Home / Programmes

Diploma in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies

A diploma programme preparing students with the knowledge, practical skills and professional discipline required in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.

Diploma

Diploma in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies

Apply Online
01

Programme Overview

The Diploma in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies at Kampala International University prepares students for academic, professional and community-facing work in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies at the Main Campus. The programme connects disciplinary foundations with applied learning, ethical practice, communication and problem-solving.

Applied learningConnect classroom knowledge with practical tasks, projects and supervised learning experiences.
Professional formationBuild communication, ethics, teamwork and discipline-specific judgement.
Research awarenessUse evidence, inquiry and analytical thinking to understand problems and propose solutions.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study, entrepreneurship and service in relevant professional settings.
02

What You Will Learn

By the end of the programme, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, practical skills and professional conduct required for effective work in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.

Disciplinary knowledgeBuild a strong foundation in the core concepts and methods of International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.
Applied problem-solvingUse knowledge to analyse situations, make decisions and propose practical solutions.
CommunicationPresent ideas clearly in written, oral and digital formats.
Research and inquiryUse evidence, data and critical thinking to support decisions.
Professional practiceDevelop ethical, responsible and collaborative work habits.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study and service in relevant sectors.
03

Course Structure and Learning Experience

The learning experience is organised to move students from foundational knowledge into applied, supervised and professionally oriented practice.

01

Foundation stage

Students build the conceptual base needed for progression in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.

02

Core discipline stage

The programme deepens knowledge through core courses and guided academic work.

03

Applied learning stage

Students connect theory to practical cases, projects or field-related tasks.

04

Research and analysis

The curriculum develops inquiry, evidence use and analytical capability.

05

Professional preparation

Students consolidate learning for employment, entrepreneurship, service or further study.

04

Course Content

20 courses 61 credit units

Academic Year 1

10 courses | 30 units
Semester 1
18 units
BSCD 1101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
3 units | Core
DIR 1101 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
3 units | Core
ECO 1101 INTRODUCTION TO MICROECONOMICS
3 units | Core
PAD 1102 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
3 units | Core
UCC 1100 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
3 units | Core
UCC 1101 INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH LANGUAGE
3 units | Core
Semester 2
12 units
DIR 1201 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL ECONOMY
3 units | Core
DIR 1203 INTRODUCTION TO DIPLOMACY
3 units | Core
DIR 1204 MEDIA AND POLITICS
3 units | Core
UCC 1201 COMMUNICATION SKILLS
3 units | Core

Academic Year 2

8 courses | 25 units
Semester 1
13 units
DIR 2101 INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
3 units | Core
DVS 2103 DIPLOMATIC THEORY AND PRACTICE
3 units | Core
INT2100 INTERNSHIP
4 units | Core
UCC 2102 RESEARCH METHODS
3 units | Core
Semester 2
12 units
DIR 2201 INTERNATIONAL LAW
3 units | Core
DIR 2203 REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
3 units | Core
DIR 2205 HUMAN RIGHTS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
3 units | Core
ENT 2202 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
3 units | Core

Academic Year 3

2 courses | 6 units
Semester 1
3 units
DVS 3103 ISSUES IN THIRD WORLD POLITICS & DEVELOPMENT
3 units | Core
Semester 2
3 units
PAD 3205 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
3 units | Core
05

Admission Requirements

One A level principal pass, and two subsidiary passes in either Arts or Science subjects plus five O Level passes or its equivalent.

06

Fees and Application Guidance

Tuition, functional fees and any programme-specific charges are confirmed by KIU Admissions and Finance for each intake. Applicants should review the current fee schedule before submitting an application.