Start main page content

Master's Application and Supervisor Allocation Process

Step 1: Submit your application

To apply for the Wits SBS Master's programme, you will need to submit your online application together with the required supporting documents, including:

  • Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A research proposal or concept note
  • Your academic transcript
  • Your Honours certificate (or official completion letter)

You will also complete a Research Interest Form, where you will:

  • Indicate your proposed research title.
  • Explain why the topic interests you.
  • Provide a brief summary and keywords.
  • Indicate your preferred research methodology (optional).
  • Select the research field that best aligns with your proposed study (or select "No Preference" if you are unsure).
  • Indicate whether you intend to study full-time or part-time.
Step 2: Review of your research proposal

Once your application has been received, the Divisional Postgraduate Coordinator will review your proposed research topic and determine whether it aligns with the Division's areas of expertise.

If you are unsure which research field best fits your topic, the coordinator will recommend the most appropriate research area based on your proposal.

Step 3: Supervisor matching

Supervisors are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the Division carefully matches students with supervisors based on several factors, including:

  • The alignment between your proposed research topic and a supervisor's research expertise.
  • The supervisor's current supervision capacity and workload.
  • The availability of supervisors within the relevant research field.

This process helps ensure that students receive appropriate academic guidance from supervisors with relevant subject expertise.

Step 4: Confirmation of admission and supervisor allocation

Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their admission and once finalised, will be informed of their allocated supervisor. The supervisor allocation process takes place after applications have been reviewed and suitable matches have been identified across all applicants.

Share