Political and International Relations Rhodes University

Overview

Key features

The answers to the questions which we ask in Political Studies are the subject of uncertainty and debate. To study Politics is to learn to argue and defend positions, to critically evaluate the nature of the evidence that people provide for what they believe to be true. Because our graduates emerge out of three years of studying Politics as articulate critical thinkers who can read widely with insight and understanding and who are capable of coming to reasoned independent judgments, they are sought-after in business, industry, NGOs, government and academic settings. To study Politics is to learn to be an analytical thinker in possession of the complex, higher order literacy capacities that are a requirement in every facet of a world that is increasingly driven by the need to interact critically, thoughtfully and knowledgeably with large quantities of information.

The Political and International Relations program at Rhodes University is a high quality teaching and research environment. We welcome our students into an environment in which debate is encouraged and interaction between students and lecturers including those at the most senior level is frequent and ongoing. The Department prides itself on being informal and friendly while at the same time being exceptionally demanding of our students. We believe that these dual aspects of our practice are what makes us special in the higher education environment.

Students may register for either a combined coursework and thesis Master’s degree or a Master’s degree by thesis only, as recommended by the Head of Department. To be awarded the degree, coursework Master’s students need to pass all three courses as well as the thesis. They may not repeat courses already passed at Honours level.