Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Nelson Mandela University

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies in Political Science is offered by Nelson Mandela University.

Program Length: 1 YEAR.

Subjects: 6.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political and Conflict Studies offered by Nelson Mandela University at the Faculty of Humanities

The curriculum of the BA Hons in Political and Conflict Studies seeks to create a sound foundation for critical academic citizenship through offering different modules that promote the holistic development of future scholars by focusing on key knowledge areas, applied knowledge and skills transfer to allow students to think about real-world problems in an abstract way. This qualification creates a distinctive knowledge paradigm needed to grow future scholars that transcend traditional specialism with the more holistic focus needed to deal with the political challenges of the 21st century. This qualification facilitates teaching and learning in additional scarce skills such as social cohesion, international relations, peace-keeping, and democracy development.

The proposed curriculum consists of core modules, and three possible electives. The selection of core and electives depends on the particular focus area of specialization. All modules in this programme contribute in an integrated fashion towards the following purposes:

• The programme produces an interdisciplinary graduate with a knowledge base in political studies, conflict, and international relations. With an interdisciplinary knowledge base, graduates will have the ability to draw of diverse theoretical paradigms in order to conceptualise real world problems in an abstract way. This will include drawing on cognitive political theory, political sociology, conflict management and transformation, and global politics theoretical frames to analyse contemporary socio-political and socio-economic problems with the aim of adding to the body of knowledge in advancing sustainable solutions to contemporary global problems. 
• Social sciences have a key role to play in addressing contemporary global, regional, and local challenges.  This role, however, is also contingent upon pursuing interdisciplinary research to facilitate the advancement of new knowledge, approaches, and insights in analysis of contemporary political phenomena. With an interdisciplinary theoretical frame, graduates will be able to use creative research methodologies in advancing their research with an interdisciplinary vantage point.  

Curriculum

FIRST YEAR
Compulsory Modules

Theories and Concepts in Political Science

International Politics

Conflict and World Politics

Research Methodology

Research Report

Select one module:

Political Dynamics

Conflict and Conflict resolution

International Political Economy