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Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies

HomeNewgate University Minna (NUM) –  Faculty of Management and Social Sciences –  Department of International Relations –  Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies

Course Details

  • Course Name : Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies
  • Category : Undergraduate
  • Course Duration: 4 Years
  • Department : Department of International Relations
  • Tuition/ Semester (Naira): 307,500.00

About this Programme

International relations is the study of an international system composed of territorial states which acknowledge no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. This degree studies the functioning, theory and history of this system, and the nature of the changing relations between states and non-state actors. The Bachelor of Science in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies (BIRDS) is a multi-disciplinary programme which has been designed for those engaged in, or planning to embark upon, a professional career requiring international expertise in government, non-profit, corporate or academic environments.

The Programme is intended to elucidate the role of cooperation, collaboration, foreign policy, international law and diplomacy among others as the main vehicles for systematically addressing the broad cluster of issues that affect the entire world and in particular, the most troubled hotspots, with regional consequences.

The philosophy underlying the B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomatic Studies Degree programme is to produce a flow of competent and confident graduate students whose minds are have the knowledge, skills, competencies and exposure in the field of International Relations, in order to pursue a life in government, business and journalism and at international organizations and law firms, or to continue with graduate studies in political science and international relations.

Goals and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the International Relations and Diplomatic Studies Degree Programme are:

  • Stimulate in students an appreciation of International Relations theories and other tools of analysis, and application in different contexts at the national and international levels.
  • Provide students with a broad and balanced knowledge and practical skills in International Relations;
  • Develop in students the ability to apply their International Relations theories, analytical tools, knowledge and skills to the solution of international problems;
  • Develop in students a range of skills that are relevant to both governmental and non-governmental agencies at home and abroad;
  • Produce student who have the competences in fieldwork, data collection as well as ability to analyse and present these in coherent form;
  • Provide students with relevant knowledge and skills for further studies in International Relations as a multi-disciplinary field of study;
  • Generate in students an appreciation of the importance of International Relations in a national- political, economic, and social development on the one hand and in the maintenance of global peace and security on the other.

Learning Outcomes (Competencies)

On completion of B.Sc. in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies programme, graduates will be able to:

  • analyze national and global events from various social science perspectives.
  • demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge on international relations and diplomacy.
  • state views and positions with advanced oral and written skills.
  • compete for increasing career opportunities in national and global institutions.
  • gain the ability to make logical inferences on social and political issues based on comparative and historical knowledge.

Admission Requirement

UTME:

  • Candidates who wish to study International Relations must possess the Senior Secondary School Certificate, General Certificate of Education, by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or their equivalents with at least five credit passes, at not more than two sittings including Mathematics, English Language, Government or History or Economics or any Social Science subject.
  • In addition, candidates must have acceptable passes in UTME. The UTME subjects must be in the following: English, Mathematics, Government; Plus, any other Social Science subject.

Direct Entry:

  • Candidates for Direct Entry admission shall possess five credits, in GCE, SSCE by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or their equivalents; and JUPEB, IJMB, Ordinary National Diploma (O.N.D) or Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least lower credit in related disciplines from approved Nigerian Polytechnics. For emphasis, credit passes in English Language, Mathematics and any one of Government, History or Economics are required.
Curriculum Structure

100 Level

Course code Course title  Units  Status LH PH
  First Semester  
IRS 101 Ancestors of the Contemporary International System 2 C 30 0
GST 111 Communication in English 2 C 30 0
IRS 103 Introduction to African Politics 2 C 30 0
IRS 105 History of Nigeria 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 107 Introduction to International Relations 3 C 45 0
NUM-IRS 113 Government and Politics in Africa 2 R 30 0
NUM-IRS 111 Globalization and Sustainable Development 2 R 30 0
Sub-total 15 225 0
Second Semester  
GST 112 Nigerian Peoples and Culture 2 C 30 0
IRS 102 Evolution of the Contemporary International System 2 C 30 0
IRS 104 The Rise of Nation States 2 C 30 0
NUM-ENT 102 Creative Problem Solving 2 C 30 0
NUM-GEN 102 Community Engagement and Social Development 3 R 15 90
NUM-IRS 112 International Organizations: Fundamentals 2 C 30 0
NUM-SPC 102 Social and Behavioral Sciences 2 R 30 0
Sub-total 15 0 195 90
Total 30   420 90

200 Level

Course code Course title  Units  Status LH PH
  First Semester  
ENT 211 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2 C 30 0
IRS 203 Introduction to Political analysis 2 C 30 0
IRS 205 Political Thought Since Hobbes 2 C 30 0
IRS 207 New States In World Politics 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 201 Global Governance 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 209 Security Diplomacy 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 211 Democracy and Civil Society 2 R 30 0
NUM-IRS 213 Decision Making and Public Policy Analysis 2 R 30 0
Sub-total 16   240 0
Second Semester  
GST 212 Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence 2 C 30 0
IRS 202 Structure of International Society 2 C 30 0
IRS 204 Political Thought Plato-Machiavelli 2 C 30 0
IRS 206 Foundation of Political Economy 2 C 30 0
SSC 202 Introduction to Computer and its Application 3 C 30 45
NUM-IRS 208 Diplomacy and Negotiation 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 210 Geopolitical Analysis 2 R 30 0
NUM-IRS 212 Leadership and Governance 2 E 30 0
Sub-total 17 240 45
Total 33   480 45

300 Level

Course code Course title  Units  Statu s LH PH
  First Semester  
IRS 301 International Economic Relations 2 C 30 0
IRS 303 The International Political System 2 C 30 0
IRS 305 Law of Nations (International Law) 2 C 30 0
IRS 307 Intentional Politics in the PostCold War Era 2 C 30 0
IRS 311 Theory and Practice of Administration 2 C 30 0
SSC 301 Innovation in the Social Sciences 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 313 Contemporary Issues in International Relations 2 R 30 0
NUM-IRS 315 Regional Integration 2 R 30 0
Sub-total 16   240 0
Second Semester  
GST 312 Peace and Conflict Resolution 2 C 30 0
ENT 312 Venture Creation 2 C 15 0
IRS 304 Diplomacy 2 C 30 0
IRS 306 Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry 2 C 30 0
IRS 308 International Politics of Africa 2 C 30 0
IRS 310 Theories of International Relations 2 C 30 0
IRS 312 Integration  Theories  and Regionalism 2 C 30 0
SSC 302 Research Method I 2 C 30 0
Sub-total 16   225 0
Total 32   465  

400 Level

Course code Course title  Units  Status LH PH
  First Semester   0
IRS 401 Foreign Policy Analysis 3 C 45 0
IRS 403 Human Rights 3 C 45 0
IRS 405 Foreign Policies of the Powers 2 C 30 0
SSC 401 Research Method II 2 C 30 0
NUM-IRS 407 Modern Diplomatic Practice 3 C 15 90
NUM-IRS 411 International Security, Threats and Conflicts 2 C 30 0
Sub-total 15 195 0
Second Semester  
IRS 402 Nigerian Foreign Policy 2 C 30 0
IRS 404 Contemporary Strategic Studies 3 C 45 0
IRS 406 International Institutions 2 C 30 0
IRS 400 Research Project 6 C 0 270
NUM-IRS 408 International Public Relations and Strategic Communication 2 C 30 0
Sub-total 15 135 270
Total 30   330 270