Peace, Leadership and Governance (BSc)
September 16, 2026 2026-09-16 13:58Peace, Leadership and Governance (BSc)
Duration 4 years
Actual Credit load 504
Minimum Credit Load 480
Maximum Credit Load 540
ZNQF Level 9
1.0 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme is designed to develop students with a sound comprehension and appreciation of peace, leadership and governance areas of study. The programme aims at developing sound conceptual, analytical and critical skills that are required in peace, leadership and governance contexts. Students are also expected to identify and analyse causes of conflicts and come up with scenarios and solutions that foster a more desirable human condition. The programme also aims to guide students through cutting-edge research methods in peace, leadership and governance dynamics and ethical procedures guiding the discipline.
2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Normal Entry
At least five (5) ‘O’ levels/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language with Grade C or better and at least two (2) Advanced level passes in Arts, Humanities or Commercial subjects OR Relevant National Certificate.
Special Entry
A candidate who does not meet normal entry requirements may be admitted into a programme provided the candidate has a qualification in line with Zimbabwe National Qualification Framework (ZNQF).
Mature Entry
Mature entry shall be obtained by applicants who have five (5) ‘O’ levels including English Language and have demonstrable work experience during the last five years before the academic year in which admission is sought, and are aged 25 years and above.
3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
Area of Study
Peace, Leadership, Governance, gender and peace, security studies, conflict studies, theoretical constructs of peace and qualitative and quantitative peace issues.
Specialist Focus
Peace, Leadership and Governance
Orientation
Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning focus on equipping students with theoretical concepts and methodological approaches to assist students analyze their social world.
Distinctive Features
The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach.
4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Employability
Graduates have career opportunities in both the public and private sector were they can work as: Political lobbyist, Public Administrators in Central Government Ministries and Local Authorities (Rural and Urban), International and Regional Peace Officers, Community Development Officers and Project Managers in Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations and Lectureship
Further Studies
Masters and Doctoral studies in Peace, leadership and Governance, Politics, Peace and Governance, Public Administration, Public Policy and Governance
5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, guest lecturer, dissertation, lecture notes, assisted private studies and field trips.
Assessment Methods
Written and oral examinations, tests, work related learning, seminar presentations, mini-research dissertations, final year dissertations, continuous assessment, work related learning reports, work related learning supervision and assessment
Assessment Weighting
Continuous assessment shall contribute 40% to the final mark while the examination contributes 60%. Refer to Section 6.1 of the General Regulations and Section 5.1 of the Faculty Regulations.
6.0 PROGRAMME COMPETENCES
Generic
- Multidisciplinary: Ability to draw appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to define and solve problems based on understanding of complex phenomena
- Quantitative and innovative reasoning: Capability to draw on big data and use analytics for informed decision making and strive to seek new ways of doing things
- Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively and to present information orally and in writing and using ICTs to both expert and non-expert audiences
- Analysis and synthesis: Capacity for analysis and synthesis using logical arguments and proven facts
- Ethical commitment: Professional integrity and awareness of ethical considerations involved in studying individuals and groups
- Entrepreneurial skills: Capability to identify and create new business ventures based on knowledge and new thinking paradigms
Discipline Specific
- Problem Solving Skills– Ability to synthesise complex information gathered from a range of sources
- Be innovative– Apply originality, innovation and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues
- Deep knowledge- Critical application of reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship
7.0 INTENDED PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:
- critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in peace, leadership and governance
- appreciate leadership, governance and its impact in societies
- critically reflect on advanced theoretical concepts relevant to the field of peace, leadership and governance.
- evaluate policy practices relevant to the field of leadership and governance.
- deal with and solve complex issues
- innovatively apply theory in dealing with complex issues of peace, leadership and governance.
- use the necessary tools and skills for conflict resolution, peace building, peace keeping and human security processes.
- communicate effectively and present information using multimedia to both expert and non-experts in the field of peace, leadership and governance.
8.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Bachelor of Science in Peace, Leadership and Governance Honours Degree programme shall be completed in 8 semesters.
9.0 PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
Refer to Section 6 of the Faculty Regulations
- To progress to the next semester, a student is required to have passes at least all core modules.
10.0 Failure satisfy Examiners
Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees.
11.0 Grading and degree classification
Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations
12.0 Degree weighting
Refer to Section 11 of the Faculty Regulations.
13.0 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Module Credits
Level 1 Semester 1
HPLG 101 Introduction to Peace, Leadership and Governance 12
HPLG 102 Peace Conflict and Security in Africa 12
HPLG 103 Politics and Governance in Zimbabwe 12
HPLG 104 Leadership, Theory and Practice 12
HCS 115 Introduction to Information Technology 12
CS101 Communication Skills 12
Level 1 Semester 2
HPLG 105 Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in Africa 12
HPLG 106 Comparative Leadership and Public Policy 12
HPLG 107 Political Theory 12
HPLG 108 Civil Societies and Governance in Africa 12
HPLG 109 Religion, Peace and Conflict 12
Level 2 Semester 1
HPLG 201 Public Sector Cooperate Governance 12
HPLG 202 International Political Economy 12
HPLG 203 Youth, Conflict and Development 12
HPLG 204 Public Sector Leadership and Governance 12
GSSS201 Gender Studies for Social Sciences 12
ENT205 Entrepreneurship 1 12
Level 2 Semester 2
HPLG 205 Human rights Law and Transitional Justice 12
HPLG 206 Global Governance and Development 12
HPLG 207 Gender, Peace and Development 12
HPLG 208 Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation 12
HPLG 209 Research Methods 12
Level 3.1
HPLG 330 Work Related Learning Placement Report 40
Level 3.2
HPLG 331 Work Related Learning Report 30
HPLG 332 Work Related Learning Academic Supervisor Assessment 20
HPLG 333 Work Related Learning Work Supervisor’s Assessment 30
Level 4 Semester 1
HPLG 401 Conflict Analysis and Transformation 12
HPLG 402 International Law 12
HPLG 403Institutions, leadership and Governance Relations 12
HPLG 404 Terrorism and Security 12
HPLG 405 Environmental Governance and Management 12
Level 4 Semester 2
HPLG 406 Media and Governance 12
HPLG 407 Transnational Organised Crimes 12
HPLG 408 Diplomacy 12
HPLG 409 Dissertation 24
Total 504
14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES
HPLG 101 INTRODUCTION TO PEACE, LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
This module seeks to explore the relationship, dynamics and debate between Peace, Leadership and Governance in contemporary world. It explores both the traditional and modern models of leadership. It also focuses on leadership ethics and different forms of governance that either promote or disrupt peace.
HPLG 102 PEACE, CONFLICT AND SECURITY IN AFRICA
The module exposes students to various causes, challenges and opportunities of peace and security in Africa. The module seeks to examine the diversity and complexity of conflicts and cases of successful conflict management and resolution.
HPLG 103 POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE IN ZIMBABWE
The module seeks to examine how public decisions are made and implemented. This module will mainly focus on leadership, governance, electioneering and constitutional making processes, and political systems in Zimbabwe from independence to date.
HPSG 104 LEADERSHIP, THEORY AND PRACTICE
The module analyses the concept, theories or approaches to leadership, the role of and significance of leadership in an organization, the various leadership styles, international and contemporary issues in Leadership. It also enables students to comprehend different ethical dilemmas leaders face in the work situation.
HCS 115 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMAION SYSTEMS
Refer to the Department of Information Systems
CS101 BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Refer to the Department of Communication skills
HPLG 105 PEACEKEEPING AND PEACEBUILDING IN AFRICA
Attempts have been made to bring an end to conflicts that have embroiled the African continent. Peace keeping, coupled with principles of good governance have been approaches that have been used in Africa to try to address the challenges of conflict occurrence and to ensure sustainable peace. The module therefore seeks to examine the theory and practice of peacekeeping and peacebuilding in Africa. Illuminating on the key challenges and how they can be addressed.
HPLG 106 COMPARATIVE LEADERSHIP AN D PUBLIC POLICY
The module seeks to critically analyse the influence, effect or impact of leadership on public policy making processes, interrelationships between policy formulation, execution, evaluation and revision, models of policy choices, citizen participation in policy making, and administrative responsibility in policy development.
HPLG 107 POLITICAL THEORY
The module familiarizes students with the emergence and theoretical perspectives of ancient and modern political thoughts that inform political, leadership and governance processes. The module explores different political theorists: Western, African and Islamic and to link the teachings with the politics, leadership and governance systems prevalent today.
HPLG 108 CIVIL SOCIETIES AND GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
This module critically analyse the emergence of civil society and their contribution to governance focusing on democracy, human right, social justice, social service delivery, development etc. The module examines aspects of the structures and processes of regional governance, especially within the African continent in relation to CSOs The module broadly explores major debates on civil societies, governance and development paying particular attention to the dialectics of their relationships.
HPLG 109 RELIGION, PEACE AND CONFLICT
The module examines the role played by religion in integrating and disintegrating societies. It emphasizes the central role that religion plays in understanding peace and conflict. The module examines the impact of religion on peace and conflict across the world.
HPLG 201 PUBLIC SECTOR COOPERATE GOVERNANCE
The module takes students through the models of corporate governance principles. The module addresses ethical and unethical behaviour in the running of governmental and quasi-governmental organisations. Issues covered include Transparency, accountability, openness, responsibility, corruption, organizational structures and processes, Risk management and business continuity. Furthermore, quantitative and qualitative corporate governance issues will be examined.
HPLG 202 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
The module seeks to make student appreciate the interaction between political actors and economic forces in the international Arena. Issues in to with production, trade and their relations with law, custom and government as well as the distribution of national income and wealth will be explored. This module pays more attention on international businesses, and trade, international finance and international development.
HPLG 203 YOUTH, CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT
The module focuses on the participation and contribution of youths to contemporary conflict and development issues, and their involvement in peace processes. Their participation in democratic, electoral processes, violence, peacebuilding processes and their contribution to the political and socio-economic development is explored.
GSSS 231 GENDER STUDIES FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES
This Gender Studies for Social Sciences 231 (GSSS231) module is an introductory module focused on giving students a broad understanding of the discipline of Gender Studies, its subject matter, key issues and concepts. It is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of basic gender issues as well as prepare them to be agents of change, particularly in Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. In so doing GSSS231 adopts an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach that takes as its subject matter all aspects of the human experience in a gendered world, viewing gender as a field of study, analytical tool and a social phenomenon structuring the social world itself.
ENT 205 ENTREPRENEURSHIP 1
Refer to Department of Entrepreneurship
HPLG 204 PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
The module will discuss the concept of leadership and governance. Discussions will centre on the origins of leadership; social sources of leadership, the power of leadership; formal and informal leadership; political leadership, transformational and transactional leadership; reform leadership, leadership and collective purpose, leadership and governance in the public sector. The module examines the nexus between leadership and governance practices and systems in the public sector.
HPLG 205 HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
The module seeks to make students appreciate dynamics of human rights law, and to develop their insights in a unique branch of law dealing with contemporary humanitarian problems. Students are equipped with a critical explanation and evaluation of the nature of, and theories behind, human rights law. Mechanisms of enforcement of human rights law are also covered, as well as transitional justice theory and practice for sustainable peace.
HPLG 206 GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT
This module examines aspects of the structures and processes of global governance, especially within the UN system, and also governance in regional groupings. This module also takes a comprehensive and critical look at international development examining what it has accomplished in the twentieth century and what form it should take in the twenty-first century.
HPLG 207 GENDER, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
This module examines the theoretical approaches to gender peace and security, development theory, and feminist critiques. It examines gendered expectations and power relations in conflict and peace processes. The varied roles played by men and women in peace building processes are also explored.
HPLG 208 PROJECT PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The module is primarily about the rationale, context, and methods of planning, appraising, monitoring and evaluating development projects and programmes. The module primarily focuses on appraising the financial and economic efficiency of peace related projects. The module covers planning and management techniques for the project cycle; including project identification and logical framework analysis. Conflict sensitive approaches to programming are key for this module.
HPLG 209 RESEARCH METHODS
The module introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods
HPLG330 Work Related Placement Report
The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.
HPLG331Work Related Learning Report
As part of the examination the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work related learning experience to the department and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.
HPLG332 Work Related Academic Supervisor’s Report
As part of the examination the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and this will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.
HPLG333 Work Related Learning Supervisor’s Report
The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental
examinations board for processing of final marks.
HPLG 401 CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND TRANSFORMATİON
This module introduces students to principle approaches of conflict analysis and transformation. The module will discuss the extensiveness of conflict in human existence, leadership, governance and engage students to conflict transformation approaches. The module will rely on case studies and simulations to help students engage directly and better grasp the different theoretical approaches. The students will emerge from the module with knowledge of the central paradigms and concepts of conflict analysis and transformation.
HPLG 402 INTERNATIONAL LAW
The module provides students with an understanding of the nature, sources and institutions of international law. The area of international law is largely concerned with the rights and obligations of states. The question of the sovereign government system vis-a-vis collective governance systems of peace will be explored.
HPLG 403 INSTITUTIONS, LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE RELATIONS
The module equips students with knowledge about how local and international institutions affect leadership and governance of any given state.
HPLG 404 TERRORISM AND SECURITY
The module explores the development of terrorism and political violence in various historical, political and geographical contexts, and through a variety of theoretical lenses. This module provides an introduction to the study of terrorism, political violence and their threat to global security. It aims to deepen students’ existing knowledge of the threat of terrorism to world peace. The module focuses in greater detail on various forms of terrorism and political violence: dissident/non-state terrorism; counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency; state terrorism; ‘new terrorism’; and torture.
HPLG 405 ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The module seeks to analyse the relationship between environmental governance and management. The modules explores the whole range of rules, practices, and institutions related to governance and management of the environment n different forms such as conservation, protection, exploitation of natural resources etc.
HPLG 406 MEDIA AND GOVERNANCE
This module examines the impact of media to governance of any nation. It seeks to explore different roles media plays in conflict situations. It explains the positive and negative roles that can be potentially played by the media through representation techniques. This module also considers the many, and often conflicting roles of the media in conflict and peace-building processes. It raises questions of ‘who’ controls the media institutions and with ‘what’ effect when it comes to issues of peace and conflict.
HPLG 407 TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED CRIMES
This module seeks to analyse the dynamics, international legal framework and best practice guidelines to prevent and suppress TOC such as smuggling, human, arms and drug trafficking etc. The module also seeks to analyse national, regional and international strategies to investigate such crime and prosecute offenders.
HPLG 408 DIPLOMACY
This module seeks to make students to obtain knowledge on bilateral, regional and multilateral diplomacy and its applicability in the Global system. The module covers areas such as diplomacy legal framework, traditional and modern diplomacy, methods of conducting diplomacy, diplomatic functions, diplomatic privileges and immunities, international agreements.
HPLG 409 DISSERTATION
Students shall carry out research on a topic of their choice concerning pertinent issues in peace, leadership, governance and related issues. The maximum length of the dissertation should be 20 000 words.
