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).

Prospective students are required to find a suitable supervisors or co-supervisors that fit into your field of research and study. A list of supervisors and co-supervisors are available here.

Application

Applications for the MPhil in Sustainable Development is closed for the 2025 academic year.

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

FAQ’s

Applicants must have either a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development from Stellenbosch University or an appropriate qualification equivalent to an Honours degree in any other discipline. Applicants must have a pass rate of 65% in a bachelor’s or BTech degree.

The CST does not offer any funding for its MPhil programme, however, we do advertise bursary opportunities on our webpage if available. We encourage students to visit the Postgraduate Office website and the NRF website for funding opportunities.

Yes. The programme is open to part-time students, however, note that students are required to attend three in-person and compulsory modules and are expected to make the necessary leave and transport arrangement to attend the modules. Support letters for your employer can be provided on request.

The schedule for the 2025 academic year will be finalised in November 2024. These dates will be communicated on our website. The schedule for the year takes into consideration the structure of modules, which each run over five weeks, with the in-person block contact period taking place in the second week. These five-week modules run back-to-back during the year, which means you will only have to focus on one module at a time, including preparation, in-person learning, and assessments. In addition, block contact periods are evenly spaced out and you will be required to attend in-person every six weeks or so.

When you apply for our programme, students also have the option to apply to the University for postgraduate accommodation. Visit the Maties website to explore the Stellenbosch Accredited Accommodation options.

Each year we offer the module, Introduction to Sustainability Transitions, for students who are not part of our full-time or part-time. Keep an eye out for the module dates, format and module description on the CST website.