B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Arts > Department of History and Diplomatic Studies > B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies

If you are curious about how societies evolve, how nations interact, and how global events shape the modern world, the Bachelor of Arts in History and Diplomatic Studies offers you an intellectually rewarding path. This programme equips you with the analytical skills and historical perspective needed to understand the complexities of human civilisation, governance, and international relations.

You will study the origins and growth of societies, the dynamics of power and diplomacy, and the impact of key events that have defined Africa and the wider world. Your training combines historical inquiry with practical knowledge of diplomacy, negotiation, and policy analysis, preparing you for leadership in both public and international service.

Course Overview

The B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies programme provides a comprehensive understanding of human development through the ages, while also introducing you to the principles and practice of modern diplomacy. You will examine the evolution of states, political systems, economies, and cultures, and explore how historical knowledge informs policy and decision-making today.

Your studies will combine historical interpretation with the study of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. Courses cover topics such as African history, European and world civilisations, diplomatic theory and practice, strategic studies, and international law.

The programme’s interdisciplinary approach exposes you to both historical scholarship and the real-world mechanisms of international relations. You will develop the ability to analyse political events, interpret historical data, and apply lessons from the past to global challenges such as peacekeeping, development, and diplomacy.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum of the B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies degree follows the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), ensuring a balance between historical knowledge and diplomatic training. It includes core national content (70%) and institutional innovations (30%) designed to meet modern professional demands.

Your first year introduces you to the foundations of history and diplomacy. You will take courses such as:

  1. Introduction to African Civilisation
  2. Major World Civilisations
  3. Concepts and Methods in History
  4. Introduction to Political Science
  5. The Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  6. Communication in English

These courses build your foundational understanding of history, historical sources, and methods of inquiry, while helping you develop communication and analytical skills.

At this level, you will broaden your knowledge through courses such as:

  1. History of West Africa (1500–1800)
  2. History of Europe (1300–1815)
  3. Themes in African History
  4. Introduction to International Relations
  5. Theories and Practice of Diplomacy
  6. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

This stage develops your appreciation of both regional and global developments while building your awareness of the historical roots of contemporary diplomatic practices.

Your third year focuses on advanced and specialised themes such as:

  1. History of Nigeria (1800–Present)
  2. African Diaspora and Globalisation
  3. Comparative Economic Systems
  4. Colonialism and Post-Colonial Developments in Africa
  5. Research Methodology in the Arts
  6. International Organisations and Global Governance

At this point, you will learn to interpret historical evidence critically and engage with global political issues from a historical perspective.

Your final year consolidates your learning with courses such as:

  1. Strategic and Security Studies
  2. International Law and Organisations
  3. Foreign Policy Analysis
  4. History of Modern Africa
  5. Contemporary Issues in Diplomacy
  6. Research Project

You will undertake a final-year research project, under academic supervision, which allows you to investigate a historical or diplomatic topic of interest, applying research and analytical skills acquired throughout the programme.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies programme, you must satisfy one of the following admission routes:

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Degree Programme)

  1. At least five credit passes in relevant subjects at the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent, including English Language, History or Government, and any other three Arts or Social Science subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), with History or Government as one of the required subjects.

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Degree Programme)

  1. Five credit passes at SSCE or its equivalent, two of which must be at the Advanced Level.
  2. A Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), National Diploma (ND), or University Diploma in History, Government, Political Science, or related fields with at least a merit or credit grade.
  3. Candidates with equivalent qualifications may also be considered based on the university’s admission policy.

All applicants must meet the university’s general entry requirements for undergraduate programmes.

Why study at OOU?

Choosing to study History and Diplomatic Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University means joining a programme that prepares you for leadership, diplomacy, and policy analysis in both national and international contexts. Our department combines deep historical scholarship with modern training in negotiation, communication, and critical reasoning.

You will benefit from:

  1. A robust and current curriculum that links historical knowledge with real-world diplomatic practice.
  2. Experienced lecturers and researchers who specialise in African history, international relations, and global diplomacy.
  3. Practical exposure through seminars, policy simulations, and interactions with diplomatic missions and public institutions.
  4. Interdisciplinary learning connecting history with political science, law, and economics.
  5. Digital and research training that enhances your ability to use modern tools in historical and policy analysis.
  6. Career-oriented education that opens opportunities in government, international service, education, and research.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project that demonstrates your mastery of historical analysis and understanding of diplomatic practice. Under close academic supervision, you will select a research topic relevant to Nigerian, African, or global historical and diplomatic developments.

Your project will involve:

  1. Identifying and defining a historical or diplomatic problem.
  2. Gathering and interpreting both primary and secondary sources.
  3. Analysing historical data and presenting your findings logically.
  4. Applying historical insight to modern issues in diplomacy and governance.

This project represents the culmination of your academic journey and demonstrates your ability to connect the past with present challenges — a vital skill for historians, policymakers, and diplomats.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Arts in History and Diplomatic Studies, you must satisfy the requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the university.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all prescribed core and elective courses for the degree.
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry.
  3. Maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of not less than 1.00 at the end of the programme.
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project.

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon fulfilling these requirements, you will be awarded the B.A. (Hons) History and Diplomatic Studies, a qualification recognised in academic, governmental, and international institutions for excellence in historical knowledge and diplomatic training.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies are highly valued for their analytical, research, and communication skills. The programme prepares you for diverse career paths in government, academia, media, and international affairs.

You may pursue careers as:

  1. Historian or archivist
  2. Diplomat or foreign service officer
  3. Policy analyst or public administrator
  4. Lecturer or education consultant
  5. Journalist or political correspondent
  6. Conflict resolution and peacebuilding specialist
  7. Researcher or development officer

You may find employment in:

  1. Government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Culture and Tourism
  2. International organisations, such as the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and NGOs engaged in peacekeeping and development
  3. Embassies, consulates, and international missions
  4. Research institutes and think tanks focused on governance, history, and international studies
  5. Universities and secondary schools as teachers, lecturers, or administrators
  6. Media and publishing organisations where analytical and writing skills are essential

Your training will equip you to interpret complex events, negotiate effectively, and offer informed perspectives on global issues, qualities that make you competitive both locally and internationally.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Obtain the JAMB application form, choosing Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice and History and Diplomatic Studies as your preferred programme.
  2. Sit for the UTME with History or Government, English Language, and two other relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.
  3. Possess five credit passes in relevant subjects at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language and History or Government, in not more than two sittings.
  4. Participate in and meet the requirements of the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold a National Diploma (ND), NCE, or University Diploma in History, Government, or a related discipline with at least a merit or credit grade.
  2. Possess five credit passes in relevant subjects at SSCE or its equivalent, including English Language and History or Government.
  3. Apply through the OOU Undergraduate Admissions Portal, uploading your transcripts, certificates, and all required documents.

Course Coordinator

The B.A. History and Diplomatic Studies programme is managed by a team of distinguished historians, political scientists, and international relations scholars within the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, Faculty of Arts. 

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  6. Faculty = Arts
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus.
  9. Location = Faculty of Arts, Main Campus.
  10. Scholarship opportunities