The School of International Relations and Diplomacy is one of the most vibrant, fast-growing and with alluring academic and professional programmes in East and Central Africa. The School’s exemplary and cutting-edge teaching, research and partnership has attracted students and faculty from across the globe. It is essentially a microcosm of the diplomatic community dedicated to academic excellence and global responsibility.
Our Faculty
Riara School of International Relations & Diplomacy is a talent and critical thinking incubator for global shapers and movers. The School has seasoned and respected faculty who have travelled far and wide, and won awards for their teaching, research, and service to humanity. They actively contribute to both scholarly and policy debates while using their connections with external communities to the benefit of students. They nurture our future diplomats with passion, dedication and professional excellence.
Course Content
In the first semester of your academic calendar, our faculty will introduce you to a variety of international relations and diplomacy courses. You will be taught a total of 51 units including Community Service and Internship at an organisation of your choice. Most of our students find internship placement in various agencies of the United Nations, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and East African Community (EAC). In addition, private sector organisations and international business enterprises are increasingly attracting our students for internship and employment opportunities.
Foreign Languages
Riara University prides itself of being the first institution of higher learning in East and Central Africa to have established a robust mechanism of integrating foreign languages into the practice of diplomacy and regional studies. Our graduates have the freedom to select at least one foreign language as part of their qualifying credentials. Foreign languages are taught and coordinated by the Global and Language Studies Centre (GLASC).
We offer:
- French
- Arabic
- Chinese
Career Opportunities
On successful completion of your course, following are some of the opportunities open to you:
- Negotiators and mediators
- Diplomats in Kenyan embassies
- International business leaders
- Careers in foreign embassies in Kenya
- Careers in international organisations
- Careers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Careers in the Ministry of East African Community
- Careers in defense
- Careers at the United Nations
- Careers at the African Union
- Careers in regional bodies
- International researchers
Would you like to be a Professional Recognized Globally?
Join the rest of future diplomats at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) and interact with more than 50 international partners from across the globe that will sharpen your wit and professional character. We achieve this through the monthly week of Diplomatic Image Simulation (DIS).
Admission Requirements
- A minimum of C+ at KCSE or KACE with two principals and one subsidiary or its equivalent.
- Be a holder of IGCSE with 5 credits or equivalent international qualifications.
- Be a holder of a Diploma in International Relations and Diplomacy of Riara University with a GPA of 2.00 (C) or equivalent qualification from an institution recognised by CUE.
Our intake is in January, May and August. Application forms can be picked from our Nairobi campus on Mbagathi Way. They can also be downloaded directly from our website at www.riarauniversity.ac.ke.
Fee Structure
- Kshs. 87,000 per semester for a total of 8 semesters amounting to Kshs. 700,000.
- Statutory charges are Kshs. 20,500 per academic year.
- One off payment is Kshs. 12,000.
- Registration fee is paid every semester at Kshs. 1,000.
- Kshs. 26,400 is charged for industrial attachment.
Why get a diploma in International Relations and diplomacy?
• You will be equipped with basic knowledge to enroll for a degree program.
• You will showcase your competence in diplomatic practice.
• Assurance of your client that you can handle emerging challenges in
all the dimensions of the international system and diplomacy.
• You have a competitive advantage in the global job market.
Course Content
In the first semester of your academic calendar, our faculty will introduce you to a variety of international relations and diplomacy courses. You will
be taught a total of 22 units including Community Service and internship at an organisation of your choice. Most of our students find internship
placement in various agencies of the United Nations, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and the East African Community (EAC). In addition, private sector organisations and international business enterprises are increasingly attracting our students for internship and employment opportunities. The diploma program can be completed in two academic years in which the last semester is dedicated to the internship programme.
Foreign Languages
Riara University prides itself of being the first institution of higher learning in East and Central Africa to have established a robust mechanism of
integrating foreign languages in the practice of diplomacy and regional studies. Our graduates have the freedom to select at least one foreign language as part of their qualifying credentials. Foreign languages are taught and coordinated by the Global and Language Studies Centre (GLASC).
We offer:
• French
• Arabic
• Chinese
Career Opportunities
• Qualification for a degree program in international relations and diplomacy
• Support staff in diplomatic and international establishments
• Diplomats in Kenyan embassies
• International business leaders
• Careers in foreign embassies in Kenya
• Careers in international organisations
• Careers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Careers in the Ministry of East African Community
• Careers in defense
• Careers at the United Nations
• Careers at the African Union
• Careers in regional bodies
• International researchers
Admission Requirements
• A minimum of C plain at KCSE with a C or above in English and in any science or its equivalent.
• Be a holder of a KACE with 1 principal and a credit pass in English andi any science at KCE or its equivalent.
• Be a holder of a KCE with Division III or its equivalent.
Our intake is in January, May and August. Application forms can be picked from our Nairobi campus on Mbagathi Way. They can also be downloaded directly from our website at www.riarauniversity.ac.ke.
Fee Structure
• Kshs. 42,000 per semester for a total of 4 semesters amounting to Kshs. 168,000.
• Statutory charges are Kshs. 11,500 per academic year.
• One off payment is Kshs. 9,000.
• Registration fee is paid every semester at Kshs. 1,000.
• Kshs. 14,000 is charged for industrial attachment.
• Community service fee is equivalent to the cost of one core unit.
• Graduation fees is payable during the first semester of the student’s final year.
Our intake is in January, May and August. Application forms can be picked from our Nairobi campus on Mbagathi Way. They can also be downloaded directly from our website at www.riarauniversity.ac.ke.
Why should you learn about Corporate Diplomacy?
The internationalisation of education and the work environment is increasingly becoming complex. This complex environment calls for appropriate intercultural adaptation and appreciation by professionals. Intercultural adaptation has been found to increase organisational productivity by fostering:
• Peaceful co-existence
• Meaningful social networks
• Spirit of camaraderie
• Self-motivation
• Conducive working environment
• Competence based organisational performance
This Course equips the student with not only skills and knowledge on intercultural adaptability but also on appreciation of diversity. Corporate
diplomacy is anchored on three practices; etiquette, protocol and leadership. Integrating these attributes in the organisational performance will definitely prove to be a game changer in resolving interpersonal challenges facing the corporate world and other international institutions in the 21st century.
Why Professionals require Corporate Diplomacy
Corporate Diplomacy exerts a more pervasive influence not only on our daily lives but also within the organisation/institution. Unfortunately, this attribute has not gained a foothold in the management of the corporate world and international organisations/institutions.
Benefits of Corporate Diplomacy
Corporate diplomacy brings with it the following benefits:
• Enhancing public relations
• Networking
• Relationship management
• Social corporate responsibility
How will you Apply Corporate Diplomacy in your organization?
Diplomatic etiquette, protocol and leadership attributes are a set of rules, norms and values that professionals require in various settings/occasions in order to achieve organisational goals, including:
• Conducting ceremonies according to rules
• Officiating high level functions
• Building organisational reputation
• Promoting courtesy
• Ensuring respect for clients/organisations
• Initiating change and transformation
Diplomatic Corporate Competencies attained through this Course
• You will acquire the UN leadership competencies
• Assurance to your organisation and clients of your professional competence
• A competitive advantage when marketing your services internationally
• A sense of achievement and confidence
• A credential for your resume when applying for promotion
• Respect accorded as a professional
• Evidence and display of your expertise, knowledge, skills and competence when operating in a multicultural environment
Objectives
1. To develop and exhibit cultural tolerance
2. To nurture the organisational brand for the international market
3. To exhibit behavior and actions that guard the organisation’s reputation
4. To manage organisational ceremonies and functions appropriately
5. To apply the skills and knowledge of corporate diplomacy in positioning the organisation strategically in the dynamic market
Duration
The Course has a recommended completion period of 6 weeks. However, you may choose to complete it in as short as 4 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
Facilitators
This course is offered in collaboration with various diplomatic missions and other organisations of diplomatic standing. Facilitators are individuals with exceptional qualities who have served in diplomatic missions as ambassadors, foreign service officers and other diplomatic appointments.
Pedagogy
The training is based on the CANVAS model of learning combined with practical experiences, diplomatic simulations and exposure of learners to
various cultures through video, field visits to embassies as well as expert talk from diplomats.
Fees Structure
A. The fee charged for Corporate Diplomacy is Kshs. 10,000.
B. Registration fee is Kshs. 1,000 per term.
Our intake is in January, May and August. Application forms can be picked from our Nairobi campus on Mbagathi Way. They can also be downloaded
directly from our website at www.riarauniversity.ac.ke.
Domiciled in the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, the Global and Language Studies Centre (GLASC), is a one-stop shop for all matters related to language acquisition, fluency and competence as well as short courses on a wide range of global issues. GLASC is a robust platform for acquiring crucial language and communication skills that will spur you to the next level in your area of operation by making
you more competitive, effective and efficient. We offer necessary foreign language instruction for meeting the University’s diploma and degree requirements. Languages on offer include:
• French
• Arabic
• Chinese
• German
In addition, we offer short language courses as well as skills-specific courses to suit the interests and needs of non-traditional students seeking to horn their skills.
Objectives
GLASC serves as a centre for:
• Language teaching/learning
• Linguistics clinics
• Corporate diplomacy coordination
• Coaching and mentorship
• Skills transfer and apprenticeship
• Enhancement of academic and professional programmes
• Enhancement of partnerships with the community
Courses on Offer
GLASC trains and aims at equipping students with not only language competence but also socio-linguistic skills crucial to international
relations. Based on individual needs, a student will choose any number of possible options, including the following six-week courses:
• Presentation skills
• Public speaking clinics
• Initiating and sustaining dialogue
• Critical listening skills
• Academic writing skills
• Interviewing skills
• Reading skills
• Essentials of grammar
• Individual tutoring
• Language and etiquette
Specialised Electives
Specialised electives cut across all the languages and are tailored to deepen understanding and give the student relevant skills and knowledge to enable him/her communicate with ease in their respective area of specialisation.
Below are some of the courses in this category:
• Language for tourism
• Language for journalism
• Language for medical personnel
• Language for business
• Language for legal affairs
• Comparative linguistics
• Translation skills
• Interpretation skills
• Transcription skills
• Phonetics for effective communication
• Socio-linguistics
• Linguistic/language seminars and workshops
• Creative writing skills
Lecturers/ Facilitators
GLASC has some of the most seasoned and internationally recognised language instructors. They employ the most modern language teaching
techniques thus making learning a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Fees Structure
A. Official/National language: Kiswahili and English
| Category | Term 1 Kshs. | Term 2 Kshs. |
| Beginners | 12,500 | 12,500 |
| Intermediate | 13,500 | 13,500 |
| Advanced | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| *Specialised Elective | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| Exams | 4,000 | 4,000 |
B. Foreign Languages: French, Arabic, Chinese and German (Fees may vary depending on the language)
| Category | Term 1 Kshs. | Term 2 Kshs. |
| Beginners | 13,500 | 13,500 |
| Intermediate | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| Advanced | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| *Specialised Elective | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Exams | 4000 | 4000 |
C. Six-week courses
Fee charged is Kshs. 10,000 per course
D. Registration fee is Kshs. 1,000 per term.
Our intake is in January, May and August. Application forms can be picked from our Nairobi campus on Mbagathi Way. They can also be downloaded directly from our website at www.riarauniversity.ac.ke.
• To become an astute negotiator and mediator
• To gain a deeper understanding of current regional processes of integration from a multidisciplinary perspective
• To acquire competencies in aspects related to regional integration
• To acquire relevant skills and tools for analysing complex phenomena related to regional and international integration
• To be equipped with crucial knowledge and cutting-edge skills useful in the management of inter-governmental bodies
• To become an incisive critical thinker capable of putting forward compelling arguments and presenting analyses of regional integration processes
• To enhance your capability to carry out comparative analysis of the different regional systems and processes in Africa and beyond
Our Faculty
Riara School of International Relations and Diplomacy is a home of talents and global shapers! The School has a pool of stable, seasoned and respected faculty who have not only travelled far and wide but also won awards for their teaching, research and service to humanity. They actively contribute to both scholarly and policy debates, and use their connections in government, business, and policy- making communities for the benefit of students.
Students often appreciate the diversity, passion, and commitment of the school’s faculty. They nurture future diplomats as they teach with passion, dedication and professional excellence.
Mode of Teaching/Learning
Our Students apply Design Challenge Approach in solving industrial and societal problems. During the first semester of the academic calendar, you will be introduced to a variety of international relations and diplomacy courses with a bias in Regional Studies and Diplomacy.
• The MA Course adopts the Modular approach to teaching in which theory meets practice with the aim of enriching and enhancing the learning experience.
• A total of 47 units are taught including Design Challenge which leads to the Final Year Research Project.
• Faculty are drawn from both inter-governmental organisations and international institutions as well as distinguished scholars across the globe.
• Our students have the opportunity to interact with highly respected academicians and diplomats through our visiting scholar/diplomats initiative.
Foreign Languages
Riara University prides itself of being the first institution of higher learning in East and Central Africa to have established a robust mechanism of integrating foreign languages into the practice of diplomacy and regional studies.
For those joining the Riara University community without the benefit of having learnt any foreign language, you will be expected to attain certification in at least one. The foreign languages are taught and coordinated by the Global and Language Studies Centre (GLASC).
We offer:
• French
• Arabic
• Chinese
Career Opportunities
On successful completion of your course, below are some of the opportunities open to you:
• Negotiators and mediators
• Diplomats in Kenyan embassies
• International business leaders
• Careers in foreign embassies in Kenya
• Careers in international organisations
• Careers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Careers in the Ministry of East African Community
• Careers in defense
• Careers at the United Nations
• Careers at the African Union
• Careers in regional bodies
• International researchers
• Conference assistants
• Lecturers
Admission Requirements
• A Bachelors degree from an accredited university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale, or a degree awarded with First Class or Upper Second Class Honours.
• A GPA of 2.5 or Lower Second Class Honours or Higher Diploma with relevant 2 years experience may be considered if the degree or diploma is relevant to the field of study with significant work experience.
Our intake is in January, May and August. Application forms can be picked from our Nairobi campus on Mbagathi Way. They can also be downloaded directly from our website at www.riarauniversity.ac.ke.
Fees Structure
Payment of fee is dependent on the number of modules undertaken per semester
