Department of Political Science and Public Administration

About the Department

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the University of Dar es Salaam was established in 1965 to fulfill – among others – the following objectives: To provide education and advanced training, to conduct research in the areas of administration, international affairs and politics and to provide expert professional services to government, international and private organizations.

Programmes

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers one undergraduate programme and four postgraduate programmes as elaborated here under. Prior to 2012, the Department offered degree programs namely (1) BA in Political Science and Public Administration, BA in Political Science and Language, BA in Political Science and Sociology, BA in Political Science and Philosophy, BA in Political Science, BA in History and Political Science were being offered by the department. In order to maintain consistency and quality, the Department decided to run only one-degree programme namely Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration (BA PSPA).

Undergraduate Programmes

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration. Under this programme, from the second year of study, students choose one among three areas of specialization. These are: Public Administration, International Relations and Politics.

Postgraduate Programmes

• Master of Arts in Political Science (Major areas of concertation are: International Relations and Politics).
• Master of Arts in Public Administration.
• Master of Research and Public Policy.
• Master of Arts in Strategy and Peace Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Thesis
• PhD in Political Science (Major areas of concentration are: International Relations, Politics and Public Administration).
• PhD in Public Administration

Mode of Study

The above-mentioned programmes are taught programmes except for Doctor of Philosophy by Thesis. Taught programmes are conducted through coursework and dissertation.

Entry Requirements

Two or more principal level passes in Arts subjects. For equivalent qualifications, an applicant should hold an appropriate Diploma, recognized by the UDSM Senate, of not less than Second class or Credit standing. General University admission requirements will also apply. In both the second and third years, students will be advised to choose areas of specialization in one of the three subject streams, that is, (i) Public Administration (ii) International Relations and (iii) Politics.

Courses Mapping

Shaded totals represent the minimum required credits per semester from core courses. A student is free to choose one additional optional course where and as provided under a given semester, and not from elsewhere. Compulsory second-year Practical Training (AS 299) conducted for 8 weeks during the long vacation, i.e., outside the two classroom semesters, is not included in the total minimum/maximum count. In both the second and third years, students will be advised to choose areas of specialization in one of the three subject streams, that is, (i) Public Administration (ii) International Relations and (iii) Politics. PS 399 (Dissertation) may be opted only upon approval by the Head of Department.

Career Opportunities

Courses in Political Science and Public Administration prepare students for a wide range of careers such as:

• Public service, such as working for the central or local government
• Human Resource Management
• Diplomacy and International Relations
• Research and Policy Analysis
• Human Rights
• International Organizations
• Regional Integration Specialists
• Administration of Private Non-Profit Organizations
• Education/teacher/professor
• Political Parties
• Peace Making and Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Journalism
• Law enforcement
• Politician
• Political analyst
• Speech writer