Stellenbosch University | Political Science
WELCOME TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
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.
Recent books
Upcoming/recent seminars
Departmental news
Applications for Honours degrees in Political Science and International Relations now open (2026 intake)
Deadline: 30 September 2025
Use this link to apply: https://student.sun.ac.za/signup/
Eligibility Criteria
- Completed Bachelor’s degree with Political Science/Studies and/or International Relations as a major.
- Minimum average final mark of 68% for Political Science/Studies and International Studies modules at the third-year level.
- Students in the final year of their undergraduate degree may apply, but will only be considered if their final results meet the above eligibility criteria .
Congratulations to Prof. Pieter Fourie on the publication of his 3rd novel, Die Dood van Rachel April (Graffiti Books).
Congratulations to Prof. Derica Lambrechts for receiving the award for the Outstanding Security Training Initiative as part of the 2025 Southern Africa Outstanding Security Performance Awards. The awards were announced at Securex South Africa on 4 June 2025.
On 5 June Dr Guy Lamb co-hosted a seminar on Research Ethics and the Criminal Justice Sector with scholars from UCT and UWC. The seminar included presentations by officials from the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Department of Correctional Services.
Dr Guy Lamb’s research research on masculinity, gender-based violence, small arms and violence prevention through sport in Papua New Guinea is featured on Stellenbosch University’s Research for Impact website.
