Master of Arts in Politics

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with

The learner acquires specialised competence in both Politics and Public Administration, with

• Research skills
• Theoretical and intellectual knowledge
• Problem solving
• Analysis
• Interpretation
• Evaluation
• Communication
• Understanding the normative dimensions of politics.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Current competence in the fields of Politics and Public Administration that has been acquired by prior learning through applicable and relevant qualifications and experience will be assessed according to the regulations of the Faculty of Arts. Such competence may provide access to a Master's qualification in Politics and Governance. Status recognition on the basis of relevant prior learning will not entitle the learner to receive a formal qualification without following the required Master of Arts qualification in Politics and Governance at the institution.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Studies, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Political Leadership, NQF Level 8.

1. To evaluate and, where relevant apply specialized theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations.
2. To demonstrates a specialized ability at problem identification and problem-solving by using and applying relevant theories in the fields of national and/or international politics.
3. To analyse various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply specialised theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and foreign case studies and policy contexts.
4. To identify relevant means of action in the field of politics.
5. To plan and execute specialised research in the political field.
6. T o use advanced information technology effectively.
7. To collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in politics based on a relevant theoretical framework.
8. To reflect on the governance of polities and explain what types of political and administrative transformation are possible.
9. To communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the political field with all role players.
10. To demonstrate a specialized analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within the communities.
11. To assess the implications of government interventions in the political environment.
12. To apply specialised learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political context.

1. Can the learner evaluate and, where relevant apply specialized theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations?
2. Does the learner demonstrate a specialized ability at problem identification and problem-solving in the fields of national and/or international politics?
3. Is the learner able to analyse various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply specialized theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and foreign case studies and policy contexts?
4. Is the learner able to identify relevant means of action in the field of politics?
5. Can the learner do specialised research in the field of politics?
6. Can the learner used advanced information technology effectively?
7. Is the learner able to collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information with regard to ethical problems in politics based on a relevant theoretical framework?
8. Can the learner reflect on the governance of polities and explain what types of political and administrative transformation are responsible?
9. Can the learner communicate effectively orally, in writing and to some extent visually in the political field with all role players?
10. Does the learner demonstrate a specialized analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within the communities?
11. Is the learner able to assess the implications of specific government interventions in the political environment?
12. Is the learner able to apply specialized learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political context?

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment practices that will be implemented

For both the full dissertation and the mini-dissertation learners must present their research proposals for the mini-dissertation in seminar form to a full meeting of teachers in the Department. Learners also conduct their research and writing under close supervision so as to assess their progress on a continuous basis.

Summative Assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are subjected to a 3-hour written examination for each of the four papers of the structured Master Arts qualification. Mini-dissertations and full-length dissertations are also formally examined.