University of the Free State UFS Political Science

Have you ever thought about the following:

• Whether the African Union – like the European Union – is moving towards political and economic integration on the African continent?
• If the United Nations is a world government?
• What exactly are foreign policy and diplomacy?
• Is Marxism still relevant in the 21st century?
• What tools and methodologies could we use in political risk forecasting and strategic planning?
• What do the concepts of good governance and accountable government mean for South Africa?
• Should public participation be more than casting your vote during the general elections every five years?
• What could be done to ensure better service delivery at local government level?
• Is peace and sustainable development in Africa a feasible ideal?
• What political role is South Africa playing in Africa and internationally?

If your answer is yes, become a student in the science of politics at the University of the Free State!

Political Science is of relevance to students from all backgrounds and nationalities. It encompasses the study of the rules, institutions, processes and ideas that govern and impact on our daily lives. It further concerns the study of actors such as political parties, human rights groups, terrorist organisations, labour unions, religious bodies and other role-players that play significant roles in politics and international relations. Pressing issues in world politics such as power, poverty, development, globalisation and inequality – to mention only a few – are also addressed at the undergraduate (and subsequent postgraduate) levels.

We study phenomena by assessing, interpreting, appraising and ascribing meaning to events and developments. At the same time, it should be understood that the contemporary political landscape in which we as students of politics find ourselves, which we have to observe, study and comment upon, and to which we need to contribute ideas that would inform actions to improve the human condition, is a challenging environment. We agree with scholarly opinion that no matter how hard we try to be ‘relevant’ and to contribute to practical solutions to the many problems and issues facing the local, the regional, the continental and the global context, we will fall short in our endeavour unless our educational commitment is to explore and develop the basis on which our actions are built and to reflect on the ideas which underlie actions.

What do we stand for?

The department is pursuing excellence through quality teaching, research and community engagement. As far as tuition is concerned, we are committed to innovative and relevant programmes on national, regional, African and global issues.

What areas do we focus on?

Political Dynamics

Political theory and ideology; government systems, processes and regimes; governance; electoral politics; local government and service delivery; co-operative government; political development and transformation; democratisation; political economy; gender politics; strategic political planning; and political risk analysis.

International Relations

International Relations theory; globalisation and world politics; foreign policy and diplomacy; international organisations; international law; international political economy; African politics; and international conflict, security and strategic studies.

What career opportunities do these courses present?

Courses in Political Science in combination with other subjects offer career opportunities in the following sectors or institutions:

Journalism; public sector (eg. the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Department of Trade and Industry); security and intelligence community; Independent Electoral Commission; provincial and local government institutions; non-governmental organisations and development sectors; research institutions (eg. Human Sciences Research Council, Africa Institute of SA); political parties, trade unions and community based organisations; private sector (eg. political analysis, security analysis, political risk consultancy).