The Bachelor Honours Degree is a postgraduate specialisation qualification that prepares students for research-based postgraduate study and/or the professional sector. This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen students’ expertise in Political Science or International Relations, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of these disciplines. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.
The department offers two Honours programmes with a specialisation in (1) Political Science or (2) International Studies.
Structure of the Honours Programmes
Given the nature and purpose of the Honours degree outlined above, the Honours programmes are residential programmes (no online or hybrid modules are offered) and lecture attendance is compulsory. Students who fail to attend more than two lectures within a module are not permitted to continue with that module.
Honours students are also required to attend the weekly departmental research seminars.
The curated academic programme extends over one academic year starting in February. The language of instruction for both Honours programmes is English.
Honours in Political Science
The programme consists of the advanced study of four selected focus areas in Political Science (which are subject to change), two research methods modules, and a research assignment. It is aimed at decision-makers and analysts who require a thorough understanding of political processes and behaviour within political society from a comparative perspective.
Selected Modules Offered (and Credits)
- Political Behaviour (15)
- Policy Analysis (15)
- Contemporary South African Politics (15)
- Conflict in Africa (15)
- Research Methods (15)
- Quantitative Research Skills (15)
- Research Assignment (30)
Honours in International Studies
The programme consists of the advanced study of four selected focus areas in International Relations and International Political Economy (which are subject to change), two research methods modules, and a research assignment. It is aimed at decision-makers and analysts who require a thorough understanding of the dynamics of the world political economy and how South Africa functions within it.
Selected Modules Offered (and Credits)
- International Relations Theory (15)
- Global Political Economy (15)
- Political Economy of Asia-Africa Relations (15)
- Political Risk Analysis (15)
- Research Methods (15)
- Quantitative Research Skills (15)
- Research Assignment (30)
Honours Admissions Requirements
For both Honours programmes, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Political Science and/or International Relations as one of their majors. An average final mark of 67% for Political Science and/or International Relations modules at the third-year level is a minimum requirement.
The Department reserves the right to select the best applicants based on academic merit. A mark of 67% does not constitute automatic admission to the programme.
While the first semester grades must be submitted at the time of application (end October) annually, applicants who do not have an average mark of 67% at the time of application will not be disqualified as the decision regarding selection takes all third-year Political Science and/or International Relations modules into account. The departmental selection committee meets once the second semester lectures have concluded.
External applicants must ensure that official transcripts reflecting the results of all third-year Political Science and/or International Relations modules are submitted as soon as possible after completion (but before 15 January). External applicants are also required to submit evidence of their best written academic work at the time of application. For example, your best research component for a Political Science or International Relations module in your final year of study or published journal article.
Online Application Process
All applicants are required to complete an online application by the deadline date (end October). The institutional Postgraduate Office (PGO) manages the application process centrally (not the department). For more information about postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch University, the fee structure, support services, skills development, and the online application process, please visit the following webpage: https://www.su.ac.za/en/apply/pg-studies
IMPORTANT: When commencing the online application (https://student.sun.ac.za/signup/), internal (SU) applicants must select Current SU student and complete the process, so that the provision of transcripts and evidence of written work is automatically waived. External (non-current SU) applicants must select New Application and upload the required documentation (transcript and evidence of written work) for the application to be completed and processed.
General enquiries:
Ms Pauliane Barry
Tel: +27 21 808 2414
E-mail: [email protected]
Academic (content-specific) enquiries:
Dr Cindy Steenekamp (Honours Convenor)
Tel: +27 21 808 2115
E-mail: [email protected]