Masters in Geography

The aim of the MSc and MA degrees is to offer advanced professional training at the postgraduate level in the fields of earth, atmospheric, hydro-environmental, global change and other environmental Sciences (e.g. disaster risk reduction, environmental management, environmental governance etc), as well as studies concerned with human environments (urban, rural, social), and to promote inter-disciplinary exchange between various arts and science disciplines. With a strong tradition in both academic and applied research, the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies is ideally placed to prepare students for the environmental and human challenges that face this and other countries on the African continent. The University of the Witwatersrand also has the infrastructure and the expertise to support the intellectual development of students interested in geographic studies, and most recently has a strategic focus on Global Change. The School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies is interested in attracting students from all over the world who will be able to participate in research work in a country that is undergoing rapid transformation and change. 

Contact :  Professor Stefan Grab:  stefan.grab@wits.ac.za

Duration : 1 Year for Full time students / 2 Years for Part-time students

Part time studies
Part time students are not eligible for bursary funding from the university. Students registered for the part time degree and who are employed on a full time basis are strongly encouraged to negotiate a regular period of time off to consult with their supervisor, visit the library to collect readings and to do research. 

Admission 
Applications for admission are considered throughout the year. For admission to a Master s degree the applicant should normally have at least 65% in Geography Honours. Students from other institutions, according to the discretion of the Head of School, may need some background before being accepted to do a Masters degree. Students without Geography Honours may, at the discretion of the Head of Department, be admitted to do a Masters if they have an Honours equivalent in a suitable discipline. Please note that students applying from outside of the University of the Witwatersrand will be required to submit examples of written work before their application will be considered. All applications go through the Central Admissions and relevant Faculty office (online application forms available) before being screened by members of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies.

Evaluation and Assessment
To qualify for the degree, students must pass their dissertation which is usually examined by an internal examiner to the University and an external examiner who is a specialist in the relevant field. The degree may be awarded with distinction should both examiners indicate that the work is worth at least 75%.

Fees 
The fee structures of the University are subject to alteration from time to time. You are advised to obtain definitive information from the University Fees Office.

USEFUL CONTACTS
Faculty of Humanities, Postgraduate Office
Webpage: http://www.wits.ac.za/Academic/Humanities/GSH 
Tel: 27 (0) 11 717 4002/3/7/8,
Postal: Humanities, Private Bag 3, WITS, 2050
e-mail: Julie.Poyser@wits.ac.za or Nadia.Mohamed@wits.ac.za or Claire.Allison@wits.ac.za 

Faculty of Science, Postgraduate Office
Webpage: http://www.wits.ac.za/academic/science/postgraduate/13779/homepage.html
Tel: 27 (0) 11 717 6002/7
Postal: Science, Private Bag 3, WITS, 2050
e-mail: Nadia.Smith@wits.ac.za or Leeshia.Roopnarain@wits.ac.za 

Fees
Webpage: http://www.wits.ac.za/Prospective/Postgraduate/FinancialInfo/ 

Financial Aid and Scholarships
Webpage: http://www.wits.ac.za/Prospective/FinancialAid/

Accommodation
Webpage: http://www.wits.ac.za/Prospective/StudentServices/Accommodation/Home.htm

Postgraduate Resources
Webpage: http://www.wits.ac.za/Prospective/PostgraduateResources.htm