Master of Arts in Political Science

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop learners with advanced specialist knowledge in the field of political science; realise a high Degree of sustained proficiency in both scholarship and professional training at a postgraduate level in political science; produce skilled practitioners who can address key social, political and economic issues related to political science; equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in planning, conducting and publishing research in the field of political science. The Political Science Masters Qualification aims at advancing African Scholarship by developing skilled political scientist, researchers and analysts who are equipped with both the specialist knowledge to engage with and critique current research or practices as well as advanced scholarship which allows them to address national, regional and global political issues. It therefore utilises theoretical and methodological models, case studies and materials from the South African, African and the global context. It also seeks to develop the capacity of practitioners and researchers that enable them to contribute to the broader scholarship in the field of Political Science.

Rationale

There is a demand for experts in the field of political science and global politics is critical and essential for developing the training, analysis, research and practitioner needs of the broader South African socio-political landscape and its engagement with the global community. The main reason for offering this qualification is to develop researchers and scholars with advanced specialist knowledge in the field of political science and to create practitioners that can provide the necessary skills which are required in the professional fields where Political Science and related disciplines are required. It equips learners with the ability to reason abstractly through understanding and analysing political concepts and allow them to grasp the political dimensions of social and economic phenomena. It provides them with the ability to critically analyse, interpret and explain political events and processes both in South Africa and globally. This qualification has a clear vocational aspect in that it equips learners with both knowledge and analytical skills necessary to careers in the public service, politics, journalism, corporate governance and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelors of Arts Honours, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules and electives at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 176 Credits

• Short Dissertation; Political Science, 96 Credits.
• State & Justice in Modern Political Theory, 32 Credits.
• Political Change in Africa, 32 Credits.
• Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 16 Credits (Choose one Module)

• Social Research Design and Practice, 16 Credits.
• Research Design & Implementation, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate clear specialist knowledge and understanding of and be able to analyse the main political science theories and concepts.
2. Evaluate the current processes of knowledge production related to political science conceptual models and techniques and apply these to practice.
3. Critically and competently contribute to the national and international political science arena in all areas of research, studies and practices in an applied manner.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the critical debates within this field; solve problems, of both a theoretical and applied nature.
5. Provide skills and knowledge in spheres of policy analysis, research and also pursue further studies in the field.
6. Engage in theoretical discourses on how to conduct independent research.
7. Apply specific models and analytical tools under closely supervised conditions.
8. Develop a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the processes, functions and practices in the field of political science.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Locate and use a variety of sources, both secondary and primary, documentary and electronic.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of appropriate research skills for different kinds of research projects.
• Deploy advanced writing skills and a thorough knowledge of and ability to deploy the conventions of writing research papers in Political Science.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of computer programmes for research, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Deploy advanced skills of seminar presentation.
• Work with others on a research project.
• Apply a wide range of concepts, analytical techniques and modes of theorization to contemporary political issues.
• Use specialist computer programmes to analyse data.
• Carry out a substantial research project, the results of which are written up in a 10 000 - word dissertation which shows some originality and a good grasp of the chosen topic.
• Use advanced skills in the collection, storing and analysis of data.
• Demonstrate a command of excellent writing skills.

Integrated Assessment

The approach and methods of assessment are multi-mode, incorporate both formative and summative assessment and are designed to assess different competencies of the learners. For example, the research proposal and seminar papers constitute formative assessment. The written self-reflective field notebook incorporates both formative and summative assessment and the policy papers and oral presentations and examinations are based on summative assessment. The aforementioned methods of assessment are designed to assess specific competencies of the learners as stated in the learning outcomes. Assessment of the taught component will be continuous in the form of, amongst others, research, written assignments, seminars, attendance, oral presentations and participation in discussions and workshops. The type of work that learners will be assessed on includes the following: presentations and written on selected topics; critical reviews of recent literature on relevant topics; written research papers in which the learner must demonstrate his/her ability to access, outline, evaluate and synthesize the current state of critical/theoretical debate, demonstrating his/her personal engagement with the literature; research plans, research proposals and ethical clearance forms; group fieldwork projects; self-reflective field notebooks; independent individual research, oral presentations and examinations. Assessment of performance will take the form of research proposals, seminar papers on theories and models and a discussion of these in the classroom, a written self-reflective notebook constructed in the field of the context, processes, models in which the learner participates, a research paper in which the learner critically evaluates the project and integrates the theoretical knowledge gained and the practical experience, individual and group research project where the learner demonstrates his/her research skills and analytical ability and, an oral presentation or examination in which the learner is expected to reflect upon the content and skills in an integrated fieldwork simulation exercise.