Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences – College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Introduction

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BASS) is critical to the teaching of Social Sciences at Makerere University. It aims at introducing students to the study of Social Sciences, which are critical to the understanding of how society is organized and how it ought to be organized. Social Sciences address knowledge about the nature, growth and functioning of human societies. By understanding society, we learn not only the conditions that limit our lives, but also the opportunities open to us for improving the human condition. Therefore, it is of functional necessity that the social is effectively understood to enable progress in the political organisation of Uganda and the region through the study of Political Science, promote care and improvement of humanity in its totality, including mental wellbeing of the people through the study of Psychology and Social Work. It is also imperative to understand societal dynamics in order to initiate transformative actions for community development and integration through the study of Sociology and Anthropology. Furthermore, undertaking initiatives to translate development into meaningful social transformation and functioning is embedded in the study of Social Work.

The program stands on major disciplinary pillars: Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Social Work, Gender, Psychology and Economics. The major disciplinary pillars, such as Political Science and Sociology, also offer opportunities for specialisation. For example, Political Science is split into two specialisations: International Relations and Public Administration. The program also provides the foundation for the Social Science graduate training pursued at Makerere University. Such Social Sciences graduate training includes Political Science, Social Work, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health, Gender, Psychology and Economics. Therefore, the revised BASS program will promote excellence in the training of high-level human resources for national development, offer more opportunities for individual and collective professional growth, and build institutional capacity for the acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills in the Social Sciences.

1.1 Programs Objectives

The objectives of BASS program are:

To provide high quality and relevant education and training that addresses local and national development needs
To provide an education that caters for the employers’ needs as well as aspirations of the students
To provide opportunities for students and staff development and generation of knowledge for professional growth
To offer an opportunity for community engagement and forge strong linkage with the private sector
To promote responsible citizenship responsibility and consciousness.

1.2 Program Outcomes

At the end of the program, learners should be able to

demonstrate capacity for critical and analytical thinking
apply competencies in real life problem-solving
create social interventions and solutions to human to promote the human condition
assess societal and development challenges at the local, national and global levels
apply cultural perspectives on complex and diverse development issues
undertake career roles and responsibilities in the public and private sector

1.3 Employment Prospects

Employment prospects for graduates of the BASS program have been described under each of the discipline/subject areas later in the document.

1.0 Conduct of the Program

The program will be offered to students who are pursuing a three-year cadet Course at the Uganda military Academy, Kabamba.

1.1 Nature of the Program

This program is fulltime.

1.2 Target Group

The program targets candidates with humanities, arts and science academic backgrounds who meet qualification for admission to Makerere University.

1.3 Duration of the Program

The program lasts three academic years, divided into six semesters. The Maximum duration will be five years.

1.4 Designation of the Award

The student will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Social Sciences upon successful completion of the program.