APPLICATIONS:
rolling application deadline.

Ever wondered….

• Why Africa is affected by conflict, civil war, poverty, and violent crime in this day and age?
• Whether ethnicity is being "invented" for political purposes?
• Whether the boundaries between civil war and violent crime in the developing world are becoming blurred?
• Whether a powerful South Africa can act as a stabilizing force in the continent?

Are there answers?
The Master of International Studies in Norway and South Africa aims to answer the many pressing questions surrounding Africa's past, present and future. You will investigate a variety of topical issues affecting Africa through a multidisciplinary approach, involving theory, research and case studies. The course is a one of a kind opportunity for students to take courses developed and taught by The International Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), as well as leading academics at one of Africa's most prestigious research institutions, Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Two-year Programme taught in South Africa and Norway
Three institutions join forces in offering the master programme in international political economy and conflict dynamics: Stellenbosch University in South Africa and Bjørknes College. The programme brings together a small class of students and leading academics from South Africa and Norway. A Master of International Studies degree will be awarded by Stellenbosch University upon successful completion of all programme requirements.

One semester in Oslo, three semesters in Stellenbosch
Students spend one semester in Oslo, pursuing modules specially developed and taught by the staff of PRIO. The subsequent three semesters are spent at Stellenbosch University, outside Cape Town. At Stellenbosch, modules are taught primarily by academic staff of the Department of Political Science. In both locations, specialists from other departments or institutes are drawn upon to supplement the core teaching staff.

Understanding global processes
The programme provides students with theoretical perspectives, analytical tools and empirical knowledge. Political economy is a perspective on the links between political and economic processes in society. Explaining why the power and vulnerability of different groups changes over time is one key aspect of a political economy approach. Students in the programme address topical issues relating to international political and economic processes and their effects on people's lives. They also study the dynamics of armed conflict and post-conflict peacebuilding.

Compulsary modules plus electives
Nine compulsory modules give students a common base, and elective modules allow for diversification with studies in international law, international management, or political risk analysis. All modules contain assignments in which students are expected to demonstrate the ability to use their newly acquired know-ledge and skills in a professional manner.

Seminar format with expert lecturers

In Stellenbosch and Oslo the programme will be taught in a 'small seminar' format interspersed with lectures from academic specialists and practitioners. Student numbers on the programme will be limited to ensure personal attention and an opportunity for interactive learning.