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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96968  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 primary purpose of the Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA) (Politics and International Relations) Degree qualification is to provide qualifying students with: advanced understanding of key issues, debates, and insights within the fields of Politics and International Relations; the skills needed to analyse and assess the main issues confronting the domestic and global political environments; the ability to develop greater in-depth knowledge in these areas of study and to demonstrate independent research as well also become leaders able to apply scientific research methods to solve the domestic and international complexities plaguing communities (within and outside South Africa).

Students should be able to reach the intended Exit Level Outcomes by completion of this Degree, so as to develop research skills in the subject field, advance and reinforce their intellectual knowledge, and be able to produce research in competition with good quality research methodologies globally.

Rationale:
The rationale for changing the name of the Degree to BA Honours (Politics and International Relations), from a BA Honours (Politics) Degree, is because it more accurately represents the content of the Degree offered. The degree is composed of a balance of modules rooted in both International Relations and Political Science. It is also the natural follow on Degree for the Department of Politics' separate Politics and International Relations modules at undergraduate level. A BA Honours (Politics and International Relations) is a more marketable name of our honours Degree, and is in line with international trends, used by some of the most renowned universities in the world. Every semester, honours students must complete a compulsory module in Advanced Research Methodology which covers necessary research techniques within the fields of Politics and International Relations. Students must also choose from a list of politics and international relations subjects thereby allowing students to tailor their needs so that they can specialise in modules in both fields. Both fields draw on each other equally and are natural twins.

Students emerging from Politics and/or International Relations undergraduate Degrees will find a comfortable home within this Honours Degree. Once they have their BA Honours (Politics and International Relations) students have a larger pool of employment opportunities before them including working for and within government, inter-governmental organisations, think-tanks and/or research bodies focusing on international relations and/or domestic politics. The nature of the complex interdependence of the current international system often results in the seamless overlap between domestic and international politics. As a result, the Honours modules on offer benefits the students because they afford the students the opportunity to advance their understanding of international political economy, diplomacy, international law and organisations, international conflict, political risk analysis, gender studies, security issues, and key issues in South African Politics, adding to their greater marketability while also enabling their access to areas of continued specialisation. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Current competence in the fields of politics and international relations 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 Humanities. Such competence may provide access to an Honours programme in Politics and International Relations.

The Department follows the Faculty of Humanities policy which accepts RPL and alternative admission (AA) routes as an integral part of the academic programme and as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and to award recognition and where appropriate, credit that is aligned to UJ's programmes, in order to promote lifelong learning. This is reflected in the vision and mission of the Faculty and University.

The process of RPL and AA followed in the Faculty of Humanities is as follows:
  • The applicant submits all the required evidence for RPL assessment or non-cognate admission, as instructed, to the faculty RPL officer or the relevant academic staff member(s). The evidence is then assessed by the relevant academic staff member(s) in the manner appropriate to the level of the relevant programme/module.
  • An acknowledgement of receipt of evidence must be issued by the relevant Head of Department (HOD). Applicants must be fully informed of the time required for the assessment which will be dependent on the academic level and the faculty-specific procedures.
  • Assessment is done by taking the following into consideration:
    > Experience cannot be interpreted as learning (on a particular Higher Education Qualification Sub-framework level) - formal assessment is required.
    > Assessment is done by applying the assessment criteria of the module/programme to the evidence provided by the candidate.
    > Evidence must be relevant, current, authentic and valid.
    > The standard/level of RPL or non-cognate assessment must be the same as for the relevant programme/module, but the assessment methodology may differ.
    > In the case of a challenge exam, the exam paper must be based on the assessment criteria for the module or programme, and must adhere to the Faculty assessment policy, also in respect of moderation.
  • The relevant Head of Department submits a motivation and the applicant's portfolio of evidence, along with evidence of assessment, in writing to the Humanities RPL and Alternative Admission Committee.
  • The HRPL and Alternative Admission Committee consider the submission, and the Chairperson makes a written recommendation to the Dean in the form of a decision report.
  • The Dean makes the decision on the final outcome.
  • The assessment outcome is decided in terms of successful or not successful.
  • The Dean communicates this outcome to the relevant HOD and Faculty RPL Officer.
  • The outcomes of the all RPL or non-cognate assessments serve at the Humanities Faculty Board.
  • The Faculty RPL officer records the outcome of the RPL or non-cognate assessment and communicates the result to the applicant.

    Entry Requirement:
    A potential student should be in possession of a Bachelors' Degree with a major in Political Science/International Relations/African Politics. An average mark of 65% in these and/or related subjects in the final year of the preceding qualification will be required. In addition, a potential learner must meet the outcomes set for the University of Johannesburg's Bachelor of Arts Honours in Politics and International Relations. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The honours programme in Politics and International Relations consists of five modules which one is compulsory. The remaining four modules are chosen from the optional modules. Total credits for the programme:120.

    Compulsory Module:
  • Research Essay,at Level 8, 40 Credits.

    Optional Modules, (Choose 4 modules):
  • International Organisation, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Key Issues in International Relations, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • International Political Economy, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • International, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Area Studies, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Political Risk Analysis, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Key issues in comparative Politics, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Politics and Gender, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Thought Systems and Theories in Politics, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Key Issues in South African Politics, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Political Philosophy in Context, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Politics Reading Module, at Level 8, 20 Credits.
  • Theory and Practice of Diplomacy, at Level 8, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate and where relevant, apply advanced theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations (domestically and internationally).
    2. Demonstrate an advanced ability at problem identification and problem-solving by using and applying relevant theories in the field of local, national and/or international politics.
    3. Analyse the various dimensions of governance and to evaluate and apply advanced theoretical knowledge based on diverse global contexts to South African and international case studies and policy contexts.
    4. To identify relevant means of action in the field of politics.
    5. To develop the ability to critically plan and execute advanced research in the fields of politics and international relations.
    6. To use 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 an advanced analytical approach towards political communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within the communities.
    11. To assess the implications of specific government interventions in the political (domestic and international) environment.
    12. To apply different learning strategies to the demands of a dynamic political and international relations context. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Can evaluate and apply advance theoretical concepts and approaches to real world political situations (domestically and internationally).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relevant theories in the field of politics (local, national or international) can be utilised to identify and solve problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Advanced theoretical knowledge based on diverse global comparisons on various dimensions of governance can be applied to South Africa and other case studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Relevant means of action are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A proposed methodology as articulated in a research proposal to do research is applied, by using creative methods, techniques, processes and technologies designed, selected and applied to complex theoretical and practical problems.
  • An understanding is demonstrated of the consequences of any solutions generated within the designing of the research proposal.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Information technology is used and is applied effectively in the carrying out of assessments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Information is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated, bearing in mind appropriate ethical considerations, and based on a relevant theoretical framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explanations can be provided for the possibility of different types of transformation in the governance of polities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Effective written and verbal communicating with all role players is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Sensitivity towards the social, economic and cultural differences of communities is demonstrated in analytical approaches.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • The implications of government interventions in the political environment can be assessed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • If the political demands of a dynamic and international relations context can be understood and interpreted by applying different learning strategies.

    Intergrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
  • Students are continuously assessed via class assignments and may also be required to do oral presentations and/or practical work (independent and in groups) that is evaluated by assessors.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
  • Students are subjected to a 3-hour written examination towards the end of each semester in each taught paper. Summative assessment will be conducted in strict compliance with the Assessment Policy of the University of Johannesburg. A pass mark must be obtained for each module of the programme in order for the degree to be conferred. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Most international universities offer an Honours Degree in Politics and International Relations/Studies (reflected often as a fourth year of study) (e.g. University of Kent, https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/31/politics-and-international-relations). This Degree is unique to the South African context as it offers both fields of speciality within the one degree and it explores all levels of analysis, from the domestic through to the global spheres. In an increasingly interdependent world system, the need for the advancement of knowledge in fields crossing and/or involving one or more of these levels is becoming more and more important. This is especially so in the fields of security, conflict and political economy explored in this degree, especially in relation to the African continent. The intermestic (the mix between the international and the domestic) policies of this globalised system need to be understood at a time when the globe, and Africa in particular, is facing new challenges in relation to food security, terrorism, domestic strife, underdevelopment and the growth of democratic politics. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The programme has horizontal articulation with current programmes such as other Bachelor Honours qualifications on the same level, for example, African Studies, Development Studies, Historical Studies, and Philosophy. Students registered for this (or a related) qualification of another higher education institution will be allowed, with permission, to enter mid-stream, provided the rules of access have been complied with. Such students will retain credit for relevant modules that have been passed at the previous institution.

    Articulation with other programmes occurs according to Faculty and University Regulations. After the successful completion of the Bachelors Honours Degree in Politics and International Relations students could enrol for a Master's Degree in Politics/International Relations and/or related Masters of Philosophy Degrees. It could therefore be an important feeder programme for advanced study at the Master's level in different faculties at UJ and elsewhere. 

    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 Johannesburg 


    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.