School of Development & Strategic Studies
Advancing diplomacy, policy, and community resilience for a changing world
Refine your voice in global affairs, humanitarian response, and social transformation through immersive field projects, policy labs, and strategic partnerships.
Message from the Dean
Dr. Benson Nalo
“We cultivate strategic thinkers who negotiate peace, mobilize communities, and design policies that anchor inclusive development across the continent.”
Programmes
Combine theory with field immersion, policy labs, and humanitarian simulation exercises tailored to Africa’s development agenda and global strategic priorities.
Degree Pathway
A four-year interdisciplinary degree fusing diplomacy, regional integration, conflict resolution, and strategic communication to prepare graduates for foreign service and global policy careers.
Diploma Tracks
- Diploma in International Relations
- Diploma in Social Work & Community Development
Duration: 1½ Years
Certificate Pathways
Duration: 2 Semesters
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy
The BAIR immerses students in geopolitical analysis, peace building, multilateral negotiations, and strategic communications. Learners engage with visiting diplomats, international organizations, and regional think tanks through practicums and study missions.
- Specializations in Diplomacy & Protocol, Security & Intelligence Studies, or Development Policy.
- Model African Union and Model UN simulations with cross-university delegations.
Diploma Programmes
Intensive 1½ year diplomas that blend classroom learning with community placements , and advocacy practicums.
Diploma in International Relations
Duration: 1½ Years
Diploma in Social Work & Community Development
Duration: 1½ Years
Certificate Programmes
Accelerated two-semester routes offering foundation knowledge, global awareness, and field exposure for aspiring diplomats and community strategists.
Certificate in International Relations
Duration: 2 Semesters
Certificate in Social Work and Community Development
Duration: 2 Semesters
Entry Requirements
Review the minimum qualifications for entry into our programmes.
- Application form collected from the registrars office and duly filled.
- Copy of national identification card/passport.
- Non-refundable registration fee of KES.2,500 for East African applicants and KES.5,000 for non-East African
- 3 passport size photos
- Copies of all academic transcripts and certificates (originals must be shown)
Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements for Undergraduate
- KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C+
- EACE/KCE/EAACE Certificate with a minimum of five (5) credits in any five subjects at O level and two principals at A level
- 12th Grade Certificate with a minimun Grade Point Average(GPA) of 2.5 or be a holder of Commission for University Education (CUE) validated diploma with at least a credit, or a professional certificate in the relevant discipline from a recognized institution of higher education.
General Admission Requirements for Pre-University
- All applicants must possess a minimum grade of C (C Plain) in KCSE or its equivalent
Specific Entry Requirements
- Minimun of KCSE C (C plain) in both Mathematics and English or Kiswahili or the equivalent at O level and or A level
Fee Structure
Reference tuition for programmes under the School of Development and Strategic Studies. Verify with the admissions office for updated schedules and ancillary fees.
| Programme | Duration | Tuition (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (BAIR) | 4 Years | 140,062.00 (Per year) |
| Diploma in International Relations | 1½ Years | 49,000.00 (Per semester) |
| Diploma in Social Work & Community Development | 1½ Years | 35,000.00 (Per semester) |
| Certificate in International Relations | 2 Semesters | 49,000.00 (Per semester) |
| Certificate in Social Work and Community Development | 2 Semesters | 35,000.00 (Per semester) |
Events
26 Mar 2026
specialized training and sensitization session on IBM’s Readiness & Resilience (RRA) Skills Build
This event is a professional development workshop hosted by the School of Development and Strategic Studies (SDSS), designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and employability through digital literacy and civic engagement. It introduces students and young professionals to the Reskilling Revolution Africa (RRA), a major collaborative initiative between IBM and the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE). Event Highlights Date & Time: Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM Venue: Tharuma Auditorium Cost: Free of charge Collaborators: IAVE, VIO Society Kenya, and African Volunteering Link
Tharuma Auditorium , Pioneer International University