Postgraduate studies
In light of the problems facing South Africa on political, economic, and socio-cultural domains, it is clear that the demand for new scientific knowledge in the field of governance and political transformation is unlimited. The reason is that governance refers to the process and manner of making rules and decisions for society and the manner in which government governs society. This includes government mechanisms, institutions and different actors (public private partnerships), as well as networks functioning in different spheres (local, provincial, and national). Governance includes values and belief systems. Good governance focuses on public participation, rule of law, transparency, responsibility, accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Postgraduate Applications
To apply for a Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s Degree or PhD Studies in Governance and Political Transformation prospective applicants MUST make contact with the Programme Administration first to indicate their intent to apply. Please make contact via e-mail to governance@ufs.ac.za. Applications for 2024 open 1 October 2023 and close 30 November 2023
For more information, contact:
Dr Tania Coetzee
Programme Director and Senior Lecturer
Theology Building Room 117
T: +27 51 401 9308 / 2271
Postgraduate Qualifications in Governance and Political Transformation
Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation
This is a one year course on NGF level 8 with 128 credits in total.
The following modules are part of the Postgraduate Diploma:
- Governance environment and challenges
- Research Methodology
- Governing Change
- Transitional Justice Process within Africa
- Knowledge Based Governance
- Communicating Governance
- Community Based Governance
The Admission Requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma is a B-degree or four-year National Diploma with an average of 60% for the previous qualification.
Information on online sessions
The Postgraduate Diploma coursework and classes are conducted through online sessions and submissions through Blackboard – the University of the Free State’s online learning platform.
Master’s Degree in Governance and Political Transformation
The duration of the qualification is one year. The Master’s degree complies with two modules, namely the research methodology, and research proposal and the mini-dissertation. In total, it is 180 credits on NQF level 9. A list of topics for the mini-dissertations will be provided but the topics are all related to the field of governance and political transformation. Supervisors are appointed for the students to assist them with the research.
The Admission Requirements for the Master’s Degree is a B-degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation or an Honours Degree with an average of 65% for the previous qualification.
Information on online sessions
The Master’s coursework and classes are conducted through online sessions and submissions through Blackboard – the University of the Free State’s online learning platform.
PhD in Governance and Political transformation
This qualification is on NQF level 10 with 360 credits. Limited space is available for possible candidates. The PhD will make an original scientific contribution to the field of Governance and Political Transformation.
The Admission Requirements include the preference to students who have completed the Master’s in Governance and Political Transformation and who has obtained at least 70% for the Masters dissertation.