Why Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy?
Are you interested in mastering and applying diplomatic skills and competencies in professional environments? The Master of Arts in International Relations & Diplomacy (MIRD) is a Three-legged Middle-ground programme equipping students with critical astuteness, diplomatic negotiation and mediation skills, project management capacity, intercultural behaviors, values and attitudes necessary to provide enabling environment for States to co-exist amicably and international system function effectively. You will be a trained diplomat.
The course therefore places an emphasis on the most necessary competencies that a career diplomat would need to put into practice when deployed in any of the three strands- foreign service, regional organizations and international institutions such as the United Nations.
Programme Learning Outcome
1) Demonstrate understanding of different concepts, theories and approaches to international relations with focus on regional integration processes, institutions and structures.
2. Apply the knowledge of international relations to effectively evaluate the key pillars of regional integration in Africa and beyond.
3. Evaluate mediation and negotiation processes taking place across the conflict spectrum -prevention, management and post-conflict reconstruction and development.
4. Develop technical capacity to identify different risks’ responsive techniques associated with regional integration processes in Africa and beyond.
5. Analyze conflict resolution techniques and scenarios relevant to regional organizational dynamics.
6. Create functional networks in support of professional and scholarly engagement with the relevant industry.
The Seven Core Competencies offered by this Programme
▪ Knowledge and application of diplomatic negotiation and mediation in regional integration processes
▪ Tools of diplomacy and their application to various organizational and PSO environments
▪ Project management of regional and international PSO interventions
▪ Advanced research analytics such as scenario building, simulations and
modelling for policy and practical interventions
▪ Collaboration with all formal and informal stakeholders towards a coordinated response to interstate and intrastate conflicts
▪ Knowledge and application of the Rules of Ethics and Professional Conduct of a Diplomat
▪ Knowledge and application of Design Thinking tools in resolving conflicts
Why Design Thinking (DT) in International Relations and Diplomacy?
Currently the world is experiencing both intra-state conflict and inter-state (albeit small scale), coupled with renewed quest for regional integration, it is no longer tenable to rely on conventional models of interventions in conflict resolution and management.
Therefore, this programme introduces a new school of thought- a ‘Three-legged Middle-ground’, enabling students to gain skills and competencies for tackling challenges across the three levels of global system- state, regional and international.
Through collaborative learning experiences with partner organizations, students will be equipped with DT competencies, combining interpersonal skills, knowledge and technical skills to resolve
some of the most complicated conflicts and disputes of the 21 st century as illustrated in the Diagram.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MIRD programme will have an array of career opportunities, including, but not limited to:
▪ Diplomatic negotiators and mediators
▪ Project managers for Intergovernmental Organizations
▪ Career Diplomats
▪ Conflict Model and prediction experts
▪ International business analysts
▪ Foreign service & embassies
▪ International organizations
▪ Multinational corporations
▪ NGOs
▪ Early Warning Analysists
▪ Civilian peacekeepers
Collaborative Learning Experience
MIRD Master students are required to get affiliation to an organization based on their respective areas of concentration. The affiliatee will be required to offer voluntary services to the host organization, at the same time, conduct structural or systemic identification and analysis of challenges facing the host organization and wider society across conflict spectrum:
▪ Prevention
▪ Management
▪ Mitigation
▪ Peace enforcement
▪ Peacemaking
▪ Peacekeeping
▪ Post-conflict reconstruction and development
Collaborative Learning Experience (CLE) is a component of Design Thinking to enable student discover, create ideas, test those ideas within and without the organization. Based on this experiential process, students are expected to develop feasible solutions.
Nairobi, Kenya and by extension East African region is a hub of regional and international organizations, including several agencies of the United Nations. This hub offers opportunity for the MIRD Master students obtain the needed international networks and gain valuable professional experience in diplomacy.
Would you like to be taught by Practicing Diplomats?
Our students benefit from the Co-teaching and interactive learning with faculty and students from world’s leading universities and research institutions. Also, this arrangement, includes practicing or retired diplomats as shown in the chart.
Admission Criteria
Eligibility for admission to the M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy programme, candidates must satisfy the requirements stipulated below:
a) The minimum requirements applicable to candidates directly out of university and seeking admission into the programme:
▪ Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours Upper Division from Riara University or any other university recognized by the Riara University Senate in fields within the social sciences and humanities including but not limited to international relations, international studies, political science, peace and conflict studies, anthropology, military science, sociology, philosophy, communication and journalism studies, development studies, law, theology, business studies (only those with international option), and economics, from a recognized university.
▪ Hold a Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours Lower Division from a recognized university with two years of relevant work experience.
▪ A Bachelor’s degree (or such other higher qualification) in any other discipline, plus a minimum of five years relevant work experience in an area(s) related to this programme. Such a qualification(s) must be obtained from an institution recognized by the Commission for University Education and achieved at a minimum of Second-Class Honours, Upper Division.
▪ For candidates who will not have attained a Second-Class Honours in their
undergraduate degree, but will have a relevant ‘Pass” qualification, they should have, in addition, a Postgraduate Diploma, or a minimum of five years of work experience in relevant areas of engagement.
▪ Be fluent in written and spoken English. This should be ascertained through English proficiency certification at high school/secondary school level or any recognized post-secondary language centre.
b) Alternative requirements applicable to candidates seeking admission into the programme:
▪ Diplomats and/ or Military personnel or other professionals, who have undergone training in operational and command courses that cumulatively correspond to undergraduate studies including Grade 2 staff course or Passed staff course “PSC” for officers in the rank of major and above. This also applies to individuals with more than 15 years’ experience working with regional organizations or international institutions seeking admission into the MA programme. However, such individuals will be serving in senior position.
▪ Credit transfers may also apply in accordance with prevailing statutory provisions.
MIRD Programme Structure
For a student to graduate with Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD), he/she must have completed 72 credit hours distributed as follows:
| 1st Trimester Core Courses |
Course Credits
RIR 500 THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Core 3
RIR 505 FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS Core 3
RIR 510 INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW Core 3
RIR 515 COMPARATIVE POLITICAL ECONOMY Core 3
RIR 520 RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES Core 3
RIR 525 MANAGEMENT OF THE BLUE ECONOMY Core 3
Sub-total 18
| 2nd Trimester Core Courses |
Course Credits
RIR 530 CONFLICTOLOGY, MEDIATION, AND Core 3
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
RIR 535 REGIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT Core 3
RIR 540 REGIONAL SECURITY STUDIES & STRATEGIES Core 3
RIR 545 MARITIME DIPLOMACY Core 3
RIR 550 CONFLICT SYSTEMS & GEOGRAPHY OF Core 3 CONFLICTS
RIR 555 COUNTER-TERRORISM STRATEGIES Core 3
Sub-total 18
| 3rd Trimester Courses- Students to choose any 3 elective courses in addition to the core courses |
Course Credits
RIR 560 ARMS DIPLOMACY Core 3
RIR 565 COMPARATIVE FOREIGN POLICY Core 3
RIR 570 REGIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY Core 3 MECHANISMS
RIR 575 EMERGING POWERS AND AFRICA. Elective 3
RIR 580 CYBER WARFARE Elective 3
RIR 585 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL DIPLOMACY Elective 3
RIR 590 CORPORATE DIPLOMACY Elective 3
RIR 595 INTERRELIGIOUS DIPLOMATIC PRACTICE Elective 3
Sub-total 18
| 4th Trimester- Field Research & Dissertation 6 Units @ 3 hours = 18 |
Course Credits
RIR 600 DISSERTATION Core 3 @ 6
Sub-total 18
Grant Total 72
MIRD Programme prepares you into a Career Diplomat
The curriculum is anchored on a school of thought developed by scholars at the Riara University’s School of International Relations & Diplomacy- a ‘Three-legged Middle-ground’. The New school of thought gives you a rare opportunity to analyze issues of international concern using Design Thinking model across the three tiers of the global system- States, Regional and International.
Programme Duration: 2 years
Credit Hours required: 72
Intake: January and September
More than 30% of resource persons are serving diplomats from different parts of the globe.
Fee Structure
Payment of fee is dependent on the number of modules undertaken per semester
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 is designed to be completed within 2 semesters as the recommended timeframe. 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
- The Statutory fee charged for Corporate Diplomacy is Kshs. 10,000.
- The registration fee is Kshs. 1,000 per term.
- The course runs for 2 Semesters with a total of 7 Units.
- The cost per unit is 15000
- The total Course fee is 105,000
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.
