Stellenbosch University | Political Science

WELCOME TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

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The Department of Political Science is a dynamic, research-driven unit with a focus on the political challenges which South Africa and the broader African continent must face in a globalising world. Through comprehensive research programmes, the department has developed expertise in a wide spectrum of international, African and domestic politics. Pressing issues such as poverty, development, globalisation and inequality are addressed at the under- and postgraduate levels. The department provides high-level theoretical and analytical training in a variety of subfields of Political Science, with particular focus on political risk analysis, public policy analysis, political behaviour and survey research, foreign policy analysis, global governance, and conflict and peace studies in Africa. Experts from practice and international universities are frequently involved in the presentation of modules.

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Departmental news

Prof. Pieter Fourie has been shortlisted in two (out of four) categories of the kykNET-Rapport Book Prizes: (1) the Herman Binge Film Prize, and (2) the Jan Rabie Prize for a debut or a second work of prose for his novel, Ons skulde. The award ceremony takes place at the Mount Nelson Hotel in September.

NRF Honours scholarship applications now open (Deadline: 1 September 2024). Minimum average of 65% for major subjects in the final year of undergraduate study. Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible for consideration. Deadline: 1 September 2024; Contact person: Betina van der Merwe (betina@sun.ac.za)

In recognition of his work on arms control and disarmament in Africa, Dr Guy Lamb has been invited to serve as a Non-Resident Fellow of the Geneva-based United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).

Congratulations to Prof. Amanda Gouws for being awarded the prestigious SU Conversation Africa award for the SU Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in 2023. Three staff members from the Political Science Department were in the top 5 in relation to this award in the Faculty.

Congratulations to Dr Guy Lamb for being invited to serve on the INTERPOL Future Council, a global expert group of 8 members that advises INTERPOL on the implementation of its Vision 2030.

Department Chair, Prof. Nicola de Jager was part of a panel at the University of Pretoria on current trends in African politics.