There is no doubt that International Relations is a prestigious course that any student will be happy to study due to its many benefits. However, before you can get admission to study the course, there are some requirements to be met and it is also important to know the JAMB Subject Combination for International Relations.
If you are an O’Level student, we can conclude that you will need any of WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB as part of the requirements. Direct entry students can also apply for the course provided they have the requirements as set in the Jamb Brochure.
What is International Relations?
Learning International Relations can help you understand how countries interact and how global events impact people. You will be able to explore different types of governments and their policies worldwide and see how they relate to important global issues like poverty, and climate change. In short, International Relations International relations is how countries interact, especially in politics, economics, or culture.
Why Should I Study International Relations as a Course?
No country can survive on its own and with various issues across the world, the world can do with people who are ready to contribute their own quota towards making the world a better place. And for anyone to get started, they will need a deeper understanding of global contemporary issues. Therefore, studying International Relations will be a good way to start.
Another reason why any student will want to study the course is the opportunity to leave a mark on the world. They are so passionate about becoming an agent of change and they know better that the course could help towards their goals.
International Relations programs also aim to equip students with skills applicable across diverse cultures. Beyond gaining specialized knowledge, students develop analytical and research skills to solve complex problems, effective communication skills, interpersonal skills for building relationships, and proficiency in public speaking, verbal, and writing. These skills are not only valuable for a career in International Relations but also transferable to other industries and endeavors.
Note: Please be aware that some schools’ requirements below may vary. In such cases, referring to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information is recommended.
O’Level Requirements to Study International Relations
Faculty of Administration
To pursue a degree in International Relations in a Nigerian university, you must have Five (5) SSCE credit passes, which should include English Language, Government, Mathematics, and any other two (2) relevant subjects.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
To study International Relations under the Faculty of Social and Management Science at a university in Nigeria, you need to have five (5) SSCE credit passes, which must include English Language, Government or History, and three (3) other relevant subjects.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study International Relations
Faculty of Administration
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in any of the following subjects: Government, Economics, History and French.
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in Social Science subjects from Government/History, Economics, Sociology
- NCE, ND, HND or equivalents are accepted
Jamb Subject Combination for International Relations
Faculty of Administration
- English
- Mathematics
- Any two (2) of the following: Economics, History, Government, Geography, Literature in English, and French
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- English
- Economics
- Literature in English
- Geography/Government/History.
Universities that Offer International Relations
Faculty of Administration
- OAU – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State
- WELLSPRING – Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State
Faculty of Social and Management Science
- ACHIEVERS: Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State
- BAYERO: Bayero University Kano, Kano State
- BAZE: Baze University, Abuja
- BOWEN: Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State
- CALEB: Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State
- COVENANT: Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
- JABU: Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State
- GOUU: Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu-Nike, Enugu State
- GREGORY: Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State
- IBADAN: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
- LANDMARK: Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State
- LCITY: Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State
- MCPHERSON: McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State
- ODUDUWA: Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State
- OBONG: Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State
- SOUTHWESTERN: Southwestern University, Okun-Owa, Ogun State
- TANSIAN: Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State
- UNIKINGS: Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is International Relations a Commercial or Art course?
International Relations is typically considered an art or social science course rather than a commercial course. It falls within the realm of humanities and social sciences, focusing on the study of interactions between countries, international organizations, and global issues. However, Commercial students can also study it, depending on the subjects they passed in the SSCE.
Can Science Students Study International Relations?
Science students may face challenges pursuing International Relations and Strategic Studies due to the core commercial and arts O’Level requirements, which they are less likely to fulfill.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying International Relations?
A degree in International Relations can open up various career paths for you. After studying International Relations, you can apply for jobs such as diplomat, foreign service officer, political analyst, intelligence analyst, international aid worker, policy analyst, international business consultant, journalist, researcher, or nonprofit administrator.
How many years does it take to Study International Relations?
It takes a minimum of 4 years to earn a degree in International Relations. However, being a direct entry student should take at least 3 years since you are more likely to start from the 200 Level.
What is the cut-off mark for International Relations?
Students who score at least a minimum of 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study International Relations in their chosen universities.
Note: Note that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.