BA International Studies

The growing role of South Africa in the global community creates a demand for people who are trained in understanding global affairs, and who are able to operate and communicate effectively in multicultural contexts. The BA in International Studies enables students to:

• gain a solid understanding of the international system, in particular the international political economy;
• develop their knowledge of the peoples and traditions of diverse parts of the world;
• appreciate and manage cultural diversity in practical, decision-making contexts; and
• gain command of a foreign language.

The University of Stellenbosch offers a unique and exciting BA programme for people who are aiming at careers in:

• the diplomatic service
• the international offices of the Departments of Labour, Trade and Industry, and Defence
• the international section of Parliament
• the National Intelligence Agency
• the international telecommunications industry
• international journalism
• the tourism industry
• management consultancies
• research institutions
• regional or country-wide organisations which promote foreign trade and investment (e.g. WESGRO)
• headquarters or branch offices of international governmental organisations (the UN, World Trade Organisation, SADC, the Commonwealth, etc.)
• International non-governmental organisations (Amnesty International, World Economic Forum, etc.)
• global relief agencies such as Save the Children, OXFAM, etc.
• multinational corporations
• the export and import business

Unique features:

Combines the study of languages, culture, economics, history and international relations exploring the challenges posed by cultural diversity, both in the South African context and globally. It exposes students to top-level local and international lecturers providing intensive exposure to areas that are of major importance to South Africa, such as Africa, the United States, Asia and Latin America and provides interesting opportunities for students to continue with their studies in other countries, especially at post-graduate level.

Click link for Arts and Social Sciences Yearbook 2023.

Presentation
Although the programme is predominantly bilingually, some modules in Political Science are taught by foreign academics and are therefore presented in English.

Enquiries (curriculum matters only):
Programme Co-ordinator:
Dr Guy Lamb,
Political Science
Tel: +27 21 808 2502
E-mail:glamb@sun.ac.za