Overview

Key Features

In essence the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Honours) offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg studies that abstract notion of the ‘international system’ and examines the interactions that takes place here between various actors (for example, state, international organizations, civil society, non-governmental organizations) and their environment as they engage in the activities of conducting international relations.

The discipline has numerous sub-fields that studies among other, foreign policy analysis, security studies, international law, international organization, international political economy, environmental issue as well as different global regions.

Students are required to register for 5 courses for their academic year. For Semester One you must register for INTR4018 which is a compulsory course + the honours long essay INTR4037 which is also compulsory + 1 course of your choice.

Students must also register for the Honours long essay INTR4037 In the second semester you must register for any 2 of the courses offered in Semester Two. Students will not be allowed to register for more than 2 courses per semester without the permission from both the Head of Discipline and the Faculty of Humanities.

Careers

Diplomat
Working for Local, Provincial or National government as an international relations analyst
Working for an international organization, humanitarian organizations or non-governmental organizations
Working for a regional organization
International Relations Analyst for local and international businesses
International political economy analyst
International law expert
Media – political/international relations reporter
Research consultant on an IR speciality
Working for an international relations research institute
International public health
Security analyst or working in the security sector.
Election monitoring/observation
Data analyst (requires an MA in our E-Science programme

Programme Structure

Courses include:

International Relations Theory and Methods is designed to present students to qualitative and quantitative methods used to conduct research in International Relations. Independent well designed and executed research is required for your postgraduate studies and this course will provide the basic building blocks to assist in becoming a competent researcher. Students will be assessed on their ability to apply what they have learnt in class to practical various research scenarios.
IR Long Essay - As the 5th component of this degree students are required to submit a long essay. The long essay is an independent research project, where students are expected to apply the skills provided in Theory and Research Methods Course – in devising research feasible research topic as well draw on the knowledge that they have accumulated to date with regards their selected areas of interest.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

International Relations View 9 other Bachelors in International Relations in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Students must have majored in either International Relations or Political Studies. In other words, courses in either subject were taken in each year of study, up until the final year of the degree.
All foreign qualifications must be assessed by SAQA as having the equivalent of a NQF level 7.
An average of above 70% for either the major in IR or Political Studies must be achieved.
Students who achieve between 65% to 69% as an average for either their IR or Political Studies major will be offered a place as determined by the capacity of the enrol.
A curriculum vitae
Transcript of marks
Letter of motivation
An example of recent academic or professional writing

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

68450 ZAR / year

≈ 68450 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

61480 ZAR / year

≈ 61480 ZAR / year

Additional Details

International: Local Tuition + Annual International Registration Fee (IRF): R6,970.

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for International Relations (Honours).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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