International Relations is a course that is studied at universities that studies interaction between countries and how well this interaction can be maintained and lead to a positive relationship between the countries, when in effect fostering economic ties between the countries.
Global world politics are shaping, and diplomacy between countries is reviewed periodically to ensure that both parties are committed to the agreement that has been laid before them.
International Relations as a course can help in these ever-changing global politics and diplomacy by bringing balance and also stability between countries through better negotiation and strong relationships between countries that are fostered by strong understanding of each country.
The Nigeria labor market has changed in recent years as a result of global demand of labor also, and that is why International Relations courses are not strongly appreciated by many students. However, if you have interest in international relations and diplomacy, then international relations is a course for you.
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Why Study International Relations Courses?
I. Career Opportunities
Career opportunities are one of the reasons that international relations courses should be studied, as they present more opportunities for jobs and career advancement due to their presence and their relevance at the national and international levels.
II. Global Exposure
International Relations is one course that will give global exposure far above other courses that are to be studied, especially if you work as a diplomat or a language translator.
III. Skill Development
International Relations courses will help in skill development as they present opportunities that require constant growth in dealing with other races, countries, and ethnicities.
IV. Contribution to Peace and Development
The world today is filled with chaos that is a result of poor diplomacy between countries, and a little help from diplomacy can help reduce this problem and thereby contribute to world peace and development.
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International Relations Course Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the international relations course vary between countries. Admission requirements for the International Relations course in Nigerian universities include 5 O-level credits in subjects like English language, mathematics, and government,History and two other subjects with a good UTME score of 180 and above.
Direct Entry Admission Requirements
Direct entry admission requirements include having 5 credits at the O level in subjects like mathematics, English language, government, history, and any other subjects in WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB in not more than two sittings and also a diploma certificate.
Core Subjects in International Relations
● Introduction to International Relations
● Political Theory
● International Law
● Diplomacy
● Foreign Policy
● Global Security
● International Organizations
● Conflict Resolution
Skills You Gain from Studying International Relations
I. Analytical Skills
International Relations will help sharpen your analytical skills by helping you to break down complex situations that can be tackled, and this skill is gotten from fierce diplomacy.
II. Communication Skill
International relations helps improve the communication skills of any worker who works in the international relations field, as this is gotten from years of working.
III. Negotiation Skill
IV. Research Skill
V. Leadership and Diplomacy
Career Opportunities in International Relations
● Diplomat
● Foreign Service Officer
● International Development Worker
● Political Analyst
● Journalist
● NGO Worker
● Security Analyst
● International Business Consultant
Where International Relations Graduates Can Work in Nigeria and International
● Embassies
● International Organizations (UN, AU, ECOWAS, etc.)
● Government Ministries
● Multinational Companies
● Research Institutes
● Media Organizations
● Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
Top Universities in Nigeria Offering International Relations
Federal Universities
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan
Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano
University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Ilorin
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi
Federal University, Kashere
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
State Universities
Abia State University
Lagos State University
Ekiti State University
Imo State University
Kaduna State University
Private Universities
Achievers University
Baze University
Caleb University
Covenant University
Obong University
Western Delta University
Bowen University
Madonna University
Top International Universities for International Relations
Top Worldwide (Highly Ranked)
Harvard University—USA
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)—UK
University of Oxford—UK
University of Cambridge—UK
Australian National University—Australia
George Washington University—USA
Columbia University—USA
Factors to Consider When Choosing a University to study International Relations course
When selecting the right university for your international relations studies, consider these key points, especially if you want to study at Nigerian universities.
1. Academic Reputation & Rankings
Academic reputation and ranking should be what every student who wants to study international relations in Nigeria should consider, as this will deeply determine your success when you graduate. For example, graduates of the University of Ibadan are usually given more access to employment in Nigeria than other universities in Nigeria because of reputation and ranking.
2. Accreditation & Recognition
Ensure that the university you want to study at has been accredited, especially if you are studying at Nigerian universities. Non-accredited universities often face the problem where students are not awarded certificates after completion of study, and this does hinder their registration for NYSC.
3. Internship & Career Support
While most universities in Nigeria don’t offer internship training for courses like international relations, there are a few universities in Nigeria that offer this, and this can be an added advantage before being launched into the real world.
4. Cost & Scholarships
Do not start what you cannot finish, and this also relates to the issue of studying international relations in Nigeria or even outside Nigeria. Consider your financial strength if you want to study international relations at any university in Nigeria or outside Nigeria, as the high cost of school fees that you are not prepared for can cut short your dream because you are unable to pay.
If you can’t afford high school fees, choose universities that you can afford their fees. You can choose federal universities in Nigeria, as they are the cheapest universities in Nigeria.
Duration of International Relations course
International Relations are offered only in universities across Nigeria and outside Nigeria, and it is mostly excluded from polytechnics and colleges of education, so the duration of study of the course is mostly the same across countries and across all universities in Nigeria.
Undergraduate program lengths for International Relations courses in Nigeria range from 1 to 4 years at most and 2 to 4 years for direct entry, while postgraduate programs can take from 2 to 10 years depending on the level of postgraduate education you want.
Frequently asked questions
● Is International Relations a good course?
International Relations is a good course but can be subject to a highly competitive market for the graduate of the course.
● What subjects are required
Subjects required for International Relations include mathematics, English language, government, and two other subjects.
● Can I work abroad with an International Relations degree?
Yes, graduates with an international relations degree in Nigeria can work overseas with the degree.
● Is International Relations the same as Diplomacy?
Yes and no. International relations embody diplomacy but might not fully cover international relations.
Conclusion
The International Relations course is one of the most studied courses across Nigerian universities, and this can be attributed to the fact that the course is relevant and also useful to the society.
When the International Relations course is great, it is expected that students of this course should study beyond the course by adding extra information or learning new languages, as this will boost their chance in the competitive market of International Relations graduates.
Adepoju Olamilekan is a blogger and student of economics at Adekunle Ajasin who has written for many educational blog across the country. His passion and love for blog and creating as found him always writing to provide solutions to all Nigeria Students