Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in International Relations |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Career field / body | Diplomacy, international organisations, policy and research |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Mathematics, and any two of Economics, History, Government, Geography, Literature in English or French |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What International Relations is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study International Relations & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What International Relations is about
International Relations is the study of relations between states and global actors — diplomacy, foreign policy, international security, international organisations and the global political economy.
A brief history of the discipline
It grew as the world became more interconnected and conflicts and cooperation crossed borders. It is central to diplomacy, global governance and Nigeria’s foreign policy.
What you will study
You study international politics and theory, foreign policy, international law and organisations, diplomacy, strategic and security studies, international political economy and area studies — with a project.
Why study International Relations & who it suits
This course suits analytical, curious students interested in people, society and how the world works, with good reading and writing skills. A strong interest in global affairs, diplomacy and politics is ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in the foreign service and diplomacy, international organisations (UN, AU, ECOWAS), NGOs, policy and security analysis, journalism, global business and academia.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
International Relations pay is strongest in diplomacy, international organisations and policy roles.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Senior / diplomacy & international | ₦800,000 – ₦1,500,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
International Relations is offered at many Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University and Covenant University.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the International Relations admission guide.
Is International Relations a good course to study in Nigeria?
International Relations is a strong, global route into diplomacy, international organisations, policy and media.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Paths into the foreign service, international organisations (UN, AU, ECOWAS), NGOs and policy.
- A global outlook and strong mobility.
- Sought-after analysis and communication skills.
- An excellent base for further study.
Challenges to weigh:
- Top diplomacy and international-organisation roles are very competitive and often need postgraduate study.
- Entry pay is modest.
- General without a specialisation.
- Competitive.
It suits students interested in global affairs, politics and diplomacy.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, International Relations builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Analysis of global affairs
- Research
- Writing and communication
- Diplomacy and negotiation awareness
- Critical thinking
- Cross-cultural understanding
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc International Relations (4 years) → NYSC → careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, policy and media, with postgraduate study strengthening specialist paths.
How to get in: International Relations UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for International Relations is Use of English, Mathematics, and any two of Economics, History, Government, Geography, Literature in English or French. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Mathematics — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- Economics — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like International Relations, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is International Relations in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for International Relations?
Use of English, Mathematics, and any two of Economics, History, Government, Geography, Literature in English or French
What jobs can I get with International Relations?
Roles in the foreign service and diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, policy and security analysis, journalism and global business.
Is International Relations different from Political Science?
They overlap, but International Relations focuses on relations between countries and global affairs, while Political Science covers government and politics more broadly.
Is International Relations a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it opens diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs and policy, and builds a valued global outlook, though the top roles are competitive.
What jobs can I get with International Relations?
Foreign service and diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, policy and security analysis, journalism and global business.
International Relations vs Political Science?
They overlap; IR focuses on relations between countries and global affairs, while Political Science covers government and politics more broadly.
Can I work in the UN or foreign service?
Yes, these are common goals — they are competitive and usually reward postgraduate study, languages and relevant experience.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of social sciences and relevant professional/learned bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.