MPhil in Sustainable Development
The MPhil in Sustainable Development is an interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance their ability to tackle complex social, environmental, and governance challenges. The programme welcomes students from diverse academic disciplines who are keen to explore issues of sustainability and societal transitions in more theoretical and methodological depth. Given the complex nature of these challenges, we strongly encourage applications from candidates with varied expertise in both the natural and social sciences.
Through in-depth exploration of relevant frameworks and theories, students will be adept at formulating research questions, designing effective methodologies during structured coursework and independent research.
By fostering a comprehensive and transdisciplinary perspective, the MPhil in Sustainable Development equips students to become leaders in sustainability, capable of navigating and influencing local and international industries and organisations.
Programme overview and audience
The field of sustainability transitions and transformations is a dynamic and continuously growing area of academic study and practical application. This field is highly relevant for students who are working professionals, practitioners, and activists from various sectors. In the MPhil programme, students will develop a holistic understanding of sustainability through rigorous coursework and in-depth research projects. They will gain interdisciplinary skills – academic and practical – to analyse and solve complex sustainability challenges locally and globally.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for innovative and thought-provoking research, featuring expert-led lectures and practical projects that enhance analytical and critical thinking. Intensive coursework and research focused on real-world problems, coupled with interactions with leading scholars and policymakers, aim to cultivate a deep understanding of sustainability challenges and the skills to devise innovative solutions.
The 180-credit MPhil is structured over two years and consists of three mandatory coursework modules (30 credits each) and a research thesis (90 credits). The modules cover the following themes:
- Module 1: Sustainability transitions foundational concepts
- Module 2: Research design and methods
- Module 3: Research reflection and outreach
The 90-credit thesis must cover a topic that is relevant to the CST’s research themes. The thesis component is structured in the format of a research article. This approach requires students to present their findings clearly and concisely to adhere to the academic standards and style of peer-reviewed scholarly journals. By organising your thesis as a research article, students learn to effectively structure arguments, analyse data critically, and discuss results in the context of existing literature in preparation for professional publication and dissemination within the academic community.
The curriculum emphasises problem-oriented research, engaging students in real-world projects that enhance their analytical capabilities and equip them with quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This approach ensures that graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to the growing field of sustainable development.
Admission requirements and selection process
• A Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University
• A qualification equivalent to an honours-level degree (NQF level 8)
If there are more applicants who meet the admission requirements than the Centre has capacity for, the criteria in the admission requirements will be used to rank the applicants in order of suitability to finalise the list of selected applicants.
Preference will be given to applicants who have earned an average of 65% or higher in the Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Sustainable Development or an equivalent qualification at the level of an honours degree (NQF level 8).
Application
Applications for the MPhil in Sustainable Development close on 30 September 2024. Apply here.
Contact information
Prof Rika Preiser, MPhil programme leader, rika@sun.ac.za
Ms. Amanda October, MPhil and PhD programme administrative officer, aaoctober@sun.ac.za