Master of Arts in Political Science

In line with the vision of the University of Zambia i.e. “A renowned university with a global appeal that is driven by pursuit of knowledge, research, innovation, and responsiveness to societal needs.”, and mission i.e. “To provide quality and relevant higher education, research and innovation that shape the future of society”, the Master of Arts in Political Science programme is designed to produce graduates with the relevant skills and knowledge in political science. Through this programme, a cadre of specialists in the field of political science, who will contribute to finding solutions to the challenges of politics, international relations, governance, peace and security in Zambia and the African continent, will be produced. The curriculum was designed to prepare the local and international learners to become skilled in political science and research, professionals who will be competent to play a key role towards the improvement of human resources. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring that theory and practice are blended in order to provide adequate opportunities to the learners to develop appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

The programme structure provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the intended learning outcomes that a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided by the programme.

Human resource gap

The 21st century has seen an increase in the number and complexity of political problems that need concerted effort to resolve. In addition, citizens and many other stakeholders are increasingly demanding and expecting improved, efficient and effective solutions to these problems. Governments, including that of Zambia, have to respond by coming up with solutions that require sophisticated ideas and techniques. This is usually done by governing the country in an appropriate manner. This is because governance is a key component with huge potential to contribute towards Zambia’s peace, democracy, international relations and economic development. In view of the foregoing, the need for more political scientists in Zambia cannot be overemphasized. The country needs more political scientists to advise government and the general citizenry and other stakeholders on how to achieve the above. Therefore, the Master of Political Science is designed to equip students with the relevant and up to date knowledge, skills, tools and methods that will enable them effectively and competently advise government, the general citizenly and other stakeholders on how to ensure peace, democracy, positive international relations and economic development.

Relevance

The programme meets the needs of students and other stakeholders by providing training that is well targeted to the individual educational requirements and goals of national development. The students are also exposed to learning processes that build their cognitive and practical skills through classroom interaction, internship and field work. Other stakeholders like the industry are provided with readily available source of employees.

Experts have decried need for professional growth of students and personnel in the system after first degrees. Therefore, this program will ensure that experts are developed at master’s level to drive and guide successful initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of political activities in Zambia and beyond. This programme is also designed to enable those with Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and related fields proceed to undertake this master’s degree, thus making them eligible to pursue PhD level learning. To this end, the Department of Government and Management Studies constantly creates new programmes as well as make changes to existing ones based on the need to update the courses in order to include new knowledge, meet the demands of the industry, changes in staffing, changes in educational policy or emerging issues in the national and global environment. Consequently, the Master’s Degree in Political Science enhances the capacity of political science students and practitioners while maintaining the required international standards.

Acceptability

The main stakeholders in the Master of Arts in Political Science are government ministries, departments, universities, agencies, NGOs, international agencies and organisations, and private sectors organisations. The overriding interest of these stakeholders is the development of human resources capable of analysing complex issues and providing solutions to improve the performance of both state and non-state organisations.

The aim of the Master of Arts in Political Science degree is to engage students into broad-based, critical and scholarly learning and research of Political Science issues relevant to the local and national setting of Zambia, as well as internationally. Other aims include:

• To provide students with training in the theories and applications of Political Science.
• To address Political challenges and issues.
• To contribute to national capacity for governance, international relations, comparative politics, political theory and effective leadership.
• To enhance capacity in teaching, research and publications in the fields of Political science.

1. Foundational competences

• Explain the various branches of Political Science (International Relations, Comparative Politics and Political Theory).
• Describe the evolution and growth of the major theories of Political Science.
• Debate the different theories, approaches and practices to the study of Political Science, their efficacy and limitations.
• Analyse the various components of Political Science.
• Analyse the complexity and dynamics of different political systems.
• Compare and contrast different political systems.
• Apply the various research methods and techniques in Political Science.

• Conduct relevant research in Political Science

  2. Practical competences

• Manage the delivery of goods and services to the public through the various positions occupied.
• Provide advice to political actors on the formulation and implementation of public policies, programmes and projects.
• Examine the efficacy and limitations of policy alternatives
• Guide educational institutions on Political Science issues

• Apply theories and principles of Political Science to the process of governing the country and beyond.

  3. Reflective competences

• Act in a manner that promotes social equity and sustainable development.
• Comply to ethical standards in the field of political science