BSc Political Science
Introduction
Are you interested in politics, international affairs, domestic developments in other parts of the world and political theory? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interests? If so, then you should consider political science as a major with the Open Campus. Political science is the study of government, public policies and political behavior. Political science uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine all countries and regions of the world.
Who is this programme for?
The Bachelor of Science in Political Science promises to offer students and practitioners an understanding of public and political affairs, while enriching and stimulating discussions about the allocation of resources, the re-distribution of wealth, the best form of government, ethics, corruption, community power, grassroots politics, the text and talk of political leaders, amongst many others.
The primary motivation for the creation of the Bachelor of Science Degree Programme in Political Science rests on the belief that a political science education must foster intellectual development and promote the acquisition of transferrable skills in research and data analysis, communication, planning and decision-making.
The programme targets persons who are currently working in any of the numerous areas of the social sciences within public, private or not-for-profit organisations. It also targets recent school leavers with an interest in the field. As with all Open Campus programmes, the programme specifically targets persons who prefer to study in the online mode for various reasons, such as financial constraints, family commitments and work commitments.
Programme Structure
Duration of Programme
The programme will be offered over 3 years (full-time) and 5 years (part-time).
Award of Degree
In order to be awarded the BSc Political Science degree, students must successfully complete the 90 credits as specified in the programme structure.
Delivery Mode
All courses will be delivered fully online. However, some courses may have face-to-face final examinations.
When will the programme start?
August and January of each academic year.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the University’s normal matriculation requirements in order to be accepted into the programme. They must satisfy the requirements in either (a), (b), (c) or (d) below:
(a) Holders with CXC/CSEC and CAPE/GCE A Level qualifications having:
An acceptable pass in CXC/CSEC English A or CAPE Communications Studies; AND
An acceptable pass in CXC/CSEC Mathematics or its equivalent; AND
One of the following minimum qualifications:
either five subjects (at least two GCE A Level or CAPE) and the remainder acceptable passes in CXC/CSEC or GCE O’ Level; OR
four subjects (at least three GCE A Level or CAPE) and the fourth an acceptable pass in the CXC/CSEC or GCE O’ Level
Note: Grade requirements for CXC/CSEC subjects are General Proficiency - Grades I or II prior to June 1998 and Grades I, II, or III from June 1998
(b) Holders of five (5) CXC/CSEC or GCE O’ Level passes or equivalent, not necessarily obtained at the same sitting
(c) Entrants with a Diploma, Certificate or Associate Degree from UWI or an approved Caribbean tertiary level institution
(d) Persons over the age of 21 who have been out of school for at least five years, on the basis of their overall academic and professional attainments
English Language Proficiency Examination
The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is used to assess whether persons applying to pursue
undergraduate degree programmes at the UWI Open Campus possess a satisfactory level of writing
and reading proficiency in English for university academic purposes. For detailed information on the
ELPT, see English Language Proficiency Test.
Academic Preparation
Introduction to the Learning Exchange
Programme Delivery Department (PDD) Orientation
IYMS1001 Improving your Math Skills (if applicable)
ECON0001 Remedial Mathematics (if applicable)