Master's specialising in International Relations at University of Cape Town

Programme overview

The MA/MSocSc specialising in International Relations (192 NQF credits, plan POL03) balances International Relations as a field of study with its current practice, centred on conflict and security, diplomacy and negotiation, and international political economy, with attention to African and Southern African cases.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Department: Department of Political Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

A 96-credit Minor Dissertation and 96 credits of taught courses, including Theories of International Relations and International Political Economy, plus electives such as Comparative Politics, Comparative Transitional Justice, International Mediation, Third World Politics, Global Political Thought and Transnational Feminisms. No more than two courses may be at level 8.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

International Relations (Master's): a past academic history in International Relations, Political Studies/Political Science or a strong background in a related discipline. Admission is selective and competitive; applicants submit a letter of motivation and academic writing sample. UCT applicants are considered on at least 65% for the overall undergraduate degree and for third-year courses, an upward trend in grades and the Head of Department's discretion; non-UCT applicants are assessed on the same criteria. Faculty of Humanities (Master's): applicants are normally Honours graduates, or graduates holding a degree recognised by Senate, with the Honours degree or equivalent normally in the subject of the Master's. Unless otherwise specified, an average of at least 60% in the Honours year is required. Admission is on the recommendation of the Programme Convenor and/or Head of Department; a research proposal is submitted for degrees by dissertation, and a three-year Bachelor's degree may be accepted by permission of Senate.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

The application fee is R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the SADC region, and R300 for applications from outside the SADC region; it is non-refundable and payable by direct deposit, EFT or credit card (online). UCT students and graduates are exempt except for GSB programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za

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