Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs

Purpose

The Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs is intended to prepare qualifying learners who could contribute to the development of knowledge in the fields of Public Policy and International Affairs at an advanced level. The qualifying learners should demonstrate specialist knowledge and engagement with, and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in Public Policy and International Affairs. The qualification will take the form of a distinct research project, culminating in a full dissertation.

The dissertation will make an original, theoretically sound and empirically based academic contribution to the knowledge in Public Policy and International Affairs. By employing futuristic thinking, the dissertation will present and propose possible solutions to challenges related to the cross-cutting sub-fields of Citizenship; Public Leadership; Peace and Conflict; Government Affairs; Urban and Rural Affairs; Simulation and Futuristic Studies; Security and Intelligence; Sustainable Livelihoods and Resource Management; as well as International and Diplomacy Affairs.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner should be able to

• Conduct a critical review of current research and practices in Public Policy in International Affairs.
• Conduct an evaluation of current processes of knowledge production in Public Policy in International Affairs.
• Design, select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
• Apply a wide range of specialised problem-solving skills to address complex and challenging Public and International Affairs problems.
• Conduct an ethical and professional practice review of leading and current research.

Rationale

The rationale for establishing this qualification is informed by the growing complexity of policy challenges facing emerging African countries within an increasingly globalised world. The extent and nature of these challenges demand public leaders who can utilise transdisciplinary knowledge to find innovative, forward-looking solutions.

Transforming Africa requires a dedicated approach to activate and unlock the potential of African minds in ensuring a shared understanding, working knowledge and hands-on application of the principles and tools of Public Policy and International Affairs, as well as related topics. It requires an ability to conduct scientific and internationally accepted research; an exposure to the practical application; the dissemination, critical interrogation, and development of knowledge; as well as the ability to monitor, track and adjust in a dynamic and globally integrated world.

For this reason, this qualification is designed to provide advanced training and scholarship, as well as hone skills to conduct independent research in this and related fields. The qualification addresses the gap between higher education and the global society's need for postgraduate learners who are versed in the unique development challenges of individual African countries, as well as the continent. It furthermore addresses the shortage of postgraduate learners with the skills to apply evidence-based, forward-looking methodologies in designing transdisciplinary, theoretically sound, and customised solutions for emerging, developmental states in a globalised environment.

Learners are thereby enabled to address the reality of a complex society and world, a principle that is usually overlooked in teaching programs. A unique and distinguishing feature of this qualification is the postgraduate learner has developed the skill of original, innovative, and experiential thinking, which is relevant to all spheres in government.

The qualification is unique and transdisciplinary. It provides an academic, policy, and practice setting for current and future leaders within an Africa-centred paradigm. As such, the degree is relevant to stakeholders in both the public and private spheres, such as:

• International, Regional and National policy design practitioners
• Local government officials
• Decision-makers, researchers, and officials in all spheres of government
• Private and community sector stakeholders
• International stakeholders and Investors
• Donor agencies
• Transdisciplinary researchers and educators

Apart from supervisory support, learners will be exposed to the school's academic and research forums to gain practical experience in the field of Public and International Affairs.

The deliberate design of a transdisciplinary and innovative approach is aligned with the 2030-National Development Plan (NDP) that specifically calls for higher education institutions to promote innovation and develop knowledge with an inter- and transdisciplinary, as well as collaborative approach.

The futuristic thinking promoted by the qualification supports the African Union's Agenda 2063 for developing forward-looking capacity in transforming and developing Africa's full potential. This degree is also aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in preparing lifelong learners for the challenges of the 21st century such as poverty (SDG1); well-being and livelihood (SDG3); gender equality (SDG5); good governance, decent work, and economic growth (SDG8); as well as peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16).

In Public and international Affairs, the interdependence of regions in social, economic, political and environmental affairs requires a trans-disciplinary analysis and understanding. Trans-disciplinary studies are important for policymakers and social analysts so that the interconnections between different social problems are interrogated. Trans-disciplinary studies also provide the learner with a wider understanding of social reality that extends beyond the limits of more narrow academic disciplines.

A pivotal dimension of this qualification is Futuristic Studies. Learners have access to this innovative intellectual endeavour that moves beyond analyses to develop and generate systemic alternatives and divergent scenarios for South Africa and its place in the Southern African region, the African Continent, the global and the planetary contexts.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied in line with the regulations of the Council on Higher Education, the RPL Policy and the procedures of the University of South Africa.

RPL for Access

Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) without an appropriate Honours Degree should submit a portfolio of evidence of relevant work and research experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to the qualification. The portfolio of evidence will be assessed according to the specific outcomes and assessment criteria of the Master of Arts in Public Policy in International Affairs.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Administration Honours in Public Administration, NQF Level 8.

Or

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

Or

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

Or

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

Or

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

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Conduct a critical review of current research and practices in Public Policy in International Affairs.
2. Conduct an evaluation of current processes of knowledge production in Public Policy in International Affairs.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
4. Apply a wide range of specialised problem-solving skills to address complex and challenging Public and International Affairs problems.
5. Conduct an ethical and professional practice review of leading and current research.
6. Implement a review strategy for accessing, processing, and managing information.
7. Produce a scientific and academically substantiated research dissertation that meets university, school and supervisor(s) requirements and policies.
8. Produce a publishable journal article on the primary contributions of the research dissertation.
9. Develop interdependent interventions in Public Policy in International Affairs while considering the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.
10. Develop and manage personal learning strategies to support responsible and independent continuous learning.
11. Provide proof of accountable resource management and governance practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Compile and present a comprehensive knowledge-based critique of appropriate, relevant, and recent research and practices.
• Generate an interdisciplinary vision and synopsis, considering socio-political, legal, and multicultural factors influencing economic, business and people development internationally, nationally, and locally.
• Integrate literature with identified research objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Provide an evaluation of current processes and industry standards.
• Choose an appropriate process of enquiry.
• Generate a well-researched, analysed, and organised repository of information
• Produce sound, evidence-based analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Design techniques for enquiry that go beyond national policy enquiry to focus on supra-national regions, global processes and grounded continental research, along with an insight into solutions and the local and African context of such solutions.
• Apply analytical skills relevant to local communities and the African continent within the context of regional development in the Global South.
• Incorporate advocacy for social change and transformation in the dissertation, with competence in the relevant languages in the Public and International Relations fields.
• Provide an outlined research methodology appropriate to drive empirical analysis in keeping with the study's objective.
• Design a suitable research instrument for collecting the data as indicated in the research methodology.
• Adopt a description of the data management process for the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Outline an analysis of relevant data using the appropriate instrument.
• Compile a comprehensive report based on the findings from analysing the gathered data.
• Draw a set of conclusions based on the literature review and empirical findings that meet the study's research objectives.
• Make recommendations based on the findings and conclusions that are defensible for the study.
• Provide a list of appropriate limitations in the study context.
• State a reflection on the contribution of the study to existing knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Provide a comprehensive review of leading and current research
• Generate a presentation of a practical interdisciplinary vision regarding socio-political, legal, and multicultural factors influencing economic, business and people development internationally, nationally and locally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Provide a documented strategy for accessing, processing, and managing relevant information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Provide a professional academic dissertation that meets the university, college, departmental and supervisors' requirements.
• Apply adjustments as indicated by the supervisors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Establish a journal article submitted to an accredited scientific journal in the field of Public Policy and International Affairs
• Provide a publishable contribution emanating from the research dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Outline a proposed set of interdependent interventions in line with the research agenda.
• Provide an analysis assessment of the intended and unintended consequences of the interventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Provide an assessment of the limitations of the research dissertation.
• State a proposed set of recommendations for future research and the promotion of responsible citizenship.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Provide a well-structured and scheduled research plan.
• Participate in academic seminars, workshops, and research forums.