Embracing work-integrated learning in political studies
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21458724 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cherrel Africa (0000-0002-6851-2438, University of the Western Cape, corresponding author), Per Assmo (0000-0001-5848-4288, University of the Western Cape), Meshay Moses (University of the Western Cape), Michaelyn Cornelius (University of the Western Cape) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 580-596 |
| Publication date | 2025-09-02 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Studies in Continuing Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0158-037X • E-ISSN: 1470-126X |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/0158037x.2025.2463355 |
| OpenAlex | W4407370114 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 9 |
Given the challenge of graduate unemployment in South Africa, this article considers whether Work-integrated Learning (WIL) can be successfully implemented in a discipline such as Political Studies. To do this, it outlines the experiences of former Political Studies students who were placed into internship positions. The article also reflects on how this internship programme served as a catalyst for embracing a broader WIL approach. We find that students that interned experienced personal growth and were successful in developing a career path having been exposed to ‘some form of WIL’. While not providing a panacea for unemployment and other socio-economic challenges, the journey leads us to believe that strengthening of knowledge through WIL can occur in disciplines such as Political Studies and can assist in equipping graduates with a real-world work experience and opportunities. Additionally, we argue that alongside such WIL programmes, a WIL teaching orientation should be considered to empower and equip a broader spectrum of graduates. Indeed, the internship programme paved the way for the development of an entirely new Masters programme with significant potential benefits for students in terms of their academic growth, personal, career, skills and development
Pedagogy · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Engineering · Higher Education and Employability · Higher Education Learning Practices · Innovative Education and Learning Practices
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |