Applied Development Economics

Conduct your own research in applied development economics.

Overview

The Applied Development Economics (ADE) programme trains researchers and policy practitioners to understand and address current development challenges. It offers students an opportunity to apply economic and political economy analysis to solving real-world problems. In doing so, it approaches economics from a pluralist point of view. In this context, pluralism comprises three dimensions: theoretical pluralism; methodological pluralism; and dialogue between economics and other social sciences.

The degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in Applied Development Economics is the School’s highest degree and is only offered through supervised research, to be conducted on an approved topic.

See also: SOAS-Wits joint PhD in Applied Development Economics

Career Opportunities

A PhD degree in Applied Development Economics prepares students for a career in research and policy-making in the NGO, private and public sectors in the broad field of development.

Curriculum

The PhD can be taken part-time or full-time and is by research only. Additional Masters-level courses may be prescribed for non-degree purposes to assist the candidate in attaining the necessary skills for their research. 

All topics under the broad umbrella of development will be considered. However, entry into the programme is conditional on the availability of a suitable supervisor. You will find a list of staff with their research interests on the School website. 

Entry Requirements

  • A masters degree in Economics or Applied Development Economics or an equivalent qualification from Wits University or another university.
  • A minimum of 65% in the masters degree (note that this does not guarantee entry, as various factors will be considered)
  • A supervisor from the School must be identified and approached prior to application.

International applicants and South African applicants who do not hold South African university degrees must have their degree(s) assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before making an application. Ideally, the applicant should apply for SAQA assessment at least 3 months before applying to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. Please see the SAQA website for more details: www.saqa.co.za

PhD applicants are required to submit the following:

  1. A Completed online application form(PhD programme code: CDA00)
  2. Certified copies of ALL academic transcripts and graduation certificates
  3. Proof of SAQA application for all international qualifications(details at www.saqa.org.za)
  4. Proof of English proficiency: if qualification completed at an institution where English is not the medium of instruction.
  5. Reference letter(s) (at least one from an academic)
  6. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  7. Letter of motivation briefly explaining why you want to study PhD
  8. A brief research proposal (3-5 pages) outlining your area of interest. For more details on this proposal, please refer to the Postgraduate Degrees Standing Orders
  9. Proposals must be written by the student and not by generative AI.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits postgraduate online application guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.