and the role of international organisations in managing global challenges.
International Development Cooperation
Examines international development frameworks, foreign aid, sustainable development, and the role of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Diplomacy and Media
Explores the intersection of diplomacy and media, including public diplomacy, strategic communication, and the role of media in international relations.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on diplomatic theory, foreign policy analysis, or international law at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students engage in seminar discussions on contemporary global issues, participate in mock diplomatic negotiations and protocol exercises, and present research papers on regional conflicts or diplomatic initiatives. Those in the research phase conduct literature reviews, analyse international relations data, and work on their thesis or project paper under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Offered at both public (KU) and private (MKU) universities, providing choice of institution, cost, and study mode.
MKU's digital learning option at KES 45,000 per semester makes the programme accessible and affordable for working professionals.
KU offers multiple study modes and campuses including Main, City, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Embu, providing geographic flexibility.
Kenya's hosting of the UN Office at Nairobi and numerous international organisations creates strong career opportunities for graduates.

Against it

Only two institutions offer this exact programme, limiting choice compared to the broader MA International Relations.
KU's fees of KES 216,000 per year are significantly higher than MKU's digital learning option, creating cost disparity.
Diplomatic service positions are highly competitive, with limited annual recruitment through the Foreign Service Academy.
The programme requires strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, with extensive reading on global affairs and diplomatic practice.

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

Public187k to 269k

187k at Moi University269k at University of Nairobi

Private131k to 260k

131k at Mount Kenya University260k at United States International University Africa

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 268.5K/yr. Moi ~187.2K/yr. USIU 260.1K/yr. MKU 131.1K/yr.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, university-specific postgraduate bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme for academically talented Africans.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University Postgraduate Bursary
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at their respective universities.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Academically talented young Africans facing economic, social, or institutional barriers.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Holders of a Bachelor's degree with a pass plus a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant field may be considered. The University Senate recognises equivalent qualifications from accredited institutions.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, seminar presentations, policy briefs, and analytical essays conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering all course unit content, including essay questions and policy analysis scenarios.
Thesis or Project Paper
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or project paper assessed through written submission and oral defence.
Negotiation and Protocol Exercises
Coursework20% of the mark
Practical exercises including mock negotiations, diplomatic simulations, and protocol demonstrations.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by Kenyatta University and Mount Kenya University.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
International Studies Association
Professional membership
Global professional association for international studies scholars. Membership recommended for professional networking.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Diplomatic Service Officer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Serves in Kenya's foreign missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, managing bilateral and multilateral relations. Senior officers earn KES 200,000 to 400,000 per month including foreign service allowances.
Foreign Policy Analyst
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Analyses international developments and advises government, think tanks, and international organisations on foreign policy issues.
International Organisation Staff
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Works in UN agencies, African Union, EAC, and other international organisations based in Nairobi and abroad.
Political Advisor
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 280,000
Provides political analysis and advisory services to government officials, international organisations, and political campaigns.
International Development Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides consultancy services on international development, governance, and conflict resolution for NGOs and development agencies.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches international relations, diplomacy, and political science at universities, contributing to research and scholarship.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue roles as diplomatic service officers, foreign policy analysts, international organisation staff, and political advisors, with strong demand driven by Kenya's role as a diplomatic hub.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical software for quantitative analysis in international relations research.
NVivo
SoftwarePrimary
Qualitative data analysis software for coding and analysing policy documents, interviews, and diplomatic communications.
Microsoft Word
Software
Primary tool for academic writing, thesis preparation, policy briefs, and diplomatic reporting.
Google Scholar
Platform
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature on international relations and diplomacy.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

International relations and diplomacy only leads to government diplomatic service.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, policy research, international business, journalism, and academia.
Diplomacy is only about attending formal events and ceremonies.
Modern diplomacy involves complex negotiations, policy analysis, conflict resolution, economic statecraft, and public diplomacy requiring advanced analytical and communication skills.
You need connections to work in diplomacy.
Kenya's Foreign Service recruits through competitive public service processes, with a master's degree in international relations being a recognised qualification.
The programme is only for those interested in global politics.
The programme covers economics, law, security, development, and media, providing skills applicable across multiple sectors.
Online and digital learning modes are less rigorous than full-time study.
MKU's digital learning option covers the same curriculum as full-time, with equivalent assessment standards and CUE accreditation.
A diplomacy degree has limited value outside Nairobi.
Graduates work in county governments, border regions, international NGO field offices, and regional organisations across Kenya and East Africa.