MA International Relations at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

Gain advanced knowledge in the field of International Relations in preparation for a career in diplomacy or public service. The MA by course work and research report students is designed to further hone students research skills culminating in their design and execution of a large research project in the form of the research report. The programme further focuses students IR expertise according to the 3 elective courses that they choose.

Faculty: Humanities | Department: Social Sciences | Duration: 1 - 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

INTR7068A – Advanced IR Academic Literacy and Research Methods (Semester One) This course is designed for MA students with the aim to prepare them with the necessary research skills for writing their research report or dissertation. The course primarily addresses questions of qualitative research design and political science methodology. Emphasis will be given to theory testing and development, co

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Application information

Entry requirements

Degree Criteria Students must have an Honours degree in either IR or Political Studies. Students who have an Honours in another social science or a LLB would be considered for admission if they have majored in either International Relations or Political Studies in their undergraduate degree i.e., taken the subjects throughout this degree, until their final year of study. All foreign qualifications must be assessed by SAQA as having the equivalent of NQF level 8. Mark Criteria For automatic admission, an average of above 70% for their Honours year (or the equivalent thereof), with an average of at least 65% for any research component is required. The programme does not cap the number of students who qualify for automatic admission. Students who achieve between 65% to 69% as an average for either their IR or Political Studies Honours will be offered a place in the MA programme as determine

ZAR 59,990 for the whole programme (2026). Average tuition fee per programme for 2026 as stated in the 2026 Fees Book, Chapter 2 (Average Tuition Fees); excludes additional charges (notes, computer, lab and other fees). Postgraduate international students pay local tuition plus the non-refundable Source

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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