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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Political Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121087  Master of Arts in Political Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0619/23  2023-10-03  2026-10-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-10-03   2030-10-03  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
21584  Master of Arts in Political Studies  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Political Studies with work-based learning (WBL) is to provide an option for learners seeking more vocational and applied postgraduate research training. Learners will complete one year of coursework, including a theory module in Work Integrated Political Studies, before being placed with a host organisation in government or civil society in the second year to conduct the research.

The aim of the qualification is to provide research and organisational training for Political Scientists who are enriched through exposure to the world of work. Learners will also be exposed to conducting research based on a real-world political problem defined in conjunction with host organisations.

The Department of Political Studies staff and learners have worked closely over the years with civil society organisations on real-world problems, often using participatory methods. The intention is to:
  • Expand the choices of postgraduate study for Political Science learners.
  • Better develop the attributes of Political Studies graduates.
  • Enhance the quality of the programme through using work-integrated learning.
  • Develop a niche for the department that will mark it out nationally.
  • Deepen the learning experience through international collaboration.

    Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be to:
  • Apply the advanced knowledge in a specialized area to enable critique of current practices in the Political Studies field with work-based learning.
  • Access, analyse, organize, and critically evaluate the existing knowledge in the Political Studies field with work-based learning and its application in practical situations.
  • Design, select and apply an appropriate problem-solving approach to the resolution of disputes which arise in Political Studies with work-based learning.
  • Engage in independent research and produce findings in the form of a research report from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques, and technologies in the Political Studies field.
  • Demonstrate competence and professional expertise in performing research tasks in Political Studies with work-based learning.
  • Demonstrate intellectual independence and critical thinking in response to organizational, personal, and social benefit issues related to Political Studies with work-based learning.

    The key contribution is that the qualification is developing an academic curriculum that responds to the 21st Century graduate attributes. It recognizes the skills required of the world of work and incorporates the learning of these into the qualification especially the practice of ongoing reflection on the learning process. In addition, the qualification affirms the faculty's commitment to work-based learning opportunities and offers an alternative route for more vocationally minded learners. Thus, a key objective of the qualification is to expose learners to the world of work so that they can clarify what career they want, network in the industry, and even secure their first jobs through these networks.

    Rationale:
    Political Studies is not a vocational discipline and has multiple potential career outlets including academia, research, the media, civil society, political parties, and government employment. This qualification will bridge the discipline-vocational gap by requiring research placement with host organisations in civil society and government that do explicitly political research. The qualification will develop a strong vocational link for Political Studies postgraduate learners preferring a more applied research trajectory. The qualification will provide South Africa with a cadre of specialists and experts in the field of research, facilitation, development, management, and service provision, who will contribute to a continuously growing understanding of the Political Sciences.

    Globally there is a growing recognition of the importance of work-based learning as an approach to higher education with multiple benefits for learners and society which include:
  • Better academic performance of learners, as internships often positively enhance the motivation to study.
  • The personal empowerment of learners' soft skills like organizational ability, communication skills, teamwork, leadership, and co-operation.
  • Career impact for learners as internships help with networking, career clarification, work opportunities and increased employability.
  • The development of skills through technical knowledge and skills enhancement.
  • Social benefits in the form of the value-add of learner contribution to the public through supporting government and civil society work (CHE 2012: 6).

    In South Africa, a similar recognition of the positive benefits of work-based learning is contained in the Higher Education Qualification Framework of 2007. The Council on Higher Education's (CHE) Good Practice Guide states that university teachers should be concerned to ensure that the learners who graduate with the qualifications are prepared for the world in which they will live and work (CHE, (2012:1).
    This policy endorsement of work-based learning is reinforced by the realities of the work environment in South Africa, which is characterised by a high unemployment rate, with it taking many years for some graduates to find work (Stats SA 2018). The qualification will connect Political Studies postgraduates with the world of work, with significant potential benefits in terms of academic growth, personal, career, skills, and social development.

    By placing learners in government and civil society workplaces, the qualification can also contribute to strengthening the public sector by providing not only a pool of potentially talented employees but also by assisting with the production of practical knowledge needed to govern democratically, implement policy qualifications and hold the state accountable. The research that learners do will be directed to the needs of the host as well as forming the basis of the dissertation.

    Preliminary discussions with potential hosts in both civil society and government indicate a great enthusiasm for this qualification. The qualification builds on existing practice over several years where staff and learners have worked closely with civil society organisations on real-world problems, often using participatory methods. The institution has also received interest from both the Parliament of South Africa and the Metropolitan Municipality to host research placements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Studies, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours in Political Studies, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Honours Degree in a cognate field, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Political Science, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Political Leadership, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation, NQF Level 08.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in a cognate discipline like History or Public Administration, NQF Level 08. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 09 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 150 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 30 Credits.
  • The Theory of Work-Based Learning (WBL) Political Studies, 30 Credits.
  • The Practice of WBL Political Studies, 30 Credits.
  • Political Studies Mini-Thesis, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 9, 30 Credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • International Political Economy, 30 Credits.
  • Contemporary Democratic Theory, 30 Credits.
  • International Relations Theory, 30 Credits.
  • Gender and Sexuality, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized area to enable critique of current practices in Political Studies with work-based learning.
    2. Demonstrate competence in accessing, analysing, organizing, and critically evaluating existing knowledge in the discipline of Political Studies with work-based learning and its application in practical situations.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to design, select, and apply an appropriate problem-solving approach to the resolution of disputes which arise in Political Studies with work-based learning.
    4. Engage in independent research and produce findings in the form of a research report from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques, and technologies in the field of Political Studies.
    5. Demonstrate competence and professional expertise in performing research tasks in Political Studies with work-based learning.
    6. Demonstrate intellectual independence and critical thinking in response to organizational, personal, and social benefit issues related to Political Studies with work-based learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically discuss the literature on methodological theories in the social sciences regarding work-based learning (WBL).
  • Evaluate the approaches to studying political phenomena, especially in work-based learning (WBL).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically evaluate the key principles of work-based learning (WBL) design in Political Studies.
  • Apply theories and concepts to selected case studies.
  • Evaluate South Africa's political system and compare it with other democracies in the rest of the world, to point out the differences and similarities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically analyse best practice cases in respect of WBL in Political Studies, especially integration of practical and theoretical knowledge, relations with key role-players, process design, techniques of reflection and legal, ethical, and logistical challenges.
  • Critically draw on this knowledge in designing and reflecting on a WBL.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conduct independent research of a limited scope under supervision.
  • Identify a specific focused topic to research.
  • Compile a limited literature review on the topic selected.
  • Apply basic approaches, possibly mainly descriptive/empirical research, depending on the discipline.
  • Articulate a particular position within the theoretical and methodological frameworks of the discipline.
  • Submit a report for external assessment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critically reflect on, a WBL research project in Political Studies based on knowledge production.
  • Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues, and advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
  • Explain the importance of ethical professional practice in the Political Sciences research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Critically draw on this knowledge in designing and reflecting on a WBL Political Studies research project.
  • Identify, explain, critically evaluate, and judge the most important political ideas over time from a personal ethical viewpoint.
  • Describe, critically evaluate, and judge important current issues in world politics.
  • Explain analytical approaches to the study of politics, apply them within the global context of a developing world, and critically explain and evaluate them.
  • Explain and apply methods of political comparisons and compare and evaluate political systems in the world. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Masters of Arts in Political Studies with work-based learning has been developed collaboratively with the cognate department at the University West (UW), Sweden, allowing for a strong international collaboration in terms of module and qualification development, and potentially module teaching, thesis supervision and research placements. The University West in Sweden has the sole national mandate to develop work-integrated learning in Sweden.

    Country: Sweden
    Institution: University West
    Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Work Integrated Political Studies
    Credits: 120
    Duration: Two years of full-time study
    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree of 180 credits within the field of social science or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    Work Integrated Political Studies (WIPS) is a unique two-year international master's degree (120 credits) that leads to an MA degree in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) with a specialization in political studies for societal change. The work-integrated applied research approach provides learners with training in how to have a direct impact on societal change through the work. This qualification is particularly useful for political-economic oriented professions in public administration, non-profits, and private corporations, in Sweden as well as internationally. Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will receive a Master of Arts (MA, 120 credits) with a major in Work Integrated Learning with a specialization in political studies.

    No other international, interdisciplinary qualifications offer a master's degree in WIL with a specialisation in political studies. On graduation, learners are prepared for professional work across cultural and national borders to develop, implement and lead projects handling politically and economically oriented issues for societal change. The research internship project will also be the foundation of the master's thesis, all conducted under the continuous supervision given by the qualified staff and internship hosts.

    The international Master's Degree in Work Integrated Political Studies, together with the research internship work experience and networks, enhance advanced employment opportunities in various parts of the public sector, NGOs, and private companies, in Sweden as well as internationally. Through the internship placements, numerous alumni have built careers as planners, project leaders, administrators and analysts in municipalities, regional authorities, state organisations, NGOs, international organisations as well as banks and private companies.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Year One, 60 Credits:
    Compulsory Modules, 30 Credits:
  • Theory of Science and Applied Research Methods, advanced level, 15 Credits.
  • WIL in Theory and Practice, advanced level, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Peace, Conflict and Security Studies, 15 Credits compares with Gender and Sexuality in SA qualification.
  • International Political Economy, 15 Credits compares with International Political Economy in SA qualification.
  • Comparative Public Policy, 15 Credits.
  • Political Perspectives of Gender and Sexuality, 15 Credits compares with Gender and Sexuality in SA qualification.
  • Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Freedom, 15 Credits.
  • European Politics, 15 Credits.
  • Political Communication, 15 Credits.
  • Political Violence, 15 Credits.

    Year Two, 60 Credits:
    Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits:
  • WIL: Reflection and Portfolio I, advanced level, 7.5 Credits.
  • WIL: Reflection and Portfolio II, advanced level, 7.5 Credits.
  • Research Internship, 15 Credits.
  • Master's Degree Compilation Thesis in Work Integrated Political Studies, 30 Credits compares with Political Studies Mini-Thesis in SA qualification.

    Educational and assessment methods:
    The qualification uses a wide range of pedagogical WIL approaches to reach the overall goals of knowledge and skills. WIPS is a full-time study programme that requires active participation in all parts. The different educational methods in the programme are distributed as follows (estimate):
  • Lectures.
  • Seminars.
  • Practical/group work.
  • Internship/thesis work.
  • Independent or self-study.

    Similarities:
  • The University West (UW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of two years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications provide learners with training in Political Science to have a direct impact on societal change through the work.
  • Both qualifications consist of the research internship project.
  • The UW and SA qualifications consist of both compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctoral Degree in Political Studies in a cognate field.

    Differences:
  • The UW requires applicants who hold the Bachelor's degree of 180 credits within the field of Social Science or equivalent whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who completed the Bachelor Honour's degree in Political Science or equivalent.
  • The UW qualification has 120 credits while the SA qualification has 180 credits.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: Northeastern University
    Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Political Science
    Credits: 32 total semester hours required (34 with optional co-op)
    Duration: Two years Full-Time
    Entry requirements:
  • A graduate degree or certificate

    Purpose:
    The qualification offers learners a range of options including theoretical or practitioner-oriented courses, the pursuit of internships, the writing and submission of a research thesis, or the individualized exploration of a research topic through a directed study. Additionally, learners are allowed to explore the field with a more focused emphasis, working within one of the five core areas of research and practitioner expertise: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, public policy, and security studies.

    With decades of outstanding scholarship, learners have gone on to pursue a wide range of opportunities. Many have used the degree as a foundation for doctoral work, taking advantage of the opportunity offered by our master's program to take higher-level research courses with doctorate-level learners. Others have utilized the degree as an academic foundation for a career in government, including work at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as work in international development or relations.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
    Five concentrations: American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, public policy, and security studies. Learners may pursue internships, a research thesis, experiential learning opportunities, or directed study.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Data Mining Techniques.
  • Research Methods in the Social Sciences compares with Research Methodology.
  • Statistical Analysis.
  • Geographic Information Systems for Urban and Regional Policy.
  • Experiential Learning Component I compares with The Theory of WBL Political Studies and The Practice of WBL Political Studies.
  • Capstone Project compares with Political Studies Mini-Thesis.
  • Directed Study.
  • Thesis compares with Political Studies Mini-Thesis.
  • Internship compares with The Theory of WBL Political Studies and The Practice of WBL Political Studies.

    Elective Modules (Complete five Specialisations/ Concentrations (Select one specialisation from the following specialisations):

    Specialisation One: American Government and Politics:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Seminar in American Government and Politics.
  • American Government Courses.

    Elective Modules (Complete eight semester hours from the following):
  • Security and Resilience Policy.
  • Immigration and Urban America.
  • Contemporary Community Development.
  • Land Use and Urban Growth Policy.
  • Health Policy and Politics.
  • Education Policy in the United States.
  • Food Systems and Public Policy.
  • How Healthcare Works: Business and Policy Innovations.
  • Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning.
  • Public Budgeting and Financial Management compares International Political Economy.
  • Administrative Ethics and Public Management.
  • Non-profit Organizations and Social Change.
  • The Non-profit Sector in Civil Society and Public Affairs.

    Specialisation Two: Comparative Politics
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Seminar.
  • Seminar in Comparative Politics.
  • Comparative Politics Courses.

    Elective Modules (Complete 8 semester hours from the following):
  • Contemporary Issues in Third World Development.
  • Resilient Cities/Resilient Cities.
  • Genocide in a Comparative Perspective compares with Gender and Sexuality.
  • Government and Politics of the Middle East compares with the Theory of WBL Political Studies.
  • Health Policy and Politics.
  • Urban Theory and Science.
  • International Environmental Policy.
  • Food Systems and Public Policy.

    Specialisation Three: International Relations
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Seminar in International Relations.
  • International Relations Courses.

    Elective Modules (Complete 8 semester hours from the following):
  • Security and Resilience Policy.
  • Counterterrorism.
  • Hard Power, Soft Power, and Smart Power compares with Contemporary Democratic Theory.
  • International Security.
  • Global Governance compares with International Relations Theory.
  • Cyberconflict.

    Specialisation Four: Public Policy
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Seminar in Public Policy /Techniques of Policy Analysis

    Elective Modules (Complete 8 semester hours from the following):
  • Security and Resilience Policy.
  • Health Policy and Politics.
  • Education Policy in the United States.
  • Principles of Public Administration.
  • Techniques of Policy Analysis.
  • Institutional Leadership and the Public Manager.
  • Techniques of Program Evaluation.
  • The non-profit Sector in Civil Society and Public Affairs.

    Specialisation Five: Security Studies
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Security and Resilience Policy.

    Elective Modules (Complete 8 semester hours from the following):
  • Seminar in International Relations.
  • Genocide in a Comparative Perspective compares with Gender and Sexuality.
  • International Security.
  • Government and Politics of the Middle East compares with the Theory and Practice of WBL Political Studies.
  • Global Governance compares with International Relations Theory.

    Experiential Learning Requirement:
    In addition to in-class coursework, learners are required to complete an experiential education component that advances their learning, research, and/or career objectives. Experiential education offers Learners a direct experience with focused reflection relevant to their academic studies. For learners with research interests, the experience focuses on related activities, such as primary source analysis and data gathering. For other learners, the experience involves engagement with areas of practice and policy, such as an internship. Learners register for the relevant course with a minimum of four semester hours and a maximum of eight semester hours to satisfy the experiential education requirement.

    Similarities:
  • The Northeastern University (NU) and the South African (SA) qualifications take two years of full-time study.
  • The NU and SA qualifications are offered with work-based learning.
  • Both qualifications consist of both compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both the NU and SA qualifications serve as a foundation for work in a doctoral degree and/or as preparation for careers in government, non-profit organizations, or related work in the private sector.

    Differences:
  • The NU qualification requires holders of a graduate degree or certificate whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who hold a Bachelor's Degree in Political Studies or equivalent qualification in the cognate field.
  • The NU qualification has 32 American credit hours while the SA qualification has 180 credits.
  • The NU qualification structure includes five specialisation areas in which learners specialize in one of five concentration areas while the SA qualification has no specialisations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Political Studies, NQF Level 09.
  • Master of Arts in Political Science, NQF Level 09.
  • Master of Arts in Political Studies, NQF Level 09.
  • Master of Economics in Political Studies, NQF Level 09.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Political Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of the Western Cape 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.