Master of Social Sciences in International Relations

Rationale

The rationale behind the Master of Social Sciences in International Relations is to equip learners with in-depth disciplinary and research knowledge and skills that will enable them to do investigative research in issues relating to international relations, and also to contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the use of policymakers in the country.

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Social Sciences in International Relations is to deliver learners who are well able to undertake advanced research on complex academic and realistic problems within the field of international relations with the view to generating new scientific knowledge and/or develop policy options/workable solutions to socio-economic and political challenges. Learners will be able to produce scientific, concise and comprehensive research reports. Qualifying learners will be adequately equipped to enhance their career with confidence and also to contribute to the development of the society and country in general.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access purposes will require the learner to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that RPL, obtained either by formal learning, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specific qualification.

In applying RPL, the institution deals with provable knowledge and learning that the learner obtained by following formal learning or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated qualification and the modules therein, or status for which the learner is applying and not merely about the experience the learner can prove. RPL takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the learner demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the qualification.

Entry Requirements

• An Honours Degree in the relevant discipline, NQF Level 8.

Or

• A cognate four-year qualification at Level 8.

This qualification comprises of a compulsory module totalling 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable research question that can be researched individually or within a group, both discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.
2. Design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative formats and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem, then interpret and report the research findings scientifically and communicate the findings in writing in accordance with academic protocols, and also orally with the aid of IT, to an audience of academic peers.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of a master's dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the institution. Approval is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.

Examination of the dissertation is done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization.