Programme: BAHons specialising in Political Science

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
01240412 Faculty of Humanities Department: Political Sciences
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to www.up.ac.za./yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

  1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
    1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
    2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
    3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
  2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
    1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
    2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
    3. Certified copy of passport.
  3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
  4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). 
  5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
  6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
  7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
  8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
  9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
  10. All applicants must be computer literate.
  11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
  12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements

  1. Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science
    or 
    a relevant bachelor's degree
  2. An average of at least 70% in Political Science (or equivalent) at final-year level

Additional requirements

In certain cases additional modules may be required.

Other programme-specific information

In collaboration with the programme manager and with the approval of the head of department, students can select one elective module from another discipline.

Only certain modules are presented annually. Please consult the department in this regard.

Minimum credits: 120

Elective modules*
Select 3 modules of which 2 must be STL modules **

Note:
*In collaboration with the programme manager and with the approval of the head of department, students can select one elective module from another discipline.
**Only certain modules are presented annually. Please consult the department in this regard.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    An in-depth study and evaluation of the metatheoretical and theoretical foundations of modern politics. The emphasis is on the ideas and theories shaping politics in the contemporary world, as well as on the issues and changes in society that challenge established political theories.

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  • Module content:

    A limited research report of 8 000-10 000 words, based on independent research done by the student in a specialised field of political science, is written under the guidance of a supervisor. This is preceded by an introduction to advanced political research in the discipline with the inclusion of appropriate research methodology, research ethics, and the planning and documentation of research.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    The module focuses on African political systems, the position and role of Africa in the international system and aspects of regionalism and regionalisation. An analysis and evaluation is made of the major issues, challenges, trends and transformations concerning the domestic politics and the regional and international relations of African states, including pan-Africanism.

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  • Module content:

    The theory and practice of peace missions and political conflict with specific reference to the classification, causes, development, conduct, management and outcomes of political conflict. Particular emphasis is placed on the different facets of peace missions and political conflict management such as conflict avoidance, prevention, settlement and resolution, as well as the process of bargaining, negotiation and (third party) mediation. An analysis will be made of selected case studies with specific reference to mediation in violent conflicts in Africa.

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  • Module content:

    The systematic comparative study of political phenomena on a regional, continental or global basis using comparative methodologies. This will enable the analysis of political practice and the considerable variations across regions, continents and in the world. The growing importance of global influences and interdependence between regions and local politics require the development of specific knowledge and skills by students to explore the reasons for the variations and to develop possible responses to these.

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  • Module content:

    An advanced study of policy analysis. Policy analysis is an approach to public policy that aims to integrate and contextualise models and research. Special attention is given to meta-analysis (methods and approaches), meso-analysis and decision-making analysis.

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  • Module content:

    The study of South African politics with reference to political institutions, the political process, political issues and policy. The emphasis is on recent events and developments in the national and international political environment. Emphasis is placed on political parties, organisations and institutions, the political system, the development of the political system, system adaptation, transformation and legitimacy, influences on the political environment, elections, political leadership, policy and the development of policy.

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  • Module content:

    Emphasis is placed on the development of comparative politics; problems in the comparative study of political objects and in the evaluation of approaches and principles underlying comparative analysis; as well as the identification and evaluation of new approaches. This knowledge is applied to specific case studies.

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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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