Social Sciences

Master of Arts in International Studies

The Master of Arts in International Studies is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi. The programme is designed as an academic course with emphasis on subject areas of practical use and importance in the conduct of international affairs.

The programme is tailor-made to suit students, diplomats, professionals, business people, and other individuals interested in furthering their academic and career objectives in the conduct of international affairs. It provides a comprehensive scope and in-depth analysis of international issues related to diplomatic engagement.

Core areas of study include international relations theory, diplomatic studies, international law, global governance, international security, international political economy, and research methods. The programme emphasises the search for new and accurate knowledge to help society find answers to past and present international issues in governance, politics, security, economy, society, culture, and environment.

The programme uses a blended learning approach involving both face-to-face and Open, Distance and E-Learning (ODel) modes. Face-to-face instruction includes interactive lectures, class presentations, seminars, tutorials, case studies, fieldwork, and guest speakers. The ODel mode includes multi-media approaches, e-learning materials, and a robust Learner Management System.

The programme is designed to produce highly knowledgeable diplomacy scholars, technocrats, and policymakers. Credit transfer and exemptions are available for up to one-third of taught course units from recognised institutions. The programme has an annual September intake.

Graduates are prepared for roles as diplomatic service officers, foreign policy analysts, international organisation staff, policy researchers, and international affairs consultants. Kenya's hosting of the UN Office at Nairobi and numerous international organisations provides exceptional career opportunities.

Skills Required

International Relations Theory
Diplomatic Studies
International Law
Global Governance Analysis
International Security Studies
International Political Economy
Research Methods in International Studies
Diplomatic Negotiation
Foreign Policy Analysis
Cross-Cultural Communication

Key Subjects

Theories of International Relations
Diplomatic Studies
International Law
Global Governance
International Security
International Political Economy
Research Methods in International Studies
Foreign Policy Analysis
International Organisations
African International Relations

Certifications

Foreign Service Academy Certification
International Studies Association Membership

Specializations

Diplomatic Studies

Focuses on diplomatic theory, practice, and the skills necessary for managing international relations and conducting diplomatic engagement.

International Security

Examines security challenges, conflict dynamics, terrorism, and peace-building in the international system.

Global Governance

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

International Political Economy

Analyses the interaction of politics and economics in the international system, including trade, finance, and development.

Diplomacy and Development

Examines the role of diplomacy in promoting development, including development cooperation, foreign aid, and sustainable development.

Strategic Studies

Focuses on strategic analysis, defence policy, geopolitics, and the use of force in international relations.

International Law and Human Rights

Covers international legal frameworks, human rights regimes, and the role of international courts and tribunals.

Regional Integration Studies

Examines regional integration processes in Africa and other regions, including the AU, EAC, and continental free trade.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
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
Diplomatic Studies
International Law
Global Governance
International Security
International Political Economy
Research Methods in International Studies
Foreign Policy Analysis
International Organisations
African International Relations

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.
Diplomatic Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers diplomatic theory, practice, protocol, and the evolution of diplomacy from traditional to modern forms.
International Law
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers principles of international law including treaties, state responsibility, diplomatic law, and international dispute resolution.
International Security Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines security challenges including interstate conflict, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and emerging security threats.
International Political Economy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Analyses the interaction of politics and economics in the international system, including trade, finance, and globalisation.
Global Governance and International Organisations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Studies the architecture of global governance, the UN system, international financial institutions, and multilateral frameworks.
Research Methods in International Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original research in international studies.
Foreign Policy Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Analyses the formulation and implementation of foreign policy, including decision-making processes and comparative foreign policy.
African International Relations
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines Africa's role in international relations, including pan-Africanism, regional integration, and Africa's relations with major powers.
Thesis
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an international studies topic, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Diplomatic Studies
Focuses on diplomatic theory, practice, and the skills necessary for managing international relations and conducting diplomatic engagement.
International Security
Examines security challenges, conflict dynamics, terrorism, and peace-building in the international system.
Global Governance
Studies the architecture of global governance, multilateral institutions, and the role of international organisations.
International Political Economy
Analyses the interaction of politics and economics in the international system, including trade, finance, and development.
Diplomacy and Development
Examines the role of diplomacy in promoting development, including development cooperation, foreign aid, and sustainable development.
Strategic Studies
Focuses on strategic analysis, defence policy, geopolitics, and the use of force in international relations.
International Law and Human Rights
Covers international legal frameworks, human rights regimes, and the role of international courts and tribunals.
Regional Integration Studies
Examines regional integration processes in Africa and other regions, including the AU, EAC, and continental free trade.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on international relations theory, diplomatic studies, or global governance at the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies. Students engage in seminar discussions on contemporary global issues, participate in diplomatic simulations and case study analyses, and present research findings on international affairs. The blended learning approach combines face-to-face sessions with online engagement through the university's LMS. Those in the research phase conduct literature reviews, analyse international relations data, and work on their thesis under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Offered by the dedicated Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at UoN, ensuring specialised faculty and focused curriculum.
Blended learning approach with face-to-face and ODel modes provides flexibility for working professionals and distance learners.
Programme is designed for a diverse audience including diplomats, professionals, and business people, enriching classroom discussions.
Kenya's hosting of the UN Office at Nairobi and numerous international organisations provides exceptional career opportunities.

Against it

Only one institution offers this exact programme, limiting choice and geographic accessibility.
Programme-specific fee structure is not published on the department website, requiring direct enquiry for exact costs.
Requires Upper Second Class Honours for admission, which is stricter than some other MA programmes that accept Lower Second.
Annual September-only intake limits flexibility for application timing compared to programmes with multiple intakes.

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 221k

187k at Moi University221k at University of Nairobi

Private260k to 260k

260k at United States International University Africa260k 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 proxy ~220.5K/yr. Moi ~187.2K/yr. USIU 260.1K/yr (eafinder).

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

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Bursary
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
University of Nairobi Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at the University of Nairobi.
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 an equivalent qualification from another institution recognised by the University Senate as being of a comparable academic status may be considered. Credit transfer and exemptions are available for up to one-third of taught course units from recognised 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
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis assessed through written submission and oral defence before a faculty panel.
Seminar Participation and Case Studies
Coursework20% of the mark
Active participation in seminars, case study analyses, diplomatic simulations, and group projects.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi.

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.
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.
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.
Policy Researcher
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Conducts research on international affairs, security, and development for think tanks and research institutions.
International Affairs Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000
Provides consultancy services on international affairs, governance, and diplomatic engagement for organisations and businesses.
University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches international studies, 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 policy researchers, 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 studies 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 studies and diplomacy.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

International studies is the same as international relations.
While related, international studies takes a broader interdisciplinary approach encompassing diplomacy, law, economics, culture, and security, with a stronger emphasis on practical diplomatic skills.
The programme is only for aspiring diplomats.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, policy research, international business, journalism, and academia.
Distance learning modes are inferior to face-to-face instruction.
The ODel mode uses a robust Learner Management System with multi-media approaches, providing equivalent academic rigour with flexibility for working professionals.
International studies has limited career prospects in Kenya.
Kenya hosts the UN Office at Nairobi, numerous embassies, and international organisations, creating strong demand for international studies graduates.
The programme is purely theoretical.
The curriculum includes case studies, fieldwork, diplomatic simulations, and practical sessions designed to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world international affairs.
Only those with political science backgrounds can apply.
The programme accepts holders of any first degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours from a recognised university, accommodating diverse academic backgrounds.