Continuous assessment & examinations
Each course combines continuous assessment - assignments, tests, and class work - with an end-of-semester examination; weights and formats are set in each course outline.
- Duration 4 years
- Credits 120–180
- Mode Full-time
- Accreditation Fully accredited
I.
About
About the programme.
A degree in political theory, governance, and global affairs, preparing graduates for careers in policy, diplomacy, public service, and research.
II.
Curriculum
Four levels, one journey.
38 courses across 4 levels, totalling 84 credits. Each level builds on the last; the final year culminates in a capstone project.
Download the approved curriculum (PDF)
100
Level
7 courses
14 credits
| Code | Course | Cr. | Sem | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GST111 |
Communication in English I Listening and speaking skills, reading and writing techniques, language and society. Builds the academic English foundation expected of all… | 2 | 1 | Core GST |
IRS101 |
Ancestors of the Contemporary International System | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS103 |
Introduction to African Politics | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS105 |
History of Nigeria | 2 | 1 | Core |
GST112 |
Nigerian Peoples & Culture Indigenous cultures, value systems, social institutions, contemporary issues. Required NUC general-studies course. | 2 | 2 | Core GST |
IRS102 |
Evolution of the Contemporary International System | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS104 |
The Rise of Nation States | 2 | 2 | Core |
200
Level
9 courses
19 credits
| Code | Course | Cr. | Sem | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ENT211 |
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Business idea generation, opportunity recognition, business model design, startup financing. Required NUC course aligning graduates with na… | 2 | 1 | Core GST |
IRS203 |
Introduction to Political Analysis | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS205 |
Political Thought Since Hobbes | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS207 |
New States in World Politics | 2 | 1 | Core |
GST212 |
Philosophy, Logic and Human Existence | 2 | 2 | Core GST |
IRS202 |
Structure of International Society | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS204 |
Political Thought: Plato to Machiavelli | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS206 |
Foundation of Political Economy | 2 | 2 | Core |
SSC202 |
Introduction to Computer and its Application | 3 | 2 | Core |
300
Level
14 courses
28 credits
| Code | Course | Cr. | Sem | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IRS301 |
International Economic Relations | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS303 |
The International Political System | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS305 |
Law of Nations (International Law) | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS307 |
International Politics in the Post-Cold War Era | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS311 |
Theory and Practice of Administration | 2 | 1 | Core |
SSC301 |
Innovation in the Social Sciences | 2 | 1 | Core |
GST312 |
Peace and Conflict Resolution | 2 | 2 | Core GST |
ENT312 |
Venture Creation | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS304 |
Diplomacy | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS306 |
Logic and Methods of Political Inquiry | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS308 |
International Politics of Africa | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS310 |
Theories of International Relations | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS312 |
Integration Theories and Regionalism | 2 | 2 | Core |
SSC302 |
Research Method I | 2 | 2 | Core |
400
Level
8 courses
23 credits
| Code | Course | Cr. | Sem | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
IRS401 |
Foreign Policy Analysis | 3 | 1 | Core |
IRS403 |
Human Rights | 3 | 1 | Core |
IRS405 |
Foreign Policies of the Powers | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS407 |
Research Project | 6 | 1 | Core |
SSC401 |
Research Method II | 2 | 1 | Core |
IRS402 |
Nigerian Foreign Policy | 2 | 2 | Core |
IRS404 |
Contemporary Strategic Studies | 3 | 2 | Core |
IRS406 |
International Institutions | 2 | 2 | Core |
Course descriptions and learning outcomes are reviewed annually in line with NUC CCMAS guidelines and industry feedback. Download the approved curriculum (PDF) →
III.
Learning outcomes
What you'll be able to do.
Graduates leave equipped with the foundational rigour and the practical skills the field demands.
- Analyse politics. Apply political theory to government, power, institutions, and political behaviour.
- Understand international relations. Explain the actors, structures, and dynamics of global politics.
- Evaluate policy and diplomacy. Assess foreign policy, diplomacy, and international cooperation and conflict.
- Conduct political research. Design and carry out empirical research on political and international questions.
- Engage governance. Analyse governance, democracy, and development in Nigeria and beyond.
- Communicate and advocate. Present political analysis and arguments clearly to varied audiences.
VI.
Assessment
How you'll be assessed.
Research essays & project
Research essays, presentations, and a final-year project complement written examinations.
External examiners
In line with NUC requirements, qualified academics from other universities moderate examinations and assess final-year projects.
NUC CCMAS compliance
Assessment follows the National Universities Commission's Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards for the discipline.
Ready to apply to this programme?
Begin your application — about 10 minutes — or talk to admissions first.