Mandela University's Department of History and Political Studies welcomes undergraduate and postgraduate students. We offer a diverse array of modules and courses in history, political studies, and conflict resolution. Political studies within our department primarily covers theory, comparative politics and democracy, international relations, political economy, politics of the Global South and more, emphasizing the link between politics and economics. History with us tackles deep context and meaning construction, focusing on historiography and the South African and African archives in particular. Conflict resolution is studied inclusively with interdisciplinarity, addressing various forms of political, social and workplace conflicts. Our department aims to equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the world of work in the private or public sector, as well as research activities and teaching in the tertiary sector. We encourage scholars that are passionate about our respective fields to join our department, thrive, graduate and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Department Research Agenda: 

• Historiography and the African archive
• Security, peace and conflict resolution
• Political theory, social policy and distributive justice
• South African and International Political Economy (IPE)
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related research