Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations and Diplomacy

Field: Business, Commerce and Management Studies

1.    Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in International Relations and Diplomacy is tailor-made to equip scholars to conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research across key areas of international affairs and political science. It employs a combination of in-depth hands-on fieldwork and comprehensive theoretical study. This qualification provides a rigorous approach to the study of global affairs. Scholars are expected to develop the substantive knowledge, theoretical perspectives and methodological skills necessary for conducting research and teaching in their field.

This qualification will generate detailed knowledge in international relations, which is essential in solving critical problems faced in the international relations and diplomacy environment. The qualification will offer comprehensive knowledge about the international system and enable students to develop problem-solving skills to generate useful ideas, which students can use in analysing critical information for the international relations and diplomacy industry. It offers new opportunities of research and will constantly reflect on real-life demands of both the academia and politics.

This qualification in International Relations and Diplomacy plays a crucial role in addressing the international imperatives such as quality education mentioned in the Sustainable Development Goals  (SDG IV) through research, scholarship, and the development of future leaders and policy makers. Doctoral students may conduct research on various aspects of international relations and diplomacy, including political, economic, social, and environmental issues. Research outcomes can provide valuable insights and data that can inform Namibia’s National Development Plan. It is essential to note that economic diplomacy involves using diplomatic tools to advance economic interests. Doctoral research can delve into how Namibia can engage in economic diplomacy to attract investments, promote trade, and achieve development goals outlined in the Harambee Prosperity Plan II.

2. Purpose

The qualification in the International Relations and Diplomacy  offers students the opportunity to engage in in-depth research on issues related to diplomatic practices, foreign policies, the balance of international political power and dispute settlement.

This qualification will transform the Namibian and other African nations from being consumers of knowledge in the global arena into comparable, competitive and innovative creators of knowledge through engagements at the highest levels in research and analysis to generate new knowledge and solutions to the local, regional and international community in a global world arena.

The development and utilization of the highest levels of research capabilities are fundamental to the attainment and the realization of a knowledge-based economy as envisaged in the Education and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP), Vision 2030 and other national socio-economic goals.

International Relations and Diplomacy are essential tools for maintaining global stability, fostering cooperation, addressing shared challenges, and promoting peace and prosperity on a worldwide scale. Their connections span across political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions, making them indispensable in our interconnected world.

The international community’s confluence of globalizing world affairs particularly in international trade and global commerce interdependence of the post-Cold War era, has significantly heightened the importance of International Relations and Diplomacy.The qualification will ensure that doctoral candidates acquire the necessary skills for effective professional, scientific and social communication. 

The International University of Management (IUM) emphasizes the creation of new knowledge that is particularly rooted in the local African context but transcends on a global scale. This PhD qualification offers an engaging opportunity for both professionals and students to play a role in influencing the direction of our world in the 21^st Century.

This field is essential for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world, fostering cooperation, and addressing the pressing challenges that transcend national borders. It provides a compelling avenue for professionals and students to contribute to shaping the trajectory of our world in the third millennium. The PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy brings together academic excellence through meticulous independent research and real-world applicability.  

This qualification includes a set of rigorous core requirements in International Relations and Diplomacy designed to deliver a deep understanding of the interaction between International Relations and Diplomacy and the Global International System in a changing world. The qualification also provides students with the flexibility to pursue detailed research in a broad variety of critical policy areas.

This qualification has been benchmarked with other reputable higher learning institutions such as the Geneva School of International Relations & Diplomacy, (Switzerland), Fletcher School of Diplomacy and Law TUFTS University (USA), John Hopkins University (USA), Autonomy University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Witwatersrand (Wits), (South Africa), Centre of Diplomatic and Strategic Studies, (CEDS) Paris, (France)  Nile University (Nigeria), Middlesex University Dubai, (United Arab Emirates).

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is designed for diplomats, officials and high-ranking civil servants in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO), and other government Ministries, political leaders, private business executives, civil servants and individuals who wish to update their understanding of key global policy challenges. Also, qualified staff in International Relations and Diplomacy Management or relevant sectors in possession of  a Master of International Relations and Diplomacy degree or equivalent qualifications in international relations and political science; as well as staff within management and consulting sector in International Relations and Diplomacy Management or relevant sector holding a master degree related to International Relations and Diplomacy.

3. Admission requirements

To be admitted to this qualification, a student should have a Master’s degree in International Relations, Diplomacy and Management or a relevant Master’s degree in any of the major disciplines related to Political Sciences and International Relations with a thesis score not lower than 65% (B).

4. Qualification duration

The PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy is a three-year postgraduate study leading to NQF Level 10 qualification. The study period for the qualification is Minimum: 3 Years Maximum: 6 Years. Contact hours will only be given over weekends or once-off block release at the scheduled time agreed/decided by the university. The qualification comprises a minimum of two (2) semesters per academic year. Semester 1 runs from January to June. Semester 2 runs from July to December.

5. Outcomes for whole qualification

  Holders of this qualification are able to:

• Illustrate comprehensive, systematic and in-depth mastery of knowledge, research and analytical skills used in the formulation of new, cutting-edge learning, practical principles or process relevant to International Relations and Diplomacy.
• Apply knowledge of advanced research methods and methodology and techniques for data collection and analysis using qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed
• Understand the global issues, fostering cooperation, addressing shared challenges, and promoting peace and prosperity on a worldwide scale.
• Apply the knowledge acquired to improve theory and practice in their specific areas of
• Disseminate widely the research results through scholarly publications, analytical briefs and contributions to academic and policy platforms in Namibia and

6. Credit systems

Credits are based on learning hours per subject. One (1) credit equates ten (10) notional hours (learning). The general guideline for teaching and learning time per course, based on the 10 hours per credit approach, as per the table below. An example of a course with 10 credits was used to determine the notional hours.

General Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time per Subject (10 hours per credit)

7. Articulation

The PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy is the highest level of qualification at NQF Level 10 and it articulates into the world of work, full-time and or academics.

8. Credit transfer

Credits from other qualifications may not be transferred towards the attainment of this qualification. Holders of academic qualifications obtained from other recognised educational institutions may be granted exemptions on the subjects sat for and passed. The subjects for which exemption is sought must have been sat for and passed in one sitting and the qualification must have been obtained within the last five years before the application. The subjects for which exemption is sought must have been studied and the qualification obtained at an NQA-accredited institution or equivalent. Under no circumstance shall exemptions be awarded in excess of 50 credits of the total credits for this qualification.

9. Delivery requirements

The attainment of this qualification requires significant levels of self-directed study and research actions that require access to specialized research resources and/or facilities. The availability of such resources and/or facilities will be verified by the IUM Postgraduate Committee. Students preparing for the award of this qualification must be supervised by recognized experts in the field of study. At least one of these recognized experts must hold a PhD Degree, preferably in the field of study. Supervisors allocated to students will be approved by the Postgraduate Committee and will act in accordance with instructions issued by the Committee and approved by the Council.

• This qualification will be delivered using blended learning modalities, including lectures, online tutorials, simulations, and video and audio-conferencing technologies.
• The traditional classroom chalk-talk approach, individual study and group study, workshop conducted by highly qualified lecturers in International Relations and diplomacy, presentations by students, case analysis and conceptual; exercises are all fused into synergistic package of delivery methodology that amalgamate theory with the practice.
• The methodology used will encourage analysis, critical thinking, and discussion of real issues impacting International Relations and Diplomacy.
• The teaching method adapted for this qualification are students centered learning methods. Emphasis will be placed upon the need for the student to read extensively in the area of research.
• Each student will be mentored to appreciate that one will be expected to be responsible for one’s learning.
• The role of the lecturer, therefore, is to stimulate learning and to support and guide that process.
• In preparation for field work students will be expected to sharpen their general conceptual analysis and research methodology in order to bring them up to date with new theoretical knowledge and advanced qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research approaches.
• Students must submit a draft research proposal on a topic selected in consultation with their supervisors.
• Preparation for the thesis work will begin during the general conceptual analysis and research methodology phase that will focus on broad international relations and diplomacy issues. The research methodology phase will also be used to provide guidance on proposal writing and supervisors will be appointed before the beginning of the phase.
• As the research methodology course proceeds students will be guided on the preparation of their research design starting with a concept paper stating the problem, its background, why it is important to undertake research on it and its relevance to the development of new knowledge that may address the problem in a specific area. The concept paper will be developed into a research proposal through various stages with the support of supervisors leading to the development of a draft research proposals and research design.
• The drafts will be presented for peer review by fellow students and comments by supervisors.
• After the first presentation, students will incorporate comments from peers and supervisors and prepare the final draft research design and/or field research or data collection plan for submission to their supervisors.
• The final research design and plan will be approved by the higher degrees/postgraduate committee of senate on recommendations from supervisors and forwarded to Senate for noting.
• During field work students will work independently but will remain in close contact with their supervisors.
• As the field work is completed supervisors will provide guidance, coaching, counselling and other support on how to prepare a thesis.
• First drafts of the theses will be presented for peer review and comments from supervisors and other persons at IUM interested in the area of study. Students can also invite colleagues from their places of work or interested persons from the places where research was conducted.
• After presentation students will incorporate comments and submit their theses for external and internal examination.

10.  Assessment

The thesis shall be examined by three examiners of which two shall be external and one shall be internal. In cases where there is no capacity for an internal examiner then the thesis can be examined by external examiners. Should a student not get a pass from the three examiners, such student will be requested to make emprovements and resubmit for examination. After a student has passed by all three examiners, the student is required to do an oral presentation (Viva Voce examination) of the work to a public audience. The results are to be presented for oral defence before an examination panel.

Thesis Writing

Each student must complete an 80 000 – 100 000 words (minimum 250 pages and maximum of 300 pages) thesis. This thesis should involve original research on a topic related to the studied field. This thesis shall have a clearly defined problem statement, a review of the existing literature on the chosen topic, and a conclusion with recommendations.

11. Quality Assurance

The thesis shall be examined by three experts/specialists in the field of the study approved by the Senate on the recommendation of the Postgraduate Studies Committee. One shall be internal and the other two shall be external to IUM.

Quality shall also be assured through:

• Accreditation and registration (of the qualification) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA); concurrency with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
• Engagement with relevant stakeholders from the industry in regular reviewing of the qualification
• Benchmarking and regular review of policies, curriculums, delivery strategies and assessments.
• Regular monitoring of lecture activities and staff development.
• Students are required to do an oral presentation (Viva Voce examination) of their work to a public audience

12. Qualification Structure