University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Political Science in Political Studies

Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship

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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification:

The qualification has several purposes and rationales that serve to benefit both individual qualifiers and the broader South African society:

  1. Graduate-level Knowledge and Skills: The qualification aims to equip qualifiers with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in various fields of Human and Social Studies, Law, Military Science, and Security. This will enable qualifiers to pursue further personal intellectual growth, engage in gainful economic activities, and make meaningful contributions to society.

  2. Expanding Local Leadership Base: By producing significant numbers of graduates in Political Sciences, the qualification seeks to broaden the local leadership base in South Africa. This is essential for fostering innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activities within the country.

  3. Building Expertise in Political Analysis and Security: The qualification is designed to cultivate a cadre of political analysts, foreign officers, policy developers, and security officers. These individuals will develop a deep and continuously evolving understanding of political sciences, preparing them for specific postgraduate qualifications in the field.

  4. Specialization Packages: Each area of specialization within the programme has its own unique purpose and further enhances the overall objectives of the qualification. These specializations provide focused expertise and skill development tailored to specific career paths within the broader realm of Human and Social Studies, Law, Military Science, and Security.

By addressing these purposes and rationales, the qualification aims to not only empower individual graduates but also to contribute to the growth, development, and expertise within the fields of Political Sciences in South Africa.

Outcomes

  1. Good language proficiency required for the practice of politics.
  2. A sound knowledge of South African, African and World politics.
  3. The ability to apply skills effectively in their chosen field of expertise.
  4. Basic computer skills.
  5. Basic critical and creative thinking skills.
  6. Developed approaches and methods for analysis, theories and models for application, management and development, growth, ethics, strategy, and achievements.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Insight:
    • Understanding of factual knowledge, concepts, and theories related to political sciences.
  • Problem-Solving Skills:
    • Ability to identify and solve problems related to political, policy, and security situations.
  • Collaboration Skills:
    • Capability to cooperate with others in achieving specific end products in the field of political sciences.
  • Self-Management:
    • Ability to organize and manage the learning process and applied skills effectively.
  • Information and Communication Skills:
    • Competence in dealing with information, communication, science, and technology.
  • Global Perspective:
    • Demonstrating a holistic world view in the approach towards political sciences.
  • Professional Attitudes and Values:
    • Possession of appropriate attitudes, dispositions, and values related to political, policy, and security practices.

Integrated Assessment Modalities:

  • Assessment Criteria:
    • Derived directly from the learning outcomes.
  • Modality Types:
    • Portfolios, simulations, written examinations, oral examinations, and other tasks prescribed by assessors.
  • Assessment Methods:
    • Both norm-based and criteria-based modalities are utilized.
  • Moderation:
    • Reliability ensured through internal and external moderation.
  • Standards and Levels:
    • Meeting the required standards and levels of achievement for qualification at Level 7.
  • Purpose:
    • Allowing assessors to develop formative and summative methods for credentialing purposes.
  • Contextual Relevance:
    • Methods set according to guidelines for specific assessment tasks tailored to the field of political sciences.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
360
SAQA Source
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University of Pretoria
University of Pretoria
Description
The University of Pretoria is a leading research-intensive university located in Pretoria, South Africa. Established in 1908, it is one of the largest universities in the country and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, societies, and sports facilities. The University of Pretoria is also recognized for its research contributions and collaborations with national and international partners.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.