Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies at North-West University

Programme overview

Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies is an NQF level 9 master's degree in the Faculty of Humanities at North-West University, offered full-time and part-time on the Mahikeng campus. Qualification code: 1DR N01 L801M. Graduates should be able to identify, analyse and solve highly complex concrete and abstract problems and issues in development (studies) using appropriate scientific research methodologies, theoretical approaches, and locally appropriate approaches.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Duration: 1-3 years full-time; 2-4 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the Master's degree in Development Studies by full dissertation will be open to approved candidates in possession of a Bachelor Degree Honours in Development Studies or Bachelor Degree Honours in another related field (Development Administration / Management, Community Development and Land Reform and Rural Development) with a minimum average of 65%. In the case where the programme is not yet filled to capacity, and an applicant does not meet the requirement of 65%, but has obtained the degree with an average of 60-64%, an application for consideration to be admitted to this programme could be submitted to the relevant School/Research Director. The application should include a complete academic record and a 1- page motivation that explains why the application should be considered.

Higher degree (Master's and doctoral) applications close on 30 November 2026. A non-refundable administration fee of R150 (South African applicants) or R600 (international applicants) applies, payable online only.

Apply through the official page: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/apply

Arts & Humanities