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Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies The MSc by coursework and research report in Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies aims to enhance capacity for multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research in the area of global and climate change.
Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies The MSc by coursework and research report in Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies aims to enhance capacity for multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research in the area of global and climate change.

Qualification: MSc

Faculty: Science

Duration: 1 - 2 years

School: Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

Study mode: Full-time; Part-time

Overview

The programme encourages shared understanding of different disciplinary conceptual frames, key problematics and methodologies, development of integrative research tools and the human capacities they require and enhanced networks for collaborative learning and problem-solving.

The degree consists of coursework and research components, comprising one compulsory core module and several elective modules, as well as a (preferably) cross-disciplinary research project in the area of global change. The core module aims to facilitate a multi- and transdisciplinary understanding of global change and will be presented in blockrelease format with four 3-4 day face-to-face sessions over a full academic year. Formal and informal interaction between students, in the form of discussion groups, coaching, online tutorials, reflection and journaling, will continue between each session.

This module will employ an approach to teaching and learning intended to foster transformation among students and develop dynamic leadership skills. This will be achieved in part through an emphasis on facilitation rather than a didactic approach.

Critical thinking and leadership are important skills for resilient thinkers and global change actors, and these skills will be reinforced throughout the foundation module by means of discussion, response to texts, group work, and case studies.

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Masters by coursework and research report:

  • A Bachelor of Science with Honours from Wits or another university
  • A graduate of this or another university who holds a degree in another faculty whose curriculum has ordinarily extended over not less than four academic years of full-time study.

Applicants with a BSc(Hons), BA(Hons), BCom(Hons) or equivalent four year degree will be considered. Short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview before a final decision is made.

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.