BSc (Hons) International Relations & Diplomacy
Navigate the Global Stage. Forge Peace and Prosperity.
Program Overview
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the political, economic, and cultural forces that shape interactions between states, organizations, and peoples. You will study global governance, foreign policy analysis, conflict resolution, and the art of diplomacy, preparing for a career on the world stage.
Why This Program?
- •Receive practical training in diplomatic protocol, negotiation, and public speaking from former ambassadors and foreign service officers.
- •Join our top-ranked Model UN team, which regularly travels to international conferences.
- •Focus on Africa's role in global affairs, with specialized courses on AU, ECOWAS, and Nigeria's foreign policy.
- •Unmatched internship opportunities with embassies, international NGOs, and multinational corporations in Nigeria.
Real-World Importance
•In our interconnected world, challenges like climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and trade disputes cannot be solved by any one nation alone.
•Experts in international relations and diplomacy are the negotiators, analysts, and leaders who build the alliances and craft the agreements that promote global peace, security, and sustainable development.
•They represent national interests while fostering international cooperation..
Curriculum Overview
Program Structure
Key Topics
Course Outline
Year 1: The Global Landscape
Year 2: Structures and Processes
Year 3: Specialization and Application
Year 4: Capstone and Advanced Diplomacy
Career Opportunities
Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
Potential Sectors:
International Civil Servant
Potential Sectors:
Policy Analyst / Researcher
Potential Sectors:
Corporate International Relations
Potential Sectors:
Journalist / Foreign Correspondent
Potential Sectors:
Learning Outcomes
Admission Requirements
UTME Requirements
O'Level Requirements
- •English Language
- •Mathematics
- •Government or History
- •Economics
- •A Literature-in-English or CRS/IRS or any other Arts/Social Science subject
Five (5) O'Level credit passes at not more than two sittings. A strong emphasis is placed on English and Government/History.
JAMB Subjects
- •English Language (Compulsory)
- •Government or History
- •Economics
- •Any other subject from Arts or Social Sciences
JAMB Score Requirements
Minimum Score
150
Competitive Score
180
Top universities often have higher cut-offs. A good score in Government/History and English is crucial.
Direct Entry Requirements
Other Requirements
Grading System
Our Successful Alumni
Emeka Nwosu
Political Affairs Officer, United Nations (New York)
Class of 2012
"The negotiation simulations and the focus on practical writing skills at SAU were directly applicable to my work at the UN. The global perspective I gained was invaluable."
Did You Know?
Meet Your Department Head
Ambassador (Dr.) Fatima Aliyu
Professor of Diplomacy & Former Ambassador to the UN
“This is more than a degree; it's a passport to a global career. We train you not just to understand the world, but to engage with it confidently and ethically. You will learn the theory of IR and the practical craft of diplomacy from those who have lived it.”
Amb. Aliyu had a distinguished 30-year career in the Nigerian Foreign Service, serving as Ambassador to Belgium and the UN. She is a leading voice on African multilateralism and humanitarian law.
Accreditation
Exam Preparation
This program provides an ideal foundation for the Nigerian Foreign Service Exam and advanced degrees like a Master's in International Affairs (MIA) or Law (LLM in International Law).
Facilities & Resources
- •Diplomacy Lab: A simulated embassy environment for protocol and negotiation exercises.
- •Model UN Chamber with country placards and full audio-visual support.
- •International Documents Library with access to UN, AU, and ECOWAS databases and publications.
Industry Connections
Partners
Initiatives
- •Ambassador-in-Residence Program
- •Annual International Crisis Simulation
- •Career Talks with International Organizations
Scholarship Opportunities
Global Citizen Scholarship
For students demonstrating exceptional academic merit and proficiency in a second international language (French, Arabic, Mandarin).