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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88363  Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Environmental Relations 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts: International Studies aims to assist Postgraduate learners who are interested in specialising in the further study of international relations to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of, and analytical insight into, the major theoretical paradigms, explanatory frameworks and associated underlying values related to the study of international relations and international political economies. It is also of relevance for those who wish to work, among others, in Government, inter-governmental organisations and diplomatic missions.

Qualifying learners will:
  • Have a practical understanding of analysing local and regional problems within the systemic contexts of the contemporary world order.
  • Have the ability to differentiate, move between and link various levels of analysis in a holistic framework of understanding, namely local, state-society and international systems.
  • Have mastered comparative approaches to the study and analysis of the political economy of developing states.
  • Have acquired a critical understanding of the regional integration process in Southern Africa.
  • Be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the political economy of South Africa, focusing on inequality, poverty and development within the contexts of the contemporary world order structures of security, production, trade, finance and technology.
  • Have completed a focused study on approaches and problems related to the role of gender in the issue-areas pertaining to international studies.

    Rationale:
    There is an enormous need in the world of work for people who have knowledge of the changing dynamics related to the political economy of the contemporary world order, which is characterised by interdependence, globalisation and diversity. Such a person is indispensable, not only for outward-orientated entities (such as trans-national companies, state departments, trans-national NGOs and global governance institutions), but also for more locally based role-players (trade unions and domestic market companies, for example) where understanding of how external forces impact on their operating environment is imperative.

    In line with the above, this qualification seeks to attempt to:
  • Position learners who are able to identify and critically analyse the challenges, opportunities and problems which South Africa, Southern Africa and Africa face within the contemporary global political economy.
  • Focus directly on issues of inequality and poverty within the contemporary world order; peace and security; the political economy of emerging powers; gender issues, international relations and global governance.
  • Ensure a creative, stimulating environment where a tolerance of cultural diversity is not only encouraged, but is used through a process of learning and an appreciation of how different perceptions feed into analysis.
  • Prepare learners who wish to continue with their Master's studies.
  • Strike a balance between the interests of learners and the public interest in delivering people who are sensitised to the developmental needs of South Africa, Southern Africa and the rest of the African continent. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Competence in the knowledge, skills and values associated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree at NQF Level 7.
  • Competence in critical reading and writing required for an Honours Degree.

    Access to the Qualification:
    The admission requirements for this qualification are:
  • A Bachelor of Arts Degree at NQF Level 7 or equivalent with Political Science or International Relations as a major subject.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to broaden access beyond these requirements.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The University has a policy in place for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which spells out the processes, guidelines, potential costs, feedback time-lines and rights of appeal, as well as alternative learning options related to Recognition of Prior Learning at the University. The process facilitates a variety of assessment techniques, such as access and placement evaluation, examinations and/or tests, submission of learning portfolios to qualified members of staff for evaluation, conditional admission with identified learning goals which are discussed with applicants, assessment of prescribed additional work, recognition of formal learning at other institutions, and recognition of informal learning resulting from work experience.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may:
  • Grant access to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
  • Grant learners credits towards the achievement of the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learners must obtain a minimum of 120 Credits at NQF Level 8 to be awarded the qualification. The Credits are made up from two compulsory modules which together total 45 Credits, and elective or optional modules which together must total a minimum of 75 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Research Assignment, 30 Credits.

    Total Credits: 45.

    Optional Modules (Choose a combination to give minimum of 75 Credits):
  • International Relations Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Southern African Political Economy, 15 Credits.
  • Political Economy of Development, 15 Credits.
  • Global Political Economy, 15 Credits.
  • Gender and International Relations, 15 Credits.
  • International Exchange Module, 45 Credits.

    Total Credits: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and practical understanding of the methodology of social sciences research.
  • Range of Methodology may include, but is not limited to: Problem identification and description, conceptualisation, literature review, operationalisation, research design and research proposal writing.
    2. Undertake and complete an independent research project on a problem within the field of international studies.
    3. Produce and present research findings effectively using a range of presentation mediums.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification aims to address all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to all the Exit Level Outcomes to determine competence therein:
  • The research problem is formulated in accordance with recognised requirements.
  • Suitable investigations are developed and used to source and gather research information.
  • The major theoretical paradigms, explanatory frameworks and the associated underlying values related to the study of international relations and international political economy are explained and analysed.
  • An independent and critical understanding of contemporary international issues, actors, institutions and the rules of global governance is demonstrated.
  • Practical strategies are developed for collecting and assessing relevant research information.
  • Issues related to the research project and research information are engaged with to clear-up misunderstandings.
  • Comparative approaches are used for the collecting and assessment of primary and secondary information necessary in the research assignment.
  • Lateral and critical thinking techniques are employed to generate the research findings.
  • The research proposal is prepared and produced according to requirements of the research assignment.
  • Written and oral presentations are made to communicate arguments in an efficient, effective and logical manner.
  • The report is motivated to support and endorse the research findings.
  • Feedback from research findings is processed and the report is revised in line with requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes.
    Formative assessment will be applied continually throughout the learning period.
    Summative assessment will be applied to ensure the achievement of each learning outcome and/or module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to similar qualifications in Australia, the United States of America and England. The qualifications used were:

    Australia:
    The University of Queensland: Bachelor of Arts: Political Science and International Studies.
    Courses:
  • Research Methods.
  • Knowledge, Power and Politics.
  • Research Thesis.

    The University of Queensland: Bachelor of Arts: Political Science and International Studies is comparable. However, they only offer one subject (Knowledge, Power and Politics) besides the core subjects in research. It is also a one year programme.

    United States of America:
    The Florida State University: Programme: Political Science.
    Course Offerings:
  • International Relations: Honours.
  • American Government: National Honours.
  • Political Science Research: Honours.
  • Introduction to Public Policy: Honours.

    The Florida State University: Honours Programme: Political Science qualification does not compare well with this Bachelor of Arts in International Relations as it focuses more on 'Political Science' than purely on International Relations. Both do however have a research project attached.

    England:
    University of Portsmouth: Bachelor of Arts: International Relations.
    Course Content - Year 1 (All Core):
  • Introduction to Political Thought.
  • Introduction to International Relations.
  • Understanding Governance and Politics.
  • Introduction to Political Economy.
  • Current Political issues.
  • Introduction to Global Issues.

    Course Content - Year 2 (Core):
  • International Politics.
  • International Relations Theory.
  • Ethnicity and Conflict Resolution.
  • Comparative Foreign Policy Analysis.
    (Options - Choose two):
  • Conflict and disaster: International Responses.
  • International Politics and the Middle East.
  • Russian and Eurasian Politics.
  • Comparing Extremism in Europe.

    Course Content - Year 3 (Core):
  • Dissertation/Project.
  • Global Political Economy.
  • Security and Strategic Studies.
    (Options - Choose one):
  • Democracy and Democratisation.
  • Transnational European Union.

    Since the University of Portsmouth: Bachelor of Arts: International Relations is a three year qualification, the Stellenbosch University qualification really only compares with the third year of study of the University of Portsmouth's qualification.

    Although the form of this type of qualification varies between providing institutions, it can be seen that the Stellenbosch University's qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in the international arena. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies or cognate field at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree in International Studies or cognate field at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The University uses a system of external evaluation and moderation for all exit-level modules. External examiners evaluate and assess the final evaluation (examination assignment) to ensure fair grades and to contextualise the final assessment within the goals and outcomes of the module outline, and the other assessment opportunities. All module outlines and final assessment assignments are also moderated internally by a member of staff (other than the responsible lecturer) and the Chair of the Department. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessment procedures followed in the programme are in line with the University's assessment policy. The University's formal assessment policy provides guidelines for the following assessment criteria:
  • Reliability of assessment: results of individual assessments are replicable (external and internal evaluation) and adjusted and/or expanded on and improved in accordance with the stated outcomes.
  • Validity of assessment: ensuring content validity by evaluating the alignment between the effectiveness of assessment techniques and the type of outcome. Validity is improved by comparing demonstrated achievement of outcomes, with outcome content, methods, number of assessment opportunities and the range of methods. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.