The Bachelor of Arts is a remarkable programme with a dual role (i) in developing graduates with a holistic understanding of the liberal arts and the values of democratic citizenship; and (ii) gearing students with a deliberate and directed career pathway in politics and government, research, and media. With two majors in (a) government and politics, and (b) philosophy, students will acquire penetrating discipline-specific knowledge and learning, as well as hone critical twenty-first century skills. In addition to the tenets of government and politics, and philosophy, the programme curriculum is planned to advance ethical and responsible leaders within the South African, African continental, and international contexts, equipping students for the public and private sector and to be constructive local and global citizens. Students are trained for employment opportunities in the civil service including diplomatic services, parliamentary support services, and foreign affairs, as well as possible careers in academia, media and journalism, and market research. Students will gain insights into the diverse role of the humanities in society and skills for more respectful intercultural and governmental encounters, with an emphasis on learning analytical skills to understand the African context and to interpret the context creatively. They gain ethical leadership skills that equip them to lead and mobilize for societal transformation. Through innovative learning approaches, the programme promotes an inclusive and transformative ethos of reconciliation, equality, justice, and peace. 

The programme equips students to be reflexive practitioners who work within a local, African, and international context. Successful completion of the degree will lead to an informed historical consciousness, a solid knowledge of politics and the political economy, philosophy, and a critical awareness of the factors that shape the life of society. They learn how to locate and critically interpret different sources and to use them in combatting abuse and injustice, to build safe and just societies. 

The programme assists students become self-motivated individuals in the world of work (including self-employment). In summary, students completing the qualification will be well positioned for various careers
in diplomacy, political analysis, civil service (foreign affairs), international and local consultant research, market research, academia, and media/journalism.

FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES:

Students on this programme can articulate horizontally to similar programmes at other institutions in the Arts (eg Bachelors, Certificates, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes depending on the level or modules that the student has completed) with more extensive elective options or a more specific focus depending on the needs of the student.

The following are examples:
Internally:

• STADIO: Bachelor of Arts in Law SAQA ID: 117948

Students on this programme can articulate vertically to postgraduate programmes at other institutions specialising in one of the majors offered/selected on the Bachelor. These can include the Bachelor Honours and Postgraduate Diploma.

What is Contact Learning?

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS ARE:

• Senior Certificate (SC) with degree endorsement; OR

• a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 50% in four 20-credit subjects, and a minimum of 40% in English Home Language or First Additional Language; OR

• a National Senior Certificate – Vocational Level 4 (NC(V)) with a minimum of 50% in three fundamental subjects including English; and minimum 60% in four vocational subjects; OR

• a Higher Certificate (NQF 5), Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) or Diploma (NQF 6) in a cognate field.

To find out more about alternate access routes at STADIO, please click HERE

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to:

• Solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking embedded in a humanistic paradigm.

• Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation in communities and society at large.

• Manage the conceptualisation and implementation of strategies, policies and plans in a public sector environment with due regard to national and global contexts.

• Promote ethical decisions on complex institutional issues with sensitivity and awareness of consequences in an autonomous manner.

• Manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively in order to promote and strengthen tolerance and affirmation in problem solving.

• Collect, interpret and process data and information in order to make informed decisions.

• Communicate effectively through engagement with literature from a wide variety of sources pertaining to politics, philosophy and economics.