Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Relations

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification largely to provide not only knowledge that is very specific to the sub-discipline of International Relations but also advanced learning to those learners who wish to work in governments and internationally, in diplomatic missions, inter-governmental organisations, multinational companies, and International Non-Governmental Organisations. Essentially, the qualification is more specialised than, for example, Political Science, and would serve to further enhance the learner's competence in the area of International Relations (involving governments, Multinational Corporations (MNC), Intergovernmental Organisations (IGO) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGO). This is at the heart of the difference between International Relations as a field of study and Political Science as a more general and umbrella area of study. Thus, this qualification will contribute towards the reduction of the current scarcity in South Africa of learners skilled in the area of International Relations. The qualification also provides a route of access to postgraduate study and further research in the field of International Relations. A huge need exists at present in South Africa, as well as in much of the rest of Africa, to develop people who are knowledgeable, not only in the general field of International Relations, but who also understand Africa's tenuous position and needs within a world of rapid globalisation, with simultaneous technological and economical bifurcation that tends to leave Africa further behind.

Rationale

The qualification seeks to prepare learners who can fit into national diplomatic missions and help meet significant shortages among diplomatic personnel. To prepare learners who can successfully take up further research in academic institutions and research environments in South Africa and across Africa by preparing learners who can function in the evolving and growing world of non-governmental organisations. The Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Relations is an important initial base for professional development in the field. Learners would be able to enter at various levels of professional work and in different levels of government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), or the private sector. With backgrounds in the general field of Political Science and cognate disciplines in the Social Sciences and the Humanities, the average learner would be able to make useful contributions at the entry or low-management levels of professional employment.

The admission requirement for the qualification is an undergraduate Degree. However, the department is guided by the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL1.05 of June 2016). In the field of International Relations, there are students with prior exposure before taking formal studies and are considered for enrolling for the honours qualification. An example is of a candidate with training in Technikons institution and had worked in an internal relations office handling practical issues in the field. However, in terms of the normal admission policies, she fell short of the requirements. But her practical experiences were considered and ended up getting placement in the qualification because of RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 100 Credits

• Research Methods, 25 Credits.
• International Organisations, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.
• South Africa's Foreign Policy, 25 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits (Select/choose one module)

• Strategic Studies: Conflict Management, 25 Credits.
• Advanced Studies: Africa and the World, 25 Credits.
• Public Policy Analysis, 20 Credits.
• African Political Philosophy, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the capacity to design, conduct and write up research.
2. Demonstrate ability to master and articulate concepts and theories in the field of international relations.
3. Demonstrate the ability to write a dissertation that is linguistically, technically and scientifically correct.
4. Apply knowledge of Politics and International Relations to solve contending global challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify a research problem in the discipline of International Relations and formulate a research proposal.
• Formulate a research assumption to be tested or examined.
• Select and utilise research instruments that are relevant to the research project.
• Report research findings of the investigation and formulate recommendations that emanate from the findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically read, interpret and analyse literature from different sources on the topic under research;
• Draw conclusions from different readings and indicate anomalies;
• Create a theoretical framework provided by the literature review;
• Compile a complete bibliography/list of references.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Write a dissertation that shows that the learner can express himself/herself clearly;
• Write a dissertation that is linguistically correct and of an acceptable standard;
• Write a dissertation that is technically and scientifically acceptable to the examiners.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Choose a contemporary theme dealing with world problem such as war, topic related to problem in the global scene and look at mechanism of solving or suggesting possible solutions to such problems.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment is appropriately incorporated to achieve the purpose of the qualification. Modules in the qualification are independently assessed in both formative ways (through class work, tests, essays, other written work and, where appropriate, practical exercises) and summative ways (written, oral and practical examinations). In some cases, journals, oral presentations and portfolios of work provide additional forms of assessment. In the case of this Bachelor Honours Degree qualification, the substantial research component constitutes a summative test of the learner's capabilities in international relations.