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Wits University Faculty of Humanities
Development Studies As a PhD student, you will be required to present your Research to the Development Studies Board, before submission to the Faculty.
Development Studies As a PhD student, you will be required to present your Research to the Development Studies Board, before submission to the Faculty.

Qualification: PhD

Faculty: Humanities

Duration: 3 Years

School: Social Sciences

Study mode: Full-time; Part-time

Overview

It is imperative that for the first six months after registration, you are in Johannesburg, South Africa, in order to meet your supervisor, attend seminars and meetings and submit your research. 

The minimum time for completion is 2 years full-time but it normally takes most candidates at least 3 years to complete. 

Unit Code: 

  • Part-time studies SOSS9001A 
  • Full-time studies SOSS9000A 
  • 70% and above average for your Masters 
  • Social Sciences background is an advantage 
  • NQF of 9 on SAQA ( Only for International Students) 
  • Work or Volunteer experience in the Development field an added advantage 
  • Supporting documents required with your application (International & Non-Wits Applicants):
  • CV
  • Certified copies of your ACADEMIC RECORD /STATEMENT OF RESULTS
  • Certified copy of Certificate of Evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority. Details of how to apply for the certificate are on their website: www.saqa.org.za (Only for International Students.
  • Letter of Motivation as to why you wish to pursue this line of study
  • Sample of Work (may be a marked essay or a chapter from previous research conducted, etc.)
  • A 5-page Research Proposal outlining your research interest. (Masters by Research)
  • In terms of the University rules, an applicant who has not used English in his/her academic education up to this point will be required to supply proof of proficiency in English at the time of application. A British Council test is recommended and they can be contacted at (011) 718 4300 or email IELTS@britishcouncil.org.za
  • Non-refundable Application Fee of R200.00

Supporting documents required with your application (Wits Applicants):

  • CV
  • Letter of Motivation as to why you wish to pursue this line of study
  • A 5-page Research Proposal outlining your research interest. (Masters by Research)
  • Sample of Work (may be a marked essay or a chapter from previous research conducted, etc.)

Please check with School

  • 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.
  • 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.

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. 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.